Ravaging Pony!!!! HELP!!!!!!

Horse Freak · New member Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 2

I really need some advice!!! We purchased an 8 year old, 10.5hh Shetland Pony last summer and at first he was really good with the kids. Then things started to go downhill, biting was his first fault. Then he ATTACKED my other sixteen hand Quarter Horse, almost ripping his throat out!!! Then he got into bolting while he was on a line. Now he corners you with his but and tries to kick the stuffing out of you. We do have professional handlers up there but it does not seem to help. We really would like to sell him but who will buy a pony like that?! I really need some advice because, HE IS DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

elizavixen · Senior Member Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 683 Location: SC

Does he act like this all the time? Like, does he act crazy if he is alone? A change like that may be linked to some sort of medical condition. I would have him checked out by a vet.

Samsintentions · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 4267 Location: Texas

Shetlands have the reputation for getting agressive and mean with age.
I would suggest some serious training.
Punishing him with hitting is NOT going to help. IF he acts inthis behavior, simply corect him by tying him out for extended amounts of time. Start with an hr, if this doesn't help, go longer.

Remember You MUST do this RIGHT away, punishing him 5-10 minutes later won't help. If he misbehaves and bolts, tie him up righ tthen and there.

As for the kicking, he's trying to become dominant overyou, and has obviously succeeded! Your going to have to regain your status as alpha.

Try and consult a trainer, someone in your area should beable to help.

Berriano · Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 1:37 am Post subject:

Where are you located?

horses93 · New member Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Posts: 14

i think you should get him a friend like a dog, cat, or other horse/pony

Samsintentions · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 4267 Location: Texas

putting another animal in with an unruly pony can lead to a disaster. He could turn on the other animal. Donkeys however do have a tendancy to calm them down. I've seen donkeys cure a 16hh qh from his temper tantrums. This sounds bad, but the donkey will litterally kick the fire out of them, and let them know whats right and whats wrong. Donkeys have no tollerance for unruly behavior and will almost always take charge to "fix" a younger horses vices.