New pony keeps snorting at me

[stanley101]

Hi

We have had our new pony for about 6 weeks now. I was very nervous handling him and stuff until about 10 days ago when I had a couple of stable management lessons. I really felt much more confident around him and thought that we were beginning to have a bit of a break through and bond etc.

However in the last two days he has turned his back on me and whenever I try to approach him with my hand out stretched he has his ears flat back and snorts at me. I'm wondering if he's try it on, but don't really know how to go about stopping at.

Or does it mean something else? Has anyone come across this before?

Thanks

S

 

[charlie13]

if mine started doing that i would take it as he is trying it on and would just keep persisting untill he gets the point
you have to remember that horses can sence that you are nervours ect so go i positive and happy give him a pat and if he dont put his ears back leavi it if he does keep touching him untill he stops pulling faces and fidigiting

good luck

 

[ThePony]

I think he's trying it on with you, he will have been able to tell that you were nervous so I rekon he's just having you on and seeing how far he can push you! He's just being a bit of a naughty toddler and seeing where the boundries are with you. I would walk in confidently, and go about what ever you plan on doing. Maybe spend a bit of time each day, just having him tied up and give him a groom so he can get used to being around you. Also handy for you to get him to respond to you in a more positive way: ie if it is more convenient for him to move over so you can swop sides, then you can just nudge him over and carry on with your grooming. He needs to learn that you are top dog. Although he will start to get more used to you, I wonder if you are expecting a bond rather quick. My mare spent the first few months being very quiet, then a bit of a brat, then just rather indifferent to us! It's only now, after 6 months, that she is pleased to see us, a pleasure to handle and with good manners. Enjoy him and the progress you both make!!
If you do continue to be nervous with him then maybe have someone around while you handle him to give you a bit of a boost. It is quite an important thing to get over and you will enjoy him so much more and develop a better relationship if you can feel happier around him.

 

[stanley101]

Thanks, I knew he was trying it on really. Its my first pony so don't really know what I'm doing yet. I will try to spend more time with him 'doing nothing' if you know what I mean. I also think I have been treating him too much like a pet dog and spoiling him a bit too much.

Thanks

S