kicking pony

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samual

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I got given a pony who is a 2 year old section A by my mums work mate. My two boys really wanted something to fuss when down the yard and then later on break and ride. I ask the reason why they couldnt keep her and it was because the pony was really attached to other horse and was going through the fencing, i ask if she had ever kicked and they said no. When we got the pony the first day she was a bit hypo but we put it down to new place, then when we fed her she turned her bum and kicked out with both backs and followed you with it . Then when leading her in she'd turn and try and get you. I thought a routene would maybe help but no she really means business. It has gon for my boys and now they are petrified of her and thats what i didn't wan't. Im worried im gonna be left with her as the people dont want her back has any one got any ideas, sorry for boaring any one.
 
It sounds like she thinks she is boss, as in, she gets the food first, so when you walk over to her when she's eating, she is telling you to back off. I would do some ground work and joining up with her, showing her that you're the boss, not her. Also, when you put the food down, you could try and stroke her (on her neck), to show that you being there isn't going to mean she isn't going to get fed, if that makes sense? These worked with an older kicker of my friend's, so not sure how it would help a youngster, but it could be worth a try.
 
The problem with small ponies is that they are cute! This can lead them them being treated as petting animals and being over handled as youngsters without learning any real boundaries.

You need to get tough with this pony without delay to teach some real manners, that means no treats, no allowing the pony to have it's own way, no allowances for being young. If you can't do this for any reason the pony needs to go away to somebody who can, otherwise you will have a spoilt and difficult 3 or 4 year old on your hands.
 
Agree with the suggestion regarding food. We don't put our horses food down until she has backed off, and she only comes forward for it when 'invited'. We can groom her, fuss her, anything when she is eating, but if another horse approaches she does threaten them that she will kick. Obviously, we do keep the others away whilst she is eating, but she doesn't threaten us - I think because she recognises that we are the 'source' of the food.
 
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