Dealing with a timied Pony.

Question
G,day.  we have just bought a pony that is very very timied,  we have trying sitting there with her while she eats and putting here in a yard and locking her in there for a few days.  But when she gets back out into the paddock she goes back tot he way she was when we first got her.  The kids are beside them selves because they want to pat and brush her but they can't get near her.  l don't know what to do anymore??

Answer
Hi Kylie!

What you have here is either a pony that knows about people, is even possibly well-trained...but, she simply does not care to be with humans OR a pony that knows nothing about humans so obviously cares little for them.

Whatever her prior situation, this current one is the only thing that matters.

I suggest you start with contacting your local chapter of the Pony Club and ask them if you can join and get help with your pony.

Then I suggest FOOD!  Lots and lots of FOOD!  Become the center of her universe by feeding her lovely delicious things while you get to know her.  If you have to go so far as to limit her normal intake so she will have no choice but to come to you for food, you may have to.

Now, here is how you do it.  Put some yummies in a bucket and walk in her pen.  IGNORE her.  Do not speak or even look in her direction.  Leave the bucket and walk out.  That's day one.  Day two, stand next to the bucket but, continue to ignore her.  She will approach it on her own terms and start to eat.  Just stand and say nothing.  Then leave with the bucket.  Day three, walk in holding the bucket and continue to hold it, say nothing and allow her to approach when she wants and hold the bucket whilst she eats out of it.  Day four, do same as day three.  Day five, while she is eating out of the bucket while you are holding it, calmly and nonchalantly reach out and touch her.  

Watch your pony carefully (while acting like you are NOT watching her) and do as much touching as she will allow without getting freaked out or bothered.

Yes, this is the slow way to do it but, it builds a solid foundation of trust that both of you need to learn.  Go ahead and make it a family project allowing the children to take turns holding the bucket...IF they stick to the rules.  They all must follow the rules, that's very important.

Lastly, a pony is not a big stuffed animal.  They are difficult creatures at best and evil at their worst!  If you had written to me prior to purchasing, I would have said "Do not buy anything under the age of 25 years old, get a gelding and make sure it is used to small children...like it has given lessons to kiddies for the last 15 years."  

So, again I suggest you have a knowledgeable pony person out to evaluate your situation and progress and you ask him/her loads of questions so you may all better educate yourself on your new addition.

Solange