Childrens Pony Who Hates Children

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jelibean

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A pony we have has recently taken a serious dislike to children. We have had him 3 years and he has been a great little chap, done loads of lead rein, plenty of work off the lead with older kids, hacks etc. Unfortunatly these children lost interest approx 12 months, we dont have anyone small enough to ride him despite advertiseng for a rider in the local papers, I have even paid for him to be ridden just to keep him in a bit of work as he's only 7 now. Problem is despite being a pampered pony all of a sudden he hates children. This problem has only risen since I decided it would be fairer to sell him and let someone else enjoy him. Each time a family of children apear he turns into a raving luney, kickes and bites when being tacked up and mounted, chases the children wen they're leading him and bites the list is endless. People really dont believe you when yoy say he's not normally like this! Do you think this pony doesnt want to be sold or is it possible he has a phobia about children.
 
Was he supervised when ridden by the last child? (you say you paid someone). TBH I'd say he'd been spoilt, and needs to learn kids arent that bad. he needs a quiet little rider, someone to give him gentle fuss and not be afraid of him. Do you think he might be in pain (re the tacking up and being mounted)?

Have you tried the PC? someone might be willing to loan him for a short time, someone experienced. How big is he? what type? Is it possible to get a small teen to look after him for a while? So long as he's not dainty and 8hh he should be able to take about a 7 or 8 stone teen.

Or break him to drive.
 
I can think of a dozen kids I'd love to give him to teach!
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Honestly!! theres absolutely no reason for this change in personality, im 26 years old, ive owned, ridden and worked with horses literally all my life so im no newcomer! This pony was never ridden unaccompanied, the children were total novices, and learnt to ride very well. More recently my 3 year old cousin sits on him and I take her out for a walk, she cant ride at all and doesnt want to try, surely thats every ponys dream! Hes hasnt been abused ridden or handled badly, worst thing thats ever happened to him was that he hasnt had a rider and been out of work so long. When i say i paid someone to ride him, it was a lady i know who proffesionally rides and teaches for a living who happens to be less than 5ft and about 7 stone. He went beautiful for her and she couldnt see the problem, there wasnt one its only with children. My 21 month old son takes him carrotts everyday and i sit him on his back to walk him from the field, hes fine with this, its when anyone comes with a view to buy him he attacks the kids. I know theres always an explaination for everything but I really believe this is the exception to the rule! I did get in touch with a lady who wanted him for pony club but when the trial at home does not go well no one in the right mind would take a pony who's going to show they're child up. All said and done, he is for sale so if anyone does want a challenge let me know! Hes 12hh and 7 years old.
 
My daughter's old pony can be like this. She does it when she changes homes and sometimes when my daughter's friends come to ride. She makes the most appalling faces and often lifts a leg as well. I think at some point in her life she has learnt to intimidate children and tries it out if she sees any doubt in their body language. My daughter soon learnt to ignore it and approach her positively and then she turns back into a sweet pony again.
 
Thanks for that, it makes me feel so much better that other people have this issue. I think you are so right, that some ponies have a sense of who they can get away with intimidating and use it to they're advantage, especially if it means they get out of work. I honestly think they are more intellegent than we give them credit for!
Thanks Guy's!
PS: I'm looking into breaking him to drive, its not my thing but i know a man who can!
 
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