Being a herd animal, she will want a close friend(s). I have noticed if one is separated from the others, it will become somewhat attached to who/whatever. Separate her and you become her who/what-ever, esp if you feed small amounts several times/day. Spend time standing at the railing, then inside the railing. And just let her come to you in her time. I am NOT a horse trainer. But I believe trust is important initially. Much luck and happy trails! Susie

When I bought her, she came up to me in the field but her mom was nearby. The seller hauled both to the trainer and I know she wasn't handled at all by anyone there. Momma sure is friendly though.

what was she like before she went to trainer? if she can't be touched since trainer i would think he tormented her. i wouldn't have paid him either.

Hey, what a great time to learn, lots of patience and I would watch Buck Brannamans ground work he starts a two yr old filly who was out in the pasture. If you saw the movie Buck or he may be coming to your area you can observe his class great guy and I love his technique. xo take care have fun get to know her

Thank you danib and luvs. I am really looking forward to this now. Thank you for the comments. There was no good excuse for his slacking so I'm just not going to listen to him and politely load her up. Luckily, her mom is coming with me as well so I was thinking of getting a stock trailer for the day and the professional horse hauler that goes with it. The filly's pretty big now compared to last summer when I bought her. I also have my riding horse out there so I am going to take her as well. It will take time, but I have you guys and I really do appreciate your feedback. Will let you know!

6 MONTHS...and he still took your money...and openly ADMITTED he hadn't worked with her??!! After 6 months, I'd have expected her to be not only halter broke, but loping off on both leads, solid walk/trot/canter - ride on a loose rein, neck rein...geeze...no wonder people (and horses)don't trust trainers!! No wonder she doesn't wanna be touched... Time/patience/confidence...horses LOVE to be scratched, rubbed...start a little at a time... build on it...

I just started my wild butt filly on the clinton anderson colt starting program and she is already in my pocket! it is easy to follow and works quickly as do the other programs mentioned - all comes down to what works best for your thought process. Good luck!

I wish I had the Parelli courses 20 yrs ago!!!! But it is never too late!!! It works. Go to www.youtube.com and search parelli to see some of the results. I met someone back in 2003 who was using his system to retrain thoroughbreds off the track with the prisoners at a state pen. It is amazing how it works. Videos are so helpful. When it comes down to where the rubber meets the road, after a trainer, you have to deal with horse. I hope you got your money back!!! Also, you can get the programs online and get some good deals on ebay.

Thank you! That really makes sense, horse sense. I won't move her until the end of May so I thought I would go through some tapes before that and a clinic if there is a colt starting one in my area. I have watched Dennis Reis on RFDTV and thought he has a good philosophy. I have read a few of Lyons' articles so I will check out his tapes. I was only expecting her to be halter-broke by now and pretty soon here she will be three and I wanted to present her to a trainer with at least SOME manners. Besides, I can't even get her feet trimmed now much less worm her.

pshart.... Buy, beg, borrow or steal yourself some video tapes on colt starting. I greatly prefer John Lyons myself, but there are a LOT of other good ones out there too... Ken McNabb, Chris Cox to name a couple. since you can't handle your filly, you need to start with a roundpen lesson. (can be done on lunge line if no roundpen available) If done correctly your filly will be asking for touching in less than an hour. MOST important is that YOU have a lesson plan. Consistant repetative training is the best way horses lean. Learn your safety areas and how to watch your horse. About one out of every 8 horses will attempt to come at you. You CAN do this yourself but you need to educate yourself first, both for your safety and your fillys training. Strongly suggest you find a qualified trainer to get you started and get a few key cues in place. First and foremost be safe. (As to your other statements. You are NOT late!... 2 yr olds are not ready for hard work and many trainers won't start horses till they are 3 or 4 and sometimes 5. and ...... it sounds like you are better off that the "trainer" you took her too didn't touch her!)