Horse acting unusual

[Ponymad1369]

Hi I've just bought a pony a few weeks ago and he's been fine. The owner of the yard where he's at put him in a small paddock and the grass was pretty much none existent. And what there was it was low quality. Which worked well as he's out pretty much all day so it controlled how much he ate as he puts weight on very easily and is a bit fat at the moment. But he didn't like being alone so he's been moved to another larger paddock and there is a lot more grass and it's really lush and fresh. He's only been out for about five hours today as I went out on a ride on him. And when I went to bring him in he was fine to be caught as usual he was a bit forwards on the way to the stable. But when I got to his stable and went to open the door he started trotting away and I tried to stop him but he started cantering away so I had no option but to let go otherwise he would have stood on me. I thought he was heading back to the field which would have meant he would have turned left but instead he carried on straight and went in the indoor school and started cantering and turning sharply and when I approached him he stopped and let me catch him. So I walked him back and he tried it again but I was ready for him and he didn't get far. Normally he's the perfect gentleman. Any ideas? He's my first pony so I don't have that much experience but I have been riding for 12 years prior to getting him. Sorry about the long message.

 

[Shay]

Might he be starting to test you? When a new pony first arrives they tend to behave for a while. Then like a toddler (which they are in their heads really) they figure out they are not going back to old mum and start to try to find out where their boundaries are with new mum. He wants to know what he can get away with and whether or not you are a good herd leader for him.

When we got my daughter's first pony and this happened I was so shocked. I thought we'd made a horrible mistake, were horrible owners etc. He went through the whole range of things a pony can do to test a novice family (and we still have him 10+ yrs on and he's an angel!) One of our instructors explained - she called it the "new pony horrors". I didn't believe her that much at the time. But over the years as we've had new ponies and then new horses I can absolutely see this is the case. I also see it so often through the Pony Club kids in our branch. And I would imagine the combined relief / disbelief look on the parent's face when I explain it happens to everyone is exactly the same as the look on my face all those years ago.

Enough reminiscence. Yes increased grass might be a reason for him "feeling his oats" as it were. (Good horsey expression there...) But there will be an element of testing too. Firm, consistent boundaries - and a smile - will get you through! How long it lasts depends on the pony's persistence - some give up quicker than others - and how consistent you can be. But be safe at all times. I know it is old fashioned but if he is being a bit unpredictable make sure you have proper boots on. Wear your hat even when just working on the ground. Wear gloves to lead so the rope won't tear your skin if he pulls away. Make sure you know how to lead correctly so you can't get a finger caught if he tanks off - and you know the most effective way to stop him. he is bigger than you are and will win a pulling contest - the trick is not to let him find that out!

 

[epeters91]

I agree he may well be testing you. I know another horse that tested their owner very similarly. I would suggest to begin with catch him and put his bridle on or control halter to bring him to the stable. It gives you a little bit more control and it's imortant that he learns he can't just run away from you when coming into the stable. Once you've got the extra control walk towards the stable and the minute he starts trying to rush make him stand, even try getting him to back up or move side to side so he's concentrating and listening to you then make him walk steadily to hs stable. If you feel it might help have a second person around by the entrance to the stables so if he does get loose he can't just run out.

Might be an idea to tie him up out side the stable too and let him settle in the stable area.

Hope you get past it all quickly

 

[Ponymad1369]

Thank you so much I'm glad that other people have had similar issues. I'll definitely try that with his bridle. Do you think it will help him with taking the bit aswell because he's not keen on that. So he might get used to it? Just something else I noticed today is that he tried it again and I stopped him immediately then made him walk a circle and stop then I walked him towards his stable and the door was wide open and he stopped. He planted his feet in and just didn't want to go in so I pushed him on one shoulder gently so he was slightly off balance and gently lead him in and he was a bit antsy but otherwise fine. So I'm thinking that he really enjoys company bit at the moment he's in his stable block by himself at night when he's in. But he can't go out all the time for obvious reasons. Do you think he's trying to avoid being alone? And would some toys/boredom breakers in his stable would help. Thank you guys so much I feel a lot better now!!

 

[applecart14]

Do you think he's trying to avoid being alone? And would some toys/boredom breakers in his stable would help. Thank you guys so much I feel a lot better now!!

Horses hate being left alone, they are prey animals so feel very uncomfortabel although they can learn to adapt. Try a radio in his stable, make sure its not where he can reach it, you can get a cheap one on ebay or amazon for a few quid. Leave it on a talk show or better still classical music station, just low enough so he can hear it, but not loud enough it drives him nuts.

Give him a snackaball to roll around, and put some hi fibre nuts in it for him. You can leave some apples bobbing on the top of his water and leave plenty of small holed (or double netted hay nets) dotted around his stable. They like a good sod of turf so cut out a large piece for him, he will eat the grass, play with it and shake it, and will lick the soil attached for nutrients.

Hang a swede or other vegetable from the centre of his stable, its no good on the bars or sides of the stable as it will be eaten in seconds. Leave bits of carott for him to find in his bed, or throw some mints onto the floor for him to find. Tie some old towels to the bars on his stable and he can pull and tug on them. There is loads you can do to keep horses occupied.

 

[Ponymad1369]

Thank you! I'll try all that with him! He's very smart so he'll probably enjoy some mental stimulation!!!