Can anyone help? Pony refusing to be led in from field

splashgirl45,she is thinner than when we bought her,because gets far more exercise than she did.I'll try cutting her feed as we did think today that she looked a bit bloated and we only give her that because her old owners did.We've had a bit of rain for the first time in ages,so extra grass+feeling fit could be making her misbehave.Thankyou
 
Please please don't let your experienced horseman neighbour whack her. You say she's been a good girl up to now. She must have a terrific fright when your YO appeared round the corner wearing a mask and smelling of creosote...would have frightened me too! Plus she might have the beast and a couple of goats but horses can get very wobbly on their own especially when they've had a scare. All her behaviour points to a scared pony begging you to take charge and show her there's nothing to be worried about. Whacking and lunging won't help at all. It sounds as though she's got herself wound up into a bit of a state. You've got to get her to trust you to get her through it. Spend lots of time with her, forget the riding and the routine for now, just hang out with her in the field doing grooming and become her best friend. You've got to form a bond with her.....hope this helps...
 
mirage said:
Argh,just posted a long reply and lost it.The upshot is that I went back again and tied her up in the yard and gave her her tea in the very place she doesn't like.I had to get the dressage whip to get her to move once in the yard,but didn't have to use it.I left her tied up whilst I poo picked and saw her spook at nothing,but ignored her.I then led her up and down the lane,stopping and starting when I said so.No problem until I tried to get her into her paddock.No go,arsed about and threatened to rear.At that point my expert horseman neighbour arrived and had a go,she tried it on with him,but he whacked her a couple of times with the leadrein until she behaved.He said she seemed agitated about something and lunged her,and she threw a few bucks on the lunge,something she has never done before.

We've put her back in her big paddock and he is meeting me there at 9 tomorrow and we'll bring her in and see how we do.He thinks that something isn't right with her,but can't find anything obvious,and said that she is feeding off my apprehension whatever the root cause is.He says he was just as nervous 45 years ago when he first handled ponies.

Thankyou so much for all the help,advice and kind words.I still feel really rubbish about the whole thing and it has knocked my confidence completely-I've lost my trust in her now which makes me sad.
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Going to make a few points here - I hope you won't be offended.

1. Never tie a horse/pony up to feed it. The length of the leadrope can lead to serious if not fatal damage if the pony gets caught up in it. Put the pony in a stable to eat in peace and safety. It makes no sense to put her in a position of vulnerability - especially feeding her there.......

2. Never leave a horse/pony tied up on a yard unattended. Especially when they are troubled by something.

3. Ask people not to interfere with what you are doing re: leading in and out of the field, when you are clearly getting on top of the situation. The heavy handed approach of your 'expert' will do nothing to help the situation.

4. And finally, you need to 'man up' a little. This is a little pony, and as much as they can be little devils, you don't need to loose your confidence around her or your trust in her. This is part and parcel of owning a horse/pony. They will throw you a curved ball and you need to not react so sensitvely when this happens. Look at the situation, assess, and deal.......

Good luck with her.
 
Big tough farmer's daughter or not, please don't feel upset that you are apprehensive about the situation you have found yourself in. Someone suggested you shouldn't be afarid of this pony based on its size...that is just stupid to suggest that. Small ponies can be intimidating, and any hoof in the head is a bad one.

I've PMd you with a few hints on how best to handle your mare safely.
 
OP, you have been given a lot of good advice here, especially by amymay. You asked Amymay if riding it in from the field would be dodging the issue so to speak. Trust me, sometimes with horses that are testing us the best way is not to battle with them head on. What you are in danger of is this pony developing an ingrained behaviour/attitude. If the horse doesn't get to pick the fight because you completely change your strategy, then there is a chance that the issue will just dissappear. Keep having the fight every day and the horse could expect the fight every day. I really would look at a little companion for the horse aswell. I would get hold of a good horse instructor and get some real ground work lessons for the two of you. There is also the approach of a blind fold, many horses are a lot calmer and less inclined to flip if they are unable to see their surroundings, they have no choice but to trust you. Lead in a bridle, put a long line around the horses bum so that you can put pressure on the back end of the pony at the same time as leading from the front, Invest in a long lead rope so that you have more to work with. I find myself wishing I were closer to you, or Id offer to come and help, this is just the kind of tricksy little thing I like to deal with. Fear or no fear, this horse has to be sorted, she has to get over her fear, or her pig headedness and she needs to be able to look to you to show her how to do this.
 
After reading through all of the replies, you have had some good advice and feedback. But heres my thoughts on it :)

1, Please don't let your neighbour hit her, I fear that with the Pony not wanting to come in and then being hit, you will soon have a Pony that is very hard to catch! Especially an oldie who is wiser.

2, Have you tried backing up? My 6YO is being an absolute demon these past couple of weeks and trying everything on, including planting and not coming on to the yard! I backed her right up to the field and then walked her in. She hasn't done that since (has moved on to other annoying habits :rolleyes:)

3, Don't feed on the yard, Horses feel more vunerable when eating, especially alone so Pony is more likely to spook. Feed in the stable and give a nice groom or hand fed treats outside.

4, Get a companion Pony ASAP.

5, Take control, do more groundwork with her. Can you get a local instructor to come out and help you?

6, Take a deep breath and relax, try not to get to stressed over this. As someone else has pointed out, Ponies are the devils creation :p

Good luck :)
 
Amy86 - I'm with you on the Dually!!! They are expensive but well worth it and you will only have to buy one as they are really hard wearing and do lots of ground work with her and you will see a remarkable difference - both for your confidence and for her having confidence in you!

Good luck :D

x
 
amymay said:
Pony doesn't need a dually.
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agree, doesn't seem like the pony needed a dually before the incident, OP, when a horse shakes me up I put on all my clobber, back protector, hat etc and 'go get em' it helps to calm my nerves loads, makes me feel invincible, if your not worrying about the pony clobbering you so much, you immediately relax and have a better command of the situation and clearer head. Nerves have an terrible habit of sneaking their way down the leadrope and into the pony, take away the nerves and you will still be asked questions by the pony but you will be able to answer them :D Please update us on your progress. :D
 
Thank you all,you've been amazingly helpful.

I met the YO at the stables yesterday and he'd already got her in,she'd tried to back up with him and he'd flapped the end of the leadrein at her backside,growled at her and she led with no problems.He checked her over and noticed that her sides seemed sensitive,so we are wondering if she is coming into season-we've never seen any obvious signs so don't know her cycle.

Anyway,I led her around,in and out of problem areas,with no trouble,put her back in her field where she rolled,she never normally does this unless she's been washed,or is colicky.After school,I went to catch her,I was trying not to shake and walked across the field singing to try and keep my nerves under control.As soon as I tried to lead,ears went back,she went backwards.I growled 'walk on' to her and looked straight ahead,and she did what I asked.She didn't hesitate at the yard entrance and after a bit of hesitation on her part halfway down the yard,we got to where we needed to be,she got an apple and lots of praise.My eldest daughter rode her in the menage just to see if she'd play up,but she was her normal self.We had a lovely hack with no incidents and my 6 year old rode her back into the yard with no messing about at all.

I am grateful for all the advice and help,and criticism,I'm not offended as I'll never learn anything if I take offence when more experienced people offer help.I'll look into getting an instructor who can help with groundwork issues as it sounds as though it may pay off big time in future.

I know I sound wussy,but a friend was nearly killed by her horse in an incident in a field,she was in intensive care for weeks.It has made me rather wary.

Got to go back to work,but thanks again.
 
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