Pony threatening to bite and kick daughter
- Thread starter DottEE
- Start date
honetpot
Well-Known Member
I think I smell troll.
Just because a pony as a field of nice grass and a stable and you give it food and pat it that doesn't mean its the best enviroment for it.
Often and insecure pony will dominate others either ponies or small children, if this pony is on its own it was obviously happier being smacked occasionly by the nast YO than the 'pony paradise 'you have it in.
If it was my child I would take some of the good advice given.
Just because a pony as a field of nice grass and a stable and you give it food and pat it that doesn't mean its the best enviroment for it.
Often and insecure pony will dominate others either ponies or small children, if this pony is on its own it was obviously happier being smacked occasionly by the nast YO than the 'pony paradise 'you have it in.
If it was my child I would take some of the good advice given.
Foxhunter49
Well-Known Member
Oh dear sweet likkle pony lots of treats, lots of kisses and cuddles and no boundaries at all.
No wonder it is biting and threatening to kick.
I genuinely feel sorry for animals kept by people with this sort of attitude. They (the animals) are left with the responsibility of being in charge. That makes them revert to what for them, is natural behaviour. Then the owners wonder why. Like majority of replies to this, excuses are made instead of learning that the animals need a leader and firm boundaries. This does not mean beating the animal up - just means correcting bad behaviour not ignoring it.
Continue like this and it is a serious accident waiting to happen.
Last edited:
LaurenBay
Well-Known Member
I too think this is a troll post.
If not, my advice is this. Please get an instructor in ASAP to help you, you are too much of a novice to have a Pony at home and look after it yourself. Please before this pony hurts someone because the owners do not know how to teach it proper manners.
If not, my advice is this. Please get an instructor in ASAP to help you, you are too much of a novice to have a Pony at home and look after it yourself. Please before this pony hurts someone because the owners do not know how to teach it proper manners.
AmyMay
Situation normal
Giving you the benefit of the doubt. Get your pony a friend.
Booboos
Well-Known Member
Assuming you are not a troll:
1. Horses are herd animals and can become unsettled without company. It is very rare that a horse will settle on its own, you usually need two although that may lead to separation anxiety issues so you may need three. All these problems are overcome at livery yards so it's not always less work to keep horses at home.
2. Positive reinforcement is a great way to teach an animal but showing it your empty hands won't really get the message across. If you want to reward with food find some low calory food (hay nuts? pony nuts?) and start with a 'leave it' command. The horse's first reaction on seeing food should be to back away from it, so you avoid all problems with getting mollested for food. It's also important to mark the behaviour otherwise the horse may just think it is getting food indiscriminately. There quite a few resources on clicker training horse if you do a search on here.
3. Kicking: how long have you had the mare? Have you had her through her seasons before? It may be that she is grumpy because of her seasons, or it may be that the more structured regime of the yard suited her better. Either way you need to handle her until she re-learns to behave. Horses need to have their behaviour reinforced all the time and children may not always be able to do this.
1. Horses are herd animals and can become unsettled without company. It is very rare that a horse will settle on its own, you usually need two although that may lead to separation anxiety issues so you may need three. All these problems are overcome at livery yards so it's not always less work to keep horses at home.
2. Positive reinforcement is a great way to teach an animal but showing it your empty hands won't really get the message across. If you want to reward with food find some low calory food (hay nuts? pony nuts?) and start with a 'leave it' command. The horse's first reaction on seeing food should be to back away from it, so you avoid all problems with getting mollested for food. It's also important to mark the behaviour otherwise the horse may just think it is getting food indiscriminately. There quite a few resources on clicker training horse if you do a search on here.
3. Kicking: how long have you had the mare? Have you had her through her seasons before? It may be that she is grumpy because of her seasons, or it may be that the more structured regime of the yard suited her better. Either way you need to handle her until she re-learns to behave. Horses need to have their behaviour reinforced all the time and children may not always be able to do this.
