Pony naughty with feet :(

[Piaffe63]

When I try to pick out pony's feet, he slams his feet down and kicks out with the back ones This behavoir has only just started- he never used to do it before My only thought is that he is in a riding school, and maybe he's had his feet dropped?? It's really bad manners and no matter how firmly I tell him, he still does it!! I always make an effort to be really gentle with his feet, never drop them myself. What can I do?? Thanks

 

[fburton]

I would, at least for a decent period of time, stop telling him off (in case that is upsetting him and actually contributing to the bad behaviour) and just stay calm throughout. I would start rewarding him for every slight improvement in behaviour towards what you would consider ideal - even if that's only less slamming or kicking. Worth a try?

Is he still being handled by other people? If so, that makes it more complicated. The way they are handling him could be what's causing the bad behaviour. It would be better if it was just you handling him, until you get this sorted out.

 

[Piaffe63]

Thanks for that- i'll start straight away
He's a really lovely pony so hopefully it should get better soon x

 

[Tisbob123]

*sigh* Is Folly being a bit of a sausage? I would check with Cher to see if this is happening with others and ask if she could watch others picking feet out to see what they do. Btw, like they signature