Nervous pony - Calmer?

[sandr]

I have a nervous 10hh pony, he is scared of people, he physically shakes when he feels completely stressed

I brushed him today, and his little tail was clamped so hard against him i couldn't move it

I was just wonder if it would be a good idea to maybe put him on some kind of calmer to help with his nerves? Or are they really aimed at stressed horses?

We *are* getting there, albeit slowly!

 

[kellyeaton]

why his he like this to start with?

 

[sandr]

He is a rescue pony, we don't know a lot about his past, other than he has had a few homes and been through a few markets

 

[kellyeaton]

i would try going down the homepathic or aromertheopary route pop into yout health shop and explain the sutitation they should be able to help you or even speak to global herbs. it is going to take time just let him come to you dont do anything that he does not loike a lot of trats and time hopefully he will come right!

 

[ladyt25]

How long have you had him for? I would just say little and often really with regards to attention, don't be tempted to mollycoddle and be over soft with him though, just calm and firm handing and talking in low, soft tones to/around him. I don't think calmer is the answer really for this sort of pony, I personally think time and trust is the best 'cure'.

Let him come to you and don't invade his personal space too much. My pony was v v nervy and stressy when i got him, you couldn't tie him up, could touch or brush him round his head, he wouldn't go into stables without straw in and if he did go in he bolted in and out and the same with unloading from a horsebox.

With time he improved and we then forget how bad he actually used to be.

 

[equity]

Got a very nervous pony last year, he was terrified of people especially tall men. I took it very slowly at his own pace. Letting him come to me to see what I was doing, and that I wasn't going to hurt him. Used to sit in field with goodies in my lap, he was inquisitive and so wanted to make friends. He started to get brave and try and grab an run, he soon learned no-one was going to chase him or get bothered by him so gradually he got better. He started to come to get a head collar on and be taken down to the yard for very gentle brushing, really watching other horses getting done first. He soon learned to trust and has proved to be a great little pony. He still is very cautious but so sweet and gentle. I often wonder how a lovely little pony like him came to be in such a condition. I did put him on magnesium for a while mixed with a feed. Don't really know if that helped or was just how we were handling him. Worth a try anyway. He also has bonded with another horse, I think that helped too.
So my advice is go gently at a pace he is happy with and take a step back sometimes if he gets stressed. Be positive and don't make a fuss if he gets upset. Good Luck!!!

 

[equity]

OOPs I hope no-one noticed my typo there, changed it as quick as I noticed it.

 

[Kenzo]

You will have to earn his trust very very slowly, remember what is not a big deal to most ponies/horses for example brushing them, even stroking them will be a big deal to this pony.

If he is clamping his tail and shivering with fright, the it is a sign to stop what ever it is you are doing, back off a bit, give him some time to adjust to his new surroundings let alone being handled, groomed, rugged etc.

Just being around him, near his stable on a daily basis, going in but not over to him, not looking at him, try putting a chair out and reading a horsey mag and let the pony come to you when he’s good and ready.

Horses are naturally nosey creatures, so you will find he will be brave enough to come over in time and see what you are reading, offer your hand for him to sniff, quiet slow movements, offer a tit bit then carry on with your reading etc.

I’d rather do it that way than adding a calming supplement, as its just something that will come in time, rather than a behaviour problem where a calmer my be needed to prevent injury etc.