Advice for feral horse?

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Arora

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Hi guys!
I recently bought a pony that was rejected by his mother as a foal and spent his life in a round pen or stable. He is completely untrained and impossible to handle so I am looking for some tips and advice on where to start with socializing and handling him. He is a very sweet pony, he is not aggressive at all and I've never seen him put his ears back or anything of the sort, he seems very passive and always submits to my other horse. I am able to feed him treats from a distance and I'm also able to lightly touch him occasionally but he will always look very scared and walk off asap. I just thought, especially with the whole quarantine thing going on, that I'd come here and see if anyone had any good ideas, tips or activities that I can do on a daily basis to get him sociable.
Thanks!
 
Why are people buying "feral" and "unhandled" horses when they don't know how to handle, manage or train them?

These are the questions you ask BEFORE buying a horse. You also spend time learning first hand HOW to handle and train a horse by training with/watching experienced trainers.

"Love" and "to rescue them" is not a good reason to end up in predicaments like this.

Where is this influx of "feral" and "unhandled" horses coming from to match the increase in these exact posts?

How does anyone look at any "feral" and "unhandled" horse and not ask themselves before parting with money and/or agreeing to taking it on are they able, capable, experienced, have the necessary support and back up, have the time that horses need and have suitable facilities for such a horse.

Honestly why would anyone take on a horse, never mind a "feral" and "unhandled", and then ask a bunch of strangers on an internet forum (when they have no idea who these people are or what actual real life experience these people have and arent just spouting nonsense) "eh, what do I do?"???

This is how people and horses get hurt.

If you dont know how to train a horse do not take on one that needs training

If you dont have suitable facilities to keep horses safely and train them as required do not take one on

If you dont know the absolute basics of how to train and handle a horse (hint: bribing a horse with treats is NOT the way to do it) then you should not have one that is "feral" and "unhandled".

What happens if it needs a vet? How has it been vaccinated? What kind of establishment let's unvaccinated horses on it? How did you think this was going to go?

This is gross stupidty
 
TPO said:
Why are people buying "feral" and "unhandled" horses when they don't know how to handle, manage or train them?

These are the questions you ask BEFORE buying a horse. You also spend time learning first hand HOW to handle and train a horse by training with/watching experienced trainers.

"Love" and "to rescue them" is not a good reason to end up in predicaments like this.

Where is this influx of "feral" and "unhandled" horses coming from to match the increase in these exact posts?

How does anyone look at any "feral" and "unhandled" horse and not ask themselves before parting with money and/or agreeing to taking it on are they able, capable, experienced, have the necessary support and back up, have the time that horses need and have suitable facilities for such a horse.

Honestly why would anyone take on a horse, never mind a "feral" and "unhandled", and then ask a bunch of strangers on an internet forum (when they have no idea who these people are or what actual real life experience these people have and arent just spouting nonsense) "eh, what do I do?"???

This is how people and horses get hurt.

If you dont know how to train a horse do not take on one that needs training

If you dont have suitable facilities to keep horses safely and train them as required do not take one on

If you dont know the absolute basics of how to train and handle a horse (hint: bribing a horse with treats is NOT the way to do it) then you should not have one that is "feral" and "unhandled".

What happens if it needs a vet? How has it been vaccinated? What kind of establishment let's unvaccinated horses on it? How did you think this was going to go?

This is gross stupidty
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Thank you for your highly hostile and abrupt reply. I bought this horse because the previous owner was willing to sell him for meat and I would much rather see a horse happily grazing in a field than ending up in such a situation because no one gave it a chance. I would also like to add that I'm not as 'grossly stupid' as you have insinuated, I have experience with training and handling green horses after rescuing a 5 year old unbroken mare whom I successfully handled alongside a horse rescue charity who has given me years of joy and I wouldn't ever take back the time that it took to bond with her and earn her trust.
I looked at this particular unhandled horse, as previously stated, and was willing to part with my money because giving an animal another shot at a higher quality of life meant more to me than finances did. Hence, I am willing to spend money on experienced trainers and necessary facilities to give him this better quality of life.
I came to this forum for advice, because as I stated in my post, we are currently midway through a global pandemic leaving us all house bound with a ridiculous amount of time on our hands and I simply wanted advice on some sociable activities in which I could further bond with the horse. I'm not a child and nor do I have the mentality of one, if I was given a reply regarding such activities I would research them before taking the person's word. In addition, forums do offer a sort of ranking that allow you to better understand the knowledge and experience of the people posting, so don't worry about my ability to interpret advice that I am given.
I am not, as you say, asking "eh, what do I do?". I am turning to, what I thought would be, a community which shares a common interest and passion in the welfare and treatment of horses. For this reason. I believed that people would, strangely enough, offer kind advice and tips on something that they may also have experience with.
If my horse needs a service of any kind, I am happy to provide that through professional services that I will pay for. My financial situation and my intentions are not your business, I was simply making a conversation in which people could offer advice if they wished.
I am going to also ask you, how did you think this was going to go? Speaking to a new member in such a rude and degrading way when you have absolutely no context or background on the majority of what you just said is extremely rude and nasty. I can understand your frustration regarding the topic but this is no reason to attack someone over a forum when all they're asking for is simple tips or ideas. People like you are the reason why most of us avoid these forums because it turns the mutual interest and passion for such a beautiful animal in to something hateful, invidious and quite frankly, unenjoyable.
Please, be kind and reconsider the way you offer advice - there is no need to put people down, instead educate them.
 