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
Has to be a troll - the sisters hunter who never goes in the field have you ever known a hunter who does not go in the field in summer.
If not Op I apologise
1 stop feeding treats
2 please get some experianced help ASAP and try to take the advice you are given.
If not Op I apologise
1 stop feeding treats
2 please get some experianced help ASAP and try to take the advice you are given.
RunToEarth
Well-Known Member
Because you have started a thread and stated that you left the yard you are on because the YO repremanded the pony for being bolchy and treading on her toe, the pony nips your daughter and yet you do not think that is linked to the fact that you feed her lots of treats from your hand, and that you can't seem to see the issue with keeping pony alone.
I think you need a lot of experienced help for your daughter and yourself, assuming you are not a troll...
mirage
Well-Known Member
Even ponies that appear not to like company are happier with other equines in sight.We have one who doesn't appear to care if she has company or not,doesn't groom other ponies or nap when ridden away from them.I spoke to 2 of her previous owners who said she'd always been kept on her own or with goats.She has company now as I felt it wasn't right for her to be on her own.But,I have spent a lot of time observing her and noticed that she is a lot more relaxed when there are others about,she'll lie down and sleep in the field,which she never did when on her own.If your pony is alone,she is probably on high alert all the time-not good.
What does your daughter do when the pony threatens? I'm betting she jumps out of the way.Ponies are smart and soon learn that if they threaten,the annoying small person will move away and leave them alone.You both need some groundwork lessons as at the minute the pony has learnt that she is the boss,and that will make her unhappy,which will spiral into all sorts of unwanted behaviour.I second the suggestion of an Intelligent Horsemanship person to come and help you-it will be money well spent.
What does your daughter do when the pony threatens? I'm betting she jumps out of the way.Ponies are smart and soon learn that if they threaten,the annoying small person will move away and leave them alone.You both need some groundwork lessons as at the minute the pony has learnt that she is the boss,and that will make her unhappy,which will spiral into all sorts of unwanted behaviour.I second the suggestion of an Intelligent Horsemanship person to come and help you-it will be money well spent.
tessybear
Well-Known Member
Phone the RSPCA
You are more than welcome to she farted at me before when i was taking photos of her boobies 
Roasted Chestnuts
Well-Known Member
Look OP you have to be firm with horses, especially for your daughters sake. Think about it this way 200kilos of pony Vs what 30kilos of child? Really who is going to come off the worse in that one no matter how well looked after.
I have no qualms what so ever in giving any of mine a telling off, infact I have a mare who if your not on top of her you are on the deck with her going over the top of you to get to whatever food she can find.
This pony if it connects properly could break your childs bones at minimum or worse if it really gets her. Not to put you off but its not a puppy your playing with its a fully grown strong animal and you need to look at it as such, its not a my little pony.
I'm hoping you will take on board the advice, smacking a horse as a reprimand with hands (or feet) isn't going to do anything near the damage another horse would do. If they think they can boss you around like another horse then you need to disallusion them to that very quickly.
I have no qualms what so ever in giving any of mine a telling off, infact I have a mare who if your not on top of her you are on the deck with her going over the top of you to get to whatever food she can find.
This pony if it connects properly could break your childs bones at minimum or worse if it really gets her. Not to put you off but its not a puppy your playing with its a fully grown strong animal and you need to look at it as such, its not a my little pony.
I'm hoping you will take on board the advice, smacking a horse as a reprimand with hands (or feet) isn't going to do anything near the damage another horse would do. If they think they can boss you around like another horse then you need to disallusion them to that very quickly.
NeverSayNever
Well-Known Member
giving you the benefit of the doubt - dont get a 2nd pony. You will more than likely end up with separation issues and need a 3rd, plus end up with another pony walking all over you. For your daughter's sake, get that pony back to a decent yard with experienced staff who will put it firmly in it's place and then you can all start enjoying yourselves again.
poops
Well-Known Member
good advice, take note
hayley.t
Well-Known Member
If this is real then its very sad.
