I've just taken on the sweetest little grey pony for training and, as everyone knows, scruffy little grey ponies are really Secret Unicorns :-)
In his early life, he spent time with travellers and had his rib broken by human violence (as opposed to a kick from another horse). He almost certainly had his front leg tied up as a form of restraint, possibly to "break" him. He is the most ear shy pony I have ever met, he has only ever had a bridle put on by taking it apart first and then re-assembling it on his head. He is uncomfortable being groomed, which he shows by snapping at people. And yet, he is also the sweetest and most adorable little chap, he clearly wants to engage with people and he has an intensity about him that I have rarely encountered.
He spent 2 years in a riding school, but eventually sold on as they were unable to get him to go forwards. On the lead rein with a confident adult leader he seems happy to plod along at a snail's pace, with a child rider off the lead rein he simply plants and won't move. He needs an adult to lead him, with a child leading he also just plants and won't move. In fact, he seems rather anxious around children altogether.
At this stage, I'm his last hope for re-schooling to make a child's riding pony but he seems too good for a life as just a pasture companion. Spending all day eating grass doesn't seem to suit his personality, he loves to be interested in everything that is going on around him and to be in the centre of activity. Hopefully I'll be able to help him with his issues and secure him a brighter future :-)
In his early life, he spent time with travellers and had his rib broken by human violence (as opposed to a kick from another horse). He almost certainly had his front leg tied up as a form of restraint, possibly to "break" him. He is the most ear shy pony I have ever met, he has only ever had a bridle put on by taking it apart first and then re-assembling it on his head. He is uncomfortable being groomed, which he shows by snapping at people. And yet, he is also the sweetest and most adorable little chap, he clearly wants to engage with people and he has an intensity about him that I have rarely encountered.
He spent 2 years in a riding school, but eventually sold on as they were unable to get him to go forwards. On the lead rein with a confident adult leader he seems happy to plod along at a snail's pace, with a child rider off the lead rein he simply plants and won't move. He needs an adult to lead him, with a child leading he also just plants and won't move. In fact, he seems rather anxious around children altogether.
At this stage, I'm his last hope for re-schooling to make a child's riding pony but he seems too good for a life as just a pasture companion. Spending all day eating grass doesn't seem to suit his personality, he loves to be interested in everything that is going on around him and to be in the centre of activity. Hopefully I'll be able to help him with his issues and secure him a brighter future :-)