Ideas needed please - struggling with pony

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dizzydonkeys

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Ok bear with me this could be long, friend has a 13.2 bay gelding welsh type pony.
Bought him as girl that had him was litterally going to dump him at side of road.
He is quite a sweet pony and turns out has done PC etc with a previous owner, however somehow ended up with a dealer and appears to have been hobbled and ear twitched as dreadfully ear shy and would not let you anywhere near his back legs, also really very nervous and a nightmare to catch.

We have worked on his legs issue and will now pick them up but occasionally lifts them a bit quick, and he can now be caught (with bribery) but will happily come into your space and lick you all over (and steal whatever your eating etc)

Has been happily ridden around and led out on the roads - bombproof

BUT the catching and trust is inconsistent and I don't have the time to do it every day, friend admits she doesn't have the patience and wants to find someone that does.

I think he would come round pretty quick if brought in everyday for a bit of grub and a love etc - but maybe that is just wishful thinking?

How/where do you find someone willing to work a pony like this? Obviously not going to send him to the sales or anything would just like to give him a chance but not quite sure how to go about it.

Any feedback/suggestions appreciated.
 
Perhaps livery him and explain to the yard what the problem is and if they willing to help you, explain what you have been doing and that you are willing to do it, but need some help. Sounds like you have done well so far. Remember to always wear a hat around the pony at all times.

Am sure a more experienced person will come along. Pony has lost complete trust. I had a bad experience with the vet who tried twice to microchip a new pony(big needle) , after that the pony wouldnt come near me and had a mistrust for me(they dont seem to forget do they)!

But he loved the young girl who fussed over him and spent hours brushing him and never batted an eyelid at her.
 
You need to find someone with the time and patience to "play" the catching game.
Walk after him and dont let him stop and graze (but try to just have him walk, not bomb about), just gently push him on until he is fed up enough to allow you to catch him. Give him a treat and let him go straight away. Repeat often.
 
Agree with Joenne!! Also get the pony to change direction - if you look at all the Monty Roberts stuff the chief mare will control the direction and the speed!!

It does work, I do it with my mare if she is being annoying to catch. She ends up licking her lips and following me around and then seems much more disposed to work.

Maybe see if there is a join up video on you-tube for inspiration. The catching game is a very mild version of this!!
 
thanks guys, have done advance and retreat etc and he responds well, the problem is I don't have time to do it very regularly and friend doesn't have patience, ultimatey is her pony :-( I have my own so can't commit to him.
Livery option not available really as she rents a yard for her others and him obviously and don't think the option of spending money/time at another yard is available.

it's just sad to see as am sure he would make a cracking pony just needs some commitment/time/rules

will have to have another chat with her about options, had got a youngish lass coming down to play etc and just give him general attention - only lasted a week.

Got to say he is not nasty never threatened to kick or bite in fact would sooner lick you or suck your fingers!
 
This only works if your pony understands electric fence. Put in 3 posts in a half square in the corner of the paddock so making a fenced area,& attach fence tape to it leaving a nice big open gap with enought tape to close it (secure & can't get tangled. Put a feed trug in with a small bit of feed. Pony walks in & you shut the fence. Bingo. The pony has his reward & you have the pony. The posts can be left in for the next time but the tape should be removed. Works for me when one is being awkward. saves a lot of hassle & waste of time.
 
we are in north yorks, feeding him in an enclosed area is a no go, he quite happy to ignore a bucket - am fairly certain most of it is evasion rather than all fright, has often wandered up to bucket looked in it sniffed it and wandered off.
reckon if it had a cup of tea and a donut in there he'd be a bit more keen tho - he is a right little character just so frustrating!
 
Approach and retreat really does work,i had a shetland ,he had been bought from Travellers and given to me.
What really worked is not putting him under any pressure to be caught, approaching him and when he walks away just quietly walk with him changing direction as he does staying with him within eyes view .
Keep your eyes down in a non aggressive way and keep at it ,when you get quite close...and you will if you give it time, lift your head and walk away (this will baffle him )then approach again and repeat ,when you can get close enough to touch ,gently touch or rub him and retreat and leave it for the day...no pressure!

The next day repeat always saying to yourself no pressure and smiling it does work.
But remember if you don't put the time in you really wont get the results,which is a shame as when it works you will have bonded !
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