Definitely find a yard you are happy with and take your pony there, other riders and horses will benefit both your pony and daughter no end, my riding really improved when I moved yards and made some new friends who introduced me and my pony to other disciplines.
Ponies are not like dogs or toys, contrary to many a childrens book. In my opinion a pony who is happy and "loving" is one that knows the boundaries and respects his handler.
Definitely find a yard you are happy with and take your pony there, other riders and horses will benefit both your pony and daughter no end, my riding really improved when I moved yards and made some new friends who introduced me and my pony to other disciplines.
Ponies are not like dogs or toys, contrary to many a childrens book. In my opinion a pony who is happy and "loving" is one that knows the boundaries and respects his handler.
LollyDolly
Well-Known Member
As previously mentioned, don't bother buying a second and then no doubt third horse as you just don't have the experience.
Move back onto another livery yard where there are plenty of experienced staff who can help to educate you and deal with the pony.
However, I have to say that I believe that there is a troll in the dungeon.
Move back onto another livery yard where there are plenty of experienced staff who can help to educate you and deal with the pony.
However, I have to say that I believe that there is a troll in the dungeon.
JinglebellJessi & MistletoeMagic
Well-Known Member
This thread made for awkward reading. Regardless of whether this poster is a troll or not some people have been very rude.
What if its a real person? Surely education is better than name calling and patronising.
I suggest if the poster is truthful, that they take in the good, well-worded advice that some posters have put on here and seek the support of a professional individual.
We all have to start somewhere.
What if its a real person? Surely education is better than name calling and patronising.
I suggest if the poster is truthful, that they take in the good, well-worded advice that some posters have put on here and seek the support of a professional individual.
We all have to start somewhere.
tankgirl1
Well-Known Member
^^This. OP please seek some one to one professional advice, pony sounds like she is running rings round you and your daughter, and becoming potentially dangerous.
I also agree that she needs a companion.
You have done the right thing by asking for advice on here, please take that advice and run with it.
And keep us updated on how things pan out x
Moomin1
Well-Known Member
I have to say that this whole 'troll hunting' thing is beyond ridiculous on this particular thread.
Patterdale
Well-Known Member
I know of a situation almost exactly the same as this, so I find it very believable.
OP - you MUST stop giving this pony treats, and be firmer with her. Giving ponies treats makes them nip, and makes them pushy and bargy.
Telling them off correctly when they push etc is NOT cruel - allowing your pony to get to the stage where no one can handle it because its so aggressive IS.
I don't mean to be horrible, but please please take the advice given on this thread.
No more treats.
Firmer handling.
Get her a friend.
Good luck.
OP - you MUST stop giving this pony treats, and be firmer with her. Giving ponies treats makes them nip, and makes them pushy and bargy.
Telling them off correctly when they push etc is NOT cruel - allowing your pony to get to the stage where no one can handle it because its so aggressive IS.
I don't mean to be horrible, but please please take the advice given on this thread.
No more treats.
Firmer handling.
Get her a friend.
Good luck.
Moomin1
Well-Known Member
Best post of the thread.
snooples
Well-Known Member
Im horrified by the rudeness of people in this thread. If you think its a troll why dont people just not post.
If it is a woman genuinely asking for help, its disgusting behavour.
When I got my first pony many years ago I didnt have a clue either but we grew and learnt together like many other children with their first ponies.
I got help and advice from people along the way and luckily no one belittled me like many people on here seem to do to new horse owners.
If it is a woman genuinely asking for help, its disgusting behavour.
When I got my first pony many years ago I didnt have a clue either but we grew and learnt together like many other children with their first ponies.
I got help and advice from people along the way and luckily no one belittled me like many people on here seem to do to new horse owners.
Meowy Catkin
Meow!
