I bought a pony last summer, and she ended up surprising me with a baby this spring. So far she's broke to lead, will bathe, load (with mom), fly spray, I can shake flags and plastic bags around her, handle her legs, throw frisbees at her set a saddle on her back... So far she's done a pretty good job of taking it all in stride. I need some new ideas! She's in a dry lot without too much excitement. I do get her out and tie her to her mama's hames so she gets used to a wagon traveling behind her, but I don't always have the time for that.

Would tossing her out on the pasture this winter be a good idea? I can't turn the ponies out right now while the grass is green, but I probably could once all the grass dies. She just doesn't get exposed to much of anything in a dirt corral.

Too cute!!!!

AWWWWWwwwwwww what a cutie  Opps sorry no ideals just was taking in the cuteness

So adorable!!! I have been doing random things with my yearling to get her exposed and used to things. Like walking to the mailbox to get mail, umbrellas, blow up pool, pool noodles, stick and bag,surcingle, tarps, and know that shes a bit older she gets walked to neighbors (down the road) so she can see dogs, obnoxious drivers and everything else. Shes also hauled sometimes with us. Shes been to my trainers, to a river to play in and most recently we went to a fun show and did halter (new arena, literally just threw her in arena) she takes everything in stride.

Sounds like you have done a really good job with her!  I second the taking her with you around the yard and your place -- like going to the mail box, etc.  I also think it would be great for her and her mom to have turn-out this winter. 

There really isn't anything you can't do.    I second using a pop out umbrella around her.  Pop out the handle and pop it open around her and over her head.   My gelding likes playing with gallon jugs filled with some rocks that are tied on a gate.  You can tie up bags on the fence to blow around.  Set up a flag pole.  Play music. 

I guess some of it depends on what the baby will be doing in the future.  Practice halter, going in front of the wagon/cart is great!, if going to put a small kid on it, I'd put pads on it, maybe leg wraps to get it used to them for various reasons. 

Thanks for more ideas!! I'm going to open an umbrella next to her. That sounds like a great one! She also goes on walks with me to get the kids off the bus, check the mail, etc. The dog jumping out of crops and trees seems to get her every time still, though.

Buy her a beach ball to play with.  They love it. And it’s a great self desensitizes!  You just have to watch for when they pop it and remove the “remains”.  

What about using a tarp to drape over her back or make her walk over it?