Uncatchable pony has colic - in a 7 acre field

[DuckToller]

Got a call from a friend to say she had driven past my field a twice this afternoon and noticed one of mine was laying down both times - unusual for him. I went up and he didn't come over with the others to have his tea, so I walked over to him and offered him the bucket. He didn't want to eat, kept getting down and laying there, but everytime I walked up with the bucket he got up and walked off.

Friend came in her lorry ready to help me get him home and we tried together to catch him. I managed to get my arms round his neck but he pulled away each time and we couldn't get the headcollar on. It got darker and the others got wound up so we had to give up.

Have spoken to vet who is now on standby, busy rounding up friends to try to catch the uncatchable pony by removing the other horses from the field - in the dark and rain - great. Anyone fancy helping (just joking!). OH and horsey friends all coming.

Any useful ideas anyone?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

This might help.
Next time you get close enough to him to put your arms round his neck - don't. Instead put the rope over his neck and get hold of the 2 ends in one hand. Some horses respond well to this and stand quite still. Of course yours might just pull away from you.
Good luck!

 

[DuckToller]

Good plan - thanks. Never been able to catch him in 6 years but never really needed to - he will follow others in from the field and walk into his stable at home no problem, and will stand to have headcollar on at the field gate when I need to bring them home for farrier etc.

But the field gate leads onto a main road so really not looking forward to trying to catch them in the rain and dark. Urgh.

 

[CharlotteA]

See if one of your horsey friends can bring some spare electric fencing with them and make the field smaller until you have a small enough space to catch him. nice and gently though so you don't completely freak him out! Hope you get there in the end!