Nervous Pony

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flamingginge

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Where I work, there is this 5year old miniature Shetland.
For years he was turned away in a paddock with his Mum, Step Brother and 'Aunty'.
To none of our knowledge, (as we had no idea about these ponies, we only became in charge of them about 2 years ago) the shetlands used to get 'hurded' when they were in need of vets, farrier, change of paddock, etc...
None of these shetties had human contact and especially Colin.
Colin is a VERY VERY nervous shetland. Only people who he trusts can put a head collar on him with out him cantering off or becoming skitty.
When he has been caught, he spooks at everything. He hates people touching his bum, (we think he may have sweetitch but he gets too nervous to put a sweetich rug on)
His brother Bubbles is very sweet natured, but Colin hates everything, especailly men and gates.
I have been working with him, and he lets me put a head-collar on and brush him, take him away from his friends and trot him over a pole.
I would like to know if there was anything I could do to help him overcome the thought that men are scary and mean.:) :confused:
 
I think the key here is Pateince. His a pony that has gone from no handling to lots of in a short while. He needs time to adust and learn to trust you.

Spend time with him, perhaps sit in his feild/by stable and read a book. Let him no that you are no threat to him. If he will let you put a headcollar on him, he must trust you a little. But repitition and patience is the way forward.

Perhaps if you are really worried about touching around his bum. Get an old broom and put a fake hand on the end. Use that to run it over his body, whilst you stay at his head. You can treat too.
 
I have a Shetland who is petrified of men but likes my OH! OH hates horses........ I think they have some kind of truce! On a more helpful note I would ask a man to give treats and then walk away, dont try to touch him, just give lots of goodies! Worked well with my pony x
 
I agree with LaurenBay. If you are patience and consistent then you will increase his trust in you. Make sure all your movements are steady, deliberate and predictable, but don't make too much of a fuss. Just really take your time and let him develop at his own pace. You can build his confidence steadily by using approach-and-retreat methods: i.e. when touching or grooming him, stay in the areas that he is comfortable with and then occasionally gravitate a few inches towards his bum area for a few seconds before returning to the areas he is comfortable with. If you do this kind of thing every day (preferably several times a day) then he will learn that he does not come to harm with his comfort zone is pushed and he will gradually learn to relax and accept more and more. The aim is to gradually push the boundaries without panicking him: once he has been pushed to panic, itis very difficult to get that level of trust and confidence back again. Go by what he tells you.
Good luck! He sounds like a lovely little guy :)
 
Thanks!! going up to see him tomorrow! apparently we've had a lady coming in to do some oils work with him! hes alot calmer apparently, and we have a man working with him!! hes such a sweetie!:D:D:D
 
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