If he is just unhandled (rather than hand reared) I would approach it like this- 1) get a headcollar on him, even if you have to drive him into a stable and corner him. 2) leave a 1ft lenth of rope dangling to catch. Have him in a stable so he gets to know you bring him food/water. 3) catch him as oftn as you can, touch him on his neck and shoulder and gradually work backwards. 4) when you can lead him and touch all over introduce bridle. Then a surcingle. Then a saddle. 5) break as normal. Good luck they usually come round very quickly.
 
stormox said:
If he is just unhandled (rather than hand reared) I would approach it like this- 1) get a headcollar on him, even if you have to drive him into a stable and corner him. 2) leave a 1ft lenth of rope dangling to catch. 3) catch him as oftn as you can, touch him on his neck and shoulder and gradually work backwards. 4) when you can lead him and touch all over introduce bridle. Then a surcingle. Then a saddle. 5) break as normal. Good luck they usually come round very quickly.
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Perfect, thank you for such a detailed and helpful response! :) I will definitely look into trying these, especially once his stable is built as it gives me an easier area to work with him
 
Feral and 5 and he has lived all his life from birth in a pen or stable?

Please don't bet on him ever being more than a very expensive pet. He hasn't had any chance to develop properly and his bones are pretty much all set now.

I would put any plans to break him back for at least a year while he learns how to move and build some strength.

How come he isn't walking on stilts or Aladdin slippers if he has had no foot trimming and no exercise for five years?

.
 
ycbm said:
Feral and 5 and he has lived all his life from birth in a pen or stable?

Please don't bet on him ever being more than a very expensive pet. He hasn't had any chance to develop properly and his bones are pretty much all set now.

I would put any plans to break him back for at least a year while he learns how to move and build some strength.

How come he isn't walking on stilts or Aladdin slippers if he has had no foot trimming and no exercise for five years?

.
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I am fine with him being a very expensive pet, he is a wonderful companion for my mare and I would much rather that than the future he could have had. I am currently more concerned with building a bond and trust before working on anything such as breaking etc.
His previous owner didn't have much to tell me about him aside from he was pretty much no use for showing and she wanted rid. Her husband was a (very fiery) farrier who I can only imagine cornered him in the stable to have his feet done. I went to see him a few times and he was always stuck in a round pen or stable, obviously so she could catch him. He is borderline catchable if confined but I'd much rather find a way to earn his trust and get headcollars on him without force as he must hace experienced in the past
 
Arora said:
Perfect, thank you for such a detailed and helpful response! :) I will definitely look into trying these, especially once his stable is built as it gives me an easier area to work with him
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I'm sorry but I agree with TPO. If you found any of that advice new then you really should not have taken on a feral pony. But since you have my advice is to turn him away in a herd in a big and preferably hilly field and let him learn to move until the virus emergency has passed, or 6 months, whichever is longer.
 
Arora said:
Perfect, thank you for such a detailed and helpful response! :) I will definitely look into trying these, especially once his stable is built as it gives me an easier area to work with him
Click to expand...

Where are you keeping him now? I would start asap ...can you catch him in a field?
 
Arora said:
Thank you for your highly hostile and abrupt reply. I bought this horse because the previous owner was willing to sell him for meat and I would much rather see a horse happily grazing in a field than ending up in such a situation because no one gave it a chance. I would also like to add that I'm not as 'grossly stupid' as you have insinuated, I have experience with training and handling green horses after rescuing a 5 year old unbroken mare whom I successfully handled alongside a horse rescue charity who has given me years of joy and I wouldn't ever take back the time that it took to bond with her and earn her trust.
I looked at this particular unhandled horse, as previously stated, and was willing to part with my money because giving an animal another shot at a higher quality of life meant more to me than finances did. Hence, I am willing to spend money on experienced trainers and necessary facilities to give him this better quality of life.
I came to this forum for advice, because as I stated in my post, we are currently midway through a global pandemic leaving us all house bound with a ridiculous amount of time on our hands and I simply wanted advice on some sociable activities in which I could further bond with the horse. I'm not a child and nor do I have the mentality of one, if I was given a reply regarding such activities I would research them before taking the person's word. In addition, forums do offer a sort of ranking that allow you to better understand the knowledge and experience of the people posting, so don't worry about my ability to interpret advice that I am given.
I am not, as you say, asking "eh, what do I do?". I am turning to, what I thought would be, a community which shares a common interest and passion in the welfare and treatment of horses. For this reason. I believed that people would, strangely enough, offer kind advice and tips on something that they may also have experience with.
If my horse needs a service of any kind, I am happy to provide that through professional services that I will pay for. My financial situation and my intentions are not your business, I was simply making a conversation in which people could offer advice if they wished.
I am going to also ask you, how did you think this was going to go? Speaking to a new member in such a rude and degrading way when you have absolutely no context or background on the majority of what you just said is extremely rude and nasty. I can understand your frustration regarding the topic but this is no reason to attack someone over a forum when all they're asking for is simple tips or ideas. People like you are the reason why most of us avoid these forums because it turns the mutual interest and passion for such a beautiful animal in to something hateful, invidious and quite frankly, unenjoyable.
Please, be kind and reconsider the way you offer advice - there is no need to put people down, instead educate them.
Click to expand...

? Horses dont live "happy" lives in a field when they aren't able to receive the necessary hoof, dental and veterinary attention (including worming & vaccinations).

Your previous post about underweight horses paints a very different picture from what you have tried to portray in your response.

I stand by my original post; you know these things and are experienced BEFORE taking on a horse never mind one with additional requirements.
 
ycbm said:
I'm sorry but I agree with TPO. If you found any of that advice new then you really should not have taken on a feral pony. But since you have my advice is to turn him away in a big and preferably hilly field and let him learn to move until the virus emergency has passed, or 6 months, whichever is longer.
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That's okay to have an opinion, you worded your reply much better. I didn't find the advice new, I simply said thank you and I will try their advice
 
Thank you to those that gave advice and simply answered my question. I am sad to say I will no longer be using this forum after this first few hours. I am finding some replies to be very hostile and degrading, I do not know why people feel this is helpful as it has actually just made me feel quite upset. I understand a difference of opinion but there is a certain way to educate people rather than attacking them. There is no need to make the horse community so hostile and aggressive, we all have to start somewhere and we can't all know everything at once, that's why we ask others for help.
 
Why have you bought another horse when the existing ones weren’t adequately cared for when you were away at university? ??‍♀️

Sorry, scrap that, having re-read your other post I see that this pony is one of the ‘two’, and you’ve had him for around six months or more?
 
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Sorry but from your other posts this is sounding like a welfare issue. You've had this horse since last summer as I understand it, it's sounds like they have worms, aren't seeing a farrier and haven't had their teeth done.

Anyway I'd do a worm count and then worm.
Get a headcollar on any way possible, apparently he was wormed last year (?) So you must have caught him before.
Then each day just do more reward based handling.

I really hope this isn't a third horse.
 
Bellaboo18 said:
People are just concerned for the welfare of the horses. Always happy to help but don't think any life is better than no life. He more than likely is in some degree of pain from the lack of care.
Let's just start over. How long have you had this horse?
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I understand I just didn't need this right now and do feel quite like this post has become hostile I would rather just leave the situation and get advice elsewhere sadly. Are you able to tell me how I can deactivate my account or something of the sort?
 
I understand everyone's concern I just didn't expect the nature of the replies that I am getting and therefore would prefer to no longer use this forum if anyone can advise me as I only joined a few hours ago
 
Just log out.

You can use the 'contact us' button at the bottom of the page and ask them to deactivate the account but I suspect they're all a bit busy doing support for people working from home or stuff like that.

The thread will remain, your name may turn to a number or grey out.
 
Arora said:
I understand I just didn't need this right now and do feel quite like this post has become hostile I would rather just leave the situation and get advice elsewhere sadly. Are you able to tell me how I can deactivate my account or something of the sort?
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How long have you had him?
I do worm counts with Westgate labs. You can buy a test from them online. It's really easy to do.
Can you corner him to get a field safe headcollar on him?
 
I think I tried to advise you in a good way, i am sorry if it sounded curt but its not easy to type in a longer winded way i was trying to be concise.
As for my advice 'if necessary corner him in a stable' It is quite easy to do this safely but you may need some help. If you turn an unhandled 5yr old away it will become an unhandled 6yr old!
If you want to turn away, fine but I really think you need to get him catchable first.
 
stormox said:
I think I tried to advise you in a good way, i am sorry if it sounded curt but its not easy to type in a longer winded way i was trying to be concise.
As for my advice 'if necessary corner him in a stable' It is quite easy to do this safely but you may need some help. If you turn an unhandled 5yr old away it will become an unhandled 6yr old!
If you want to turn away, fine but I really think you need to get him catchable first.
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Sorry, your responses have been helpful - I was just trying to deal with many at a time. I have decided that this probably isn't the type of online community that I will turn to again for advice, but thank you for yours, it has confirmed what I was already hoping to do and therefore made me feel less inadequate than previous replies have :)
 
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