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Post by stravellerandprincess on Feb 15, 2013 10:46:51 GMT
Please help ! I have a 5 year old pony who we started to break and school in Oct, until she came to us she was untouched. She has a lovely temperament but is a nervous wreck! If you try to approach her to saddle bridle or rug etc she coils up so tight she almost sits to the floor in fear :-( have done all health checks etc no issues. I am a quiet handler and she responds well on the lr but min my little one is on board and I try to approach for instance when we stop to practice standing she tries to get away. I understand this is early days but wondered if anyone had tips on how to make her less afraid ?? She is fab in traffic, her fear seems to be of people yet she gas never been mistreated ?? I know this as she had not been handled when we bought her from a reputable stud suggestions ??
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Post by bow1607 on Feb 15, 2013 11:46:06 GMT
join up  worked wonders with my untouched 3 year old. If you are unsure on the or how to do it correctly contact Kelly marks on here and she will give you the number for a nh specialist in your area..... believe me it was invaluable for my youngster who we couldn't get a head collar on for a week after I bought him |
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Post by gurnos on Feb 15, 2013 22:24:12 GMT
Some ponies are just naturally nervous and shy! I had one myself which we bred, so we know there were no bad experiences, my father thought I'd never break him in he was saw bad, but I worked and worked with him until he gained trust in me and he did eventually come
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Post by judyh on Feb 16, 2013 6:43:42 GMT
No doubt I will be in trouble for this,,,,,,
My cob had been so badly treated he has had teeth knocked out and burn scars on his ears. I have had him 7 years and the person I bought him from had him 3. Pick a whip up now, or a strange man approaching him he is still frightened.
His confidence has been gained with polos!!
He began to associate being approached by someone giving him something he liked instead of hurting him.
He stands like a rock to be mounted, which was impossible without a leg up.
I can even clip his ears with no problem and he loves his head being rubbed.
I would always have a treat in your hand.
My horses all have the reputation of being well mannered by my vet and farrier, not pushy or spoilt.
It is a case of knowing when to discipline and when to reward.
Your pony needs a reason to look forward to your touch.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2013 6:54:51 GMT
Judyh I have no objections to using polols/ treats for that. My horses don't get treats at all as they learn quick but I can understand why you would use them in that case and if its proved successful I don't see why it would be a problem. I'm sure someone will tell you bribery with food isn't the way but then they haven't been in your position.
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Post by judyh on Feb 16, 2013 7:03:24 GMT
Judyh I have no objections to using polols/ treats for that. My horses don't get treats at all as they learn quick but I can understand why you would use them in that case and if its proved successful I don't see why it would be a problem. I'm sure someone will tell you bribery with food isn't the way but then they haven't been in your position. Thanks- we have a pony I would never treat like this-he would soon have no respect for me at all!!! |
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Post by gurnos on Feb 16, 2013 8:58:29 GMT
No doubt I will be in trouble for this,,,,,, My cob had been so badly treated he has had teeth knocked out and burn scars on his ears. I have had him 7 years and the person I bought him from had him 3. Pick a whip up now, or a strange man approaching him he is still frightened. His confidence has been gained with polos!! He began to associate being approached by someone giving him something he liked instead of hurting him. He stands like a rock to be mounted, which was impossible without a leg up. I can even clip his ears with no problem and he loves his head being rubbed. I would always have a treat in your hand. My horses all have the reputation of being well mannered by my vet and farrier, not pushy or spoilt. It is a case of knowing when to discipline and when to reward. Your pony needs a reason to look forward to your touch. I actually used food as bribery with my awkaward pony as I knew that he would do anything for food. I know what you mean, its a case of 'rewarding' rather than just handing out random treats for the sake of it. |
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Post by stravellerandprincess on Feb 16, 2013 8:59:09 GMT
Had thought about using treats but a little worried that as the children handle her she may become nippy ? Worked with her again yesterday had a battle on my hands as she was being quite piggish, confused now if the issue is nerves or stubborness as I have noticed a strong correlation between her shying away from me when she is doing wrong! Lots of grunting jaw fixing and foot stamping little Madame like a 3 year old child having a tantrum :-( may try her on something like stroppy mare see if this helps,. Think my only real answer though is time and effort ! Sure I will get to the bottom of her in time . Thanks for the replies :-)
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Post by stravellerandprincess on Feb 19, 2013 5:02:09 GMT
Update ..... Been putting chamomile in feed, and lunging with bags tied to roller etc, what a different pony :-D can't believe the progress already! Even my 4 year old daughter has been riding off the lr on her!! What a sweetie I have, onwards and upwards !! X
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Post by gurnos on Feb 20, 2013 20:08:37 GMT
Well done, sounds like you've really made a break through
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Post by paige1316 on Feb 20, 2013 20:18:47 GMT
Try going in to the stable and sitting or standing in a corner. If she shies away then stay there until she comes over to see you. Then stay there until she has decided u are not a threat and it occupied doing something different. Then slowly get up and walk out. Do not make a fuss just leave. Do this every day slowly getting closer to the pony until u can stand next to her and touch her and she thinks it is normall. Slowly build this up to stroking and grooming in stable without being tied up. The. Bring out of stable and continue with the same method. Tie up and stand away from the pony till SH is calm then walk away come back but stand closer till is happy with this.it will be a slow process but is all about trust
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worked wonders with my untouched 3 year old. If you are unsure on the or how to do it correctly contact Kelly marks on here and she will give you the number for a nh specialist in your area..... believe me it was invaluable for my youngster who we couldn't get a head collar on for a week after I bought him 
