Hey folks! I'm new to the forum and need help already! I'm going to be getting a new mare next week, and 8 year old Arabian. She is sweet and loving and very level headed. My problem is, the barn where I board at has a ton of cross ties, and only a couple of ties posts. When I asked the mare's current owner if she had ever been in cross ties she said yes, but the mare often pulls back when standing in them. Of course, she is no problem at the tie post and I could avoid this all together by just putting her there, but where's the fun in that?
I'd like to have a horse that I can tie anywhere...cross ties, posts, trees, etc. But, does anyone have any pointers to help me train her to accept the cross ties? The worst part is, one of my old horses had a severe problem with pulling back, so this behavior makes me nervous. I want to take it slow with this new mare, for her benefit and mine, because I know she will pick up on my hesitation if we move too quickly. I'd love some suggestions!