I've re-read this thread and it is hard, uncomfortable reading. Looking back at the OP's previous thread, it does seem that she really was a genuine poster. I wish that i had looked at her previous posts sooner.
Billabongchick
Well-Known Member
Horse and Hound Online at it's bullying worst sadly. I hope you get it sorted OP and I think Patterdale's post summed up what my thoughts would have been. Good luck with the situation.
Aarrghimpossiblepony
Well-Known Member
To return to the OP.
Firstly a week is not very long at all for the pony to settle. She doesn't know you and she probably doesn't trust you. Build the trust and keep your daughter safe by always keeping in mind that this pony needs time and nothing can be taken for granted yet.
To the posters who are advocating strong handling after pointing out that the pony maybe nervous/frightened being alone, can you not see the inconsistency in your opinions?
Please explain how that works.
Frightened, unsettled pony in a new place with no companions has a change of behaviour and it's put down to aggression not fear?
Firstly a week is not very long at all for the pony to settle. She doesn't know you and she probably doesn't trust you. Build the trust and keep your daughter safe by always keeping in mind that this pony needs time and nothing can be taken for granted yet.
To the posters who are advocating strong handling after pointing out that the pony maybe nervous/frightened being alone, can you not see the inconsistency in your opinions?
Please explain how that works.
Frightened, unsettled pony in a new place with no companions has a change of behaviour and it's put down to aggression not fear?
Dizzy socks
Well-Known Member
Agreed.
babymare
Well-Known Member
I totally agree "arrrrghhh". The demons in my little mares head are a result of her previous owner treating "strongly" when her behaviour changed.but its surprising hiw quiet consistent handling can change that dangerous unrideable mare. why do i think she changed with previos owner. we believe that was when she started going blind. a fact i only found out after i had bought her( and would have still bought her if had known just to get her out of horrific situation.) i just wanted to say not all aggressive behaviour is simply that .there will be a reason fir it and hitting shouting and strong treatment will not fix it. Hope that makes sense
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
Phone the RSPCA
Did she give imformed consent for the photos ?
Your abuse knows no bounds !!
TrasaM
Well-Known Member
As Tessy is under the age of consent I'm afraid it's far worse than taking photos without express permission
Good post Aarghimpossiblepony. Whew.. That's a mouthful
Patterdale
Well-Known Member
Well, if the pony is biting, kicking, barging and being aggressive then I agree the most important thing is to eradicate the root cause.
But in the meantime do you suggest that said pony is allowed to just get on with his dangerous behaviour!!!?
Being firmer with him does not mean knocking the **** out of it. For example, it could mean pushing him away with a 'No!' when he's barging or an elbow in the neck if he bites.
And, fwiw....soft, passive and inconsistent handling (ie letting them walk all over you) IS usually the root cause of dominating and aggressive behaviour.
But in the meantime do you suggest that said pony is allowed to just get on with his dangerous behaviour!!!?
Being firmer with him does not mean knocking the **** out of it. For example, it could mean pushing him away with a 'No!' when he's barging or an elbow in the neck if he bites.
And, fwiw....soft, passive and inconsistent handling (ie letting them walk all over you) IS usually the root cause of dominating and aggressive behaviour.
cattysmith
Well-Known Member
Hello Dottee!
I really think it sounds as if your pony is perhaps feeling a little insecure in her new surroundings. It could well be that due to the fact she hasn't any company then she's confusing her behaviour and treating you as the closest thing she has to other horses!
I really think it would be worthwhile getting her a companion. Another small pony would be ideal.
Enjoy keeping the pony at home though! It's great having them so close.
I really think it sounds as if your pony is perhaps feeling a little insecure in her new surroundings. It could well be that due to the fact she hasn't any company then she's confusing her behaviour and treating you as the closest thing she has to other horses!
I really think it would be worthwhile getting her a companion. Another small pony would be ideal.
Enjoy keeping the pony at home though! It's great having them so close.