Bad day

[Jerroboam]

Sooo let me begin... my four year old daughter has a five year old pony. We bought him as a yearling and as we are farming he was able to spend until he was three living out as a 'baby'. He was handled almost daily, fantastic to be around and a doddle to break. He was shown in hand in m and m classes and youngstock and won everything, a real show off. He was always a bit wary of bikes/cars but lots of long reining seems to have solved that. But now he was become incredibly cocky. He was to kept on his own with a few sheep for company as our other horses are hunters and he can't handle that much grass so I'm not sure if perhaps this is the problem but today the problem escalated and he shied at nothing and threw my daughter to the floor, he was on the leading rein and it was lucky my little girl was fully kitted out in a body protector and hat. I am really upset and I have brought him for the night so he is aware that he can not behave like that. He was a nightmare to catch following his little 'strop' and now I feel like all of our good work has been undone.... HELP!!

 

[ThePony]

But he is only a baby himself and with his own mind. Spooks happen I'm afraid.

Unless you are 100% that it is pure naughtiness then a pat and carry on is the best so as not to wind a youngster up over something you want to avoid happening again in the future. He prob had a silly spook (my mare is a legend but we still occasionally have a silly moment if a blade of grass looks at her the wrong way!!), your daughter falling off prob spooked the silly soul even more! I think that would be punishment enough. I really don't think bringing him in for the night will teach him anything. How do you expect him to equate the two actions?

I am glad your daughter was safely kitted out and is ok. But if a mount that does not do something unexpected is required then a bike is the best option. I'm afraid these things happen, do you have a balance strap she could hold to help her balance? Perhaps you could long rein him before she rides incase of any excess freshness? Is there a more experienced rider who could ride him regularly to teach him what is expected too? Might also help him get a well rounded education so that he is a pleasant mount for your daughter? Could you get a companion pony who would also need restricted grazing with him - an old mare might boss him around suitably and help with manners!

 

[soulfull]

sounds like a normal pony to me

Sorry but all horses spook/shy at times especially young horses.

To keep him in will not teach him anything, he won't have a clue you are punishing him

Is there a local instructor and or experienced rider that could help you out?

The cocky, is normal for young horses too, you just need to be firm but FAIR in a way they understand (not keeping him in)

Look at Kelly Marks book 'Perfect Manners'

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

Green + Green = black and blue!

 

[horseless jorge!]

I'm afraid with young ponies and young children, things like this would happen. Tell me, if you were out on a youngster and he spooked and you came off, would you hold him in overnight to teach him a lesson? No, simply not because that doesn't make sense. You'd get back on, kick on and make him learn that way.
Glad to hear the little one wasn't hurt, but I've seen numerous pony club kids that after a few falls seem to grasp the idea that a firm 'no' and a boot in the ribs does a spooky pony good! Falling off makes them boucy, I think (haha), but if you're going to be wary and worried, it's best not to let her ride him.

 

[Wagtail]

As the others have said, the pony won't have a clue why he is being kept in. Horses live in the moment and do not ponder on the day's activities. He will not be in his stable thinking 'If only I hadn't shied and dumped my rider, I wouldn't be here all by myself right now.' Bear in mind that it has been extremely windy the past few days and most horses are acting silly and spooking. Give him a break. Glad your daughter is okay. I would not keep the pony separate from the others. I'd build him a small paddock inside the main field and he will feel a lot more secure next to other horses. Sheep are no substitute for equine company.