READ MY MIND

SOLVE COMMON PROBLEMS BY WORKING OUT WHAT YOUR PONY IS THINKING

Sometimes our ponies can confuse us. We ask for one thing, and they do another. Or one day they are great at an exercise and then the next they can’t seem to remember doing it at all. The important thing to remember is that ponies are not naughty on purpose, and there is always a reason for our pony acting the way he is. Trying to understand the world from his point of view can help you to understand his behaviour, so that rather than becoming frustrated, you can work with him to solve any problems you are having.

Problem 1: Spookiness

The problem: The mere sight of a plastic bag, dustbin or new plant pot sends your pony flying sideways, upwards and backwards.

What is going through his head: “That scary thing could hurt me!”

What you can do: You can show your pony that the object he is scared of is nothing for him to worry about. Start by putting the scary object in the arena and bringing him closer to it. You should go slowly and take the time he needs to feel comfortable. Remember, he is not being naughty! He is scared and will need lots of reassurance from you.

Problem 2: Impossible to catch

The problem: When you go to bring your pony in for a ride, he runs away from you.

What is going through his head: “You want to ride me and take me away from my friends. I would rather stay here where it is safe and munch some grass!”

What you can do: Make sure that you bring your pony in to do fun things, like handgrazing, not just for work. Instead of schooling him every time you catch him, treat him with a relaxing grooming session or bring him in and give him a few carrots before turning him out again. Soon he will trust you more and be happier to come with you, as he will associate you with nice things as well as hard work!

Problem 3: Challenging to lead

The problem: Your pony pulls or pushes you around when you lead him.

What is going through his head: “There’s grass over there that I’d like to eat.”

What you can do: Most of us spend more time on the ground with our pony than in the saddle, so it’s very important that he leads well. Practising groundwork is a great way to help with this, and doing this work in the arena to begin with can avoid some of the temptations caused by green grass! Start with simple walk-halt-walk transitions and then try leading him around some obstacles. For instance, you could weave in and out of some trees or put down some cones and do the same. You can also try to get him to back up, as this is a great exercise for building his core. If you are struggling to get your pony to listen to you on the ground, ask an adult to help you out or try leading him in his bridle, so you have a little more control.

Problem 4: He won’t load!

The problem: Your pony won’t go into the box.

What is going through his head: “I am scared of dark, enclosed spaces, so I can’t go in.”

What you can do: Regularly practice loading your pony into the horsebox, so that it becomes easier in future — trying to teach your horse to load when you have somewhere to be like a lesson or show is never going to go well, as you are under time-pressure and your pony will feel your stress, and be even more anxious. Instead, practice loading him and unloading him on a regular basis, even if you aren’t taking him anywhere. Another important tip is to always give your pony loads of time with loading. Ponies and horses are claustrophobic so asking them to get into a horsebox is a big thing, and we need to give them lots of time to figure out that it is safe. Another good idea is to put a hay net in the box or even feed your pony in the box so that he comes to associate the box with pleasant experiences. All of this should help make loading a lot easier for both of you!

Final thoughts

If you are worried about your pony’s behaviour, get some expert help. Speak to your instructor, yard manager or a qualified equine behaviourist to get some advice. Just remember – ponies are not naughty by nature, so be sympathetic and help them to understand what it is you are asking them to do.