Unusual pony behaviour, any advice

[MissyMew]

My daughters pony was acting very unusual this afternoon.
We have owned him for 2 years, and this is the first time he's done this.
When I ride my horse I bring them both in and put the pony in the stable.

The pony was quite itchy when he came in and likes a good rub in the stable, but seemed more agitated than normal. I rode in the field doing a bit of schooling, look up and to my horror see the ponies front feet on top of the stable door!!

He's only 11.1 and it's a full size door. I ride back straight away, he does it again! He's a bit nervy sometimes, and the first to notice any changes. He was stolen once and left with a bag over his head for 48hrs before being found, at least that's what his last owner told me to explain his head shy ness.

I am putting this down to the fact I am having a school built at the moment and he's not coping to well with all the lorrys and men in hi-viz jackets. They are turned out away from all the activity but can see it. Poor little guy hope he settles down once all finished, hes great with little people, just not too keen on strange men! Bit worried about DD riding him this weekend.

 

[Rose Folly]

Is it possible to keep the little 'un somewhere else while the workmen (and machines?) are about?

It's always scary when a horse/pony starts to try to jump out. One of my livery ponies (12.2) negotiated a full size half door last year. Livery owner's hubby, a builder, then built a taller door. Pony tried it again and managed to hang herself by her fetlocks! Mercifully someone was about and averted an calamity.

Would there be any mileage in actually 'introducing' the pony to the workmen, and showing him the machines etc. or is he too fraught? It's obviously going to be a big worry to you till the work is done...

 

[dressedkez]

I think it is a case of showing him what is going on. I learnt someting new this weeek, and the reason why racehorse trainers have plenty of poultry around their yards and yappy dogs....it is simply to get youngsters used to flapping noisy wings, and dogs darting out - if they grow up in this environment, then they become used to this as part of everyday life..not rocket science really - and one of the reasons why I love buying ex racehorses, is beause they can cope with the modern environment. They might be un-schooled, but everyday stuff, including traffic thay cope with V well - a bg plus really!

 

[Mince Pie]

I've had my cob for nearly 6 years and have moved him several times. Once we moved to a yard and the first day he also got his feet over the door twice. He has never done it since and has since moved twice more.

Unless it happens a lot I wouldn't be too worried although maybe lunge him before your daughter gets on?