Amusing traits...

[AnnieD]

We have just bought a new pony for my daughter, about a month ago, and he (like so very many of them) is a big fan of his food.

He has this rather amusing habit of lifting one or other foreleg whilst he's eating however, just wondered if anyone else had experience of this and know why he does it?

He only does it with hard feed, not hay, and will sometimes do it in anticipation of a feed.

 

[Ladyinred]

A huge percentage of horses do this. I have been told it's because they are used to moving around after each mouthful in search of the next.

 

[bumper]

Mine does that. He will paw the ground, or often lift and hold one foreleg up for quite a few seconds. No idea why!

 

[spotty_pony]

Some do it naturally and by habit, some have been trained to do it. I know quite a few ponies which have been trained to lift a leg to 'say please' for a treat.

 

[TheEquineOak]

A huge percentage of horses do this. I have been told it's because they are used to moving around after each mouthful in search of the next.

DITTO

More so if there are any 'treats' in with his hard feed

 

[Woodykat]

Mine does it all the time - and he very rarely gets treats so I doubt it would be anything to do with that.
Mind you, he seems to prefer life in general with 3 or fewer feet touching the floor anyway...

 

[maggiesmum]

Both of mine do this, but my old mare used to buck 3 or 4 times once given her bucket, she'd do it regardless of whether she was in the field or her stable - which used to come as quite a shock to some people if I hadn't warned them
It wasn't aimed at anyone just her reaction to a bucket, and how high she bucked depended on how hungry/cold she was.