CREATING A HAPPY PONY

WE ALL WANT OUR PONIES TO BE HAPPY, BUT WHAT CAN WE DO TO ENSURE THEY ARE?

The first step in creating a happy pony is recognising that ponies don't have the same wants and needs as we do; ponies evolved to roam in herds and look for food 24/7, and these are the things that make them feel happy and fulfilled. To help remember this, scientists created the 3Fs (Forage, Freedom and Friends) to remind us that our horses and ponies need access to grass around the clock, the ability to roam and move and time to spend with their herd mates.

If you can meet all three Fs for your pony, you can almost guarantee you have a happy pony on your hands.

Here we give you eight ideas of things you can do to give your favourite pony the best and happiest home imaginable:

1. GIVE HIM TIME WITH HIS PONY PALS

Ponies are meant to exist in herds, so they prefer to spend time with others, particularly during turnout. If, for some reason, your pony has to be turned out in a separate paddock, always make sure that he has other horses and ponies nearby and can reach his friends over the fence.

2. NOTICE HIS FRIENDS

Just like people, some ponies get on with each other better than others. So, regularly observe your pony in his herd to ensure all the group are getting on okay. Small squabbles are normal, but if you’re worried your pony is being bullied, speak to your yard manager and consider moving him into a different group.

3. KEEP FRIENDS NEARBY

Keeping your pony’s friends nearby when he’s in the stable is a great way to keep him and his buddies calm. Ponies and horses don’t feel safe when isolated, so try and make sure that even when your horse is in the stable, he can still see (and ideally touch!) one or two of his best mates.

4. KEEP MOVING

In the wild, horses and ponies can move up to 40km a day in search of food. This amount of movement keeps them healthy and in shape. Of course, for our domesticated horses, 40km hikes aren’t possible on a day-to-day basis, but even giving your pony a slightly bigger paddock, allowing him to be out in the paddock for more of the day, and taking him for more walks (in hand or under saddle) will make a big difference.

5. TURNOUT TIME

Maximising turnout time is key to creating a happy pony. Ponies love to move and play, and putting them into the paddock, particularly if they are with other ponies and can move around a lot, is great for their mental health as well as keeping them active and supple.

6. PLAYTIME

If your pony is stabled for parts of the day, try and keep his need to look for food engaged with a stable toy. A hay ball, slow feeder or a pony-safe toy that hangs on the wall will give him something else to do when he’s not out in the paddock or spending time with you!

7. LET HIM BE A PONY

Letting your pony be a pony is VERY important. Sure, it can be frustrating to watch your pony roll immediately after you’ve given him a nice bath, but remember that these kinds of natural behaviours are exactly what he would do in the wild; so, rather than getting upset or trying to prevent him getting muddy (again!) encourage him to be himself and have some fun.

8. EXPLORE

Ponies and horses in the walk love to forage and find new and different types of grass. Of course, in our modern domesticated setting, this is difficult to recreate, but taking your pony on hand walks and letting him ‘browse’ for new and interesting grasses and leaves is a great way to stimulate his mind and allow him to try some new and different forage options.