Please help our new pony!

Question
Hi, Bought a pony on Saturday and we now realise he must have been heavily
sedated as he was fine with a small jockey on his back.  When we got him
home he displayed extreme nervousness/fear. He is very jumpy when we
approach him, however calm and slow our approach.  When turned out in the
school he is extremely difficult to catch.  He tries to bolt when we touch him.  
We have lightly schooled him on the lunge but spooks for no apparent reason
(he also does this in the stable and did so once banging his face on the wall)
and tonight managed to get a saddle and bridle on him.  When we applied
slight pressure on his back he displayed utter fear and bolted.  We are very
worried for him and are desperate to make him happy, even if we can't work
him.  The farrier and vet have checked him over and cannot find any apparent
physical cause.  He also stands in the back of his stable and we haven't been
able to groom him as he is so scared.  We have spent hours stood at the door
quietly, trying to get him used to us etc. but he is still very frightened.  The
vendor clearly lied to us and has since been untraceable.  The pony does have
a scar on his back foot consistent with a wire cut, but it seems there is no
residual damage.  He has been castrated but his passport does not have the
vetinary stamp, date or any other authenticity.  His papers say he is 4 1/2
years old but his teeth suggest he may be a year younger.  Please help - it is
very disturbing to see such a disturbed pony....

Answer
Hi Louise!

Before I recommend anything specific, I'd like a little more information.

Is this your first pony/horse?  What are your goals with him and who will be riding him?  Do you have a specific timeframe or can you take the time and effort to really work with him and not be put into a financial bind?

As for right now, I would do no more work with him or in fact give him any really thorough human interaction.  He needs to be out with other horses but, not just any herd.  He is very young and does not need to be picked on.  He needs a "babysitter" an older gelding or two or some nice older mares....basically he needs to be in with the old horses.  Just till he settles down and is ready to fend for himself in a younger, more rambunctious group.  He needs to understand he is OK and his new home is OK and nothing can explain that better to him than other horses.  Time off from humans at this young age is fine and will not impact his later training.  So, get him out with some buddies and watