Is there hope?

[Clodagh]

To socially rehabilitate a neglected pony?
I have been offered a pony from where I work, my son loves riding him and it seems great, but the pony came with a headollar embedded in his head from a dodgy dealer and was very badly bullied due to lack of food and a big group of horses. He is only ever turned out alone now and charges at the fence when another horse comes near, even if hes only grazing, hes worse if he has food or hay.
He would have to be turned out here with my young horse (2 year old) and a 4 year old pony who are both fairly playful, would he relearn how to deal with them, or will he probably always be fear defensive?

 

[Shantara]

Sounds like Ned. He was also abused and had a headcollar embedded in his face. He was bullied by the other horses so bad, he wouldn't even eat alone, through fear of getting bullied again. Eventually with love and care from humans (and a youngster he could boss around) he started to eat and put on a decent amount of weight.
He can now be turned out with any horse and munches away happily.

I can't give you much advice, but I do think it's possible with time, love and care

 

[SuseP]

I would think that the more you treat him like a 'normal' horse the better, give it a go and let him have the time it takes to re-learn the rules. But you might need a contingency plan for turn out, just in case. Poor pony, sounds like he deserves a caring home like yours.

 

[Clodagh]

That sounds possible then. I thought if I could turn him out with one of them first, when there is grass and no shoes on, he might settle down. He is such a sweetie.

I can leccy fence off a bit if needed, but would hope not to do that forever.

 

[texel]

It is best to allow plenty of time to introduce a new member to an existing group - don't rush.

You have to give your rescue time to get used to his surroundings and this can take a few weeks to a few months, don’t put a time limit on it. His charging at the fence at the other ponies will eventually diminish as this is a habit he has learnt in his previous life. You have to give the rescue a chance get used to you and the other ponies. So just continue with your normal routine with the others and also give time to be with your rescue. He will show you when he is ready you move onto the next stage

 

[Holly Hocks]

Can you not section an area of the field off for the new pony so that he can see and socialise ( probably wrong word bearing in mind his tendencies!) with your others over the fence. Give it a few weeks and then turn out with your others?

 

[Clodagh]

My 4 year old is going to the yard where rescue pony lives this summer to do some work, so they will meet there. I will take it slowly and take on board what you have all suggested.
As herd animals they must want to be with others, really, and hopefully once he learns they aren't 'out to get him' he will hopefully start to be happy again.