welsh 2yr old

Question
Hi there, was just reading a post about a lady that got kicked by her pony and in it you explained about not leting it turn tail on her or put its ears back... i also have a 2 yr old welsh, he is playfull but not aggressive, he does however always put his ears back, hes never done anything nasty to go with the ears pinned but when you go to catch him and call him and he comes running at you to say hello with his ears pinned to other people it can look quite sceary, is there away to stop him always having this grumpy face?  Also ive worked on the ground with him since he was a foal, i weigh 49kg, do you think its to early to start lightly ridding him? Thanks heaps.

Answer

Huddle and Taylor! Hi Joline!

Pinned ears are disrespectful.  He may not be biting or kicking you yet, but if you don't establish some leadership, he will.  Horses will come with with their own plan, and if you are not a leader he can trust, then what he comes up with you may not like.  

I want my horses to approach me with kindness and respect.  When your pony runs up to you with his ears pinned it IS scary!  People can feel that it is not right!  They are right to be scared.  I would not allow him to do this to you or anyone.  Right now he is young, and he is warning you.  He is telling you very clearly that he does not respect you.  Horses use their very expressive ears to tell you in a very honest way when they are not pleased with you.  This is not the relationship you want to develop.  If you allow it to continue, you will have bigger problems in the not to distant future.

If he cannot approach you in a calm, submissive, respectful way, drive him off.  It is the same thing that the herd leader would do.  Simple, clear and decisive. ONLY allow him close when he is respectful, ears up or relaxed and attentively listening.  

You will need to learn the classical ground school I use in order to teach these concepts to your horse.  Read the "Ground Work" book by Buck Brannaman. It clearly outlines the use of a flag, and ground work that is really meaningful to the horse.  

I would not be riding a 2 year old welsh pony.  Wait.  I would never be riding any horse that was not gentle and respectful with me.  Buck Brannaman visits NZ every other year.  Attend his clinic.  It is a must for you, there is so much missing in your horsemanship education.  I have several friends in the Christchurch area that would be willing to help you.  E-mail me and I will give you their contact information.  

Denise

Hummmm....I'm trying to attach a picture for you and it doesn't want to work!!!  Dang ol' computers!!!  I'll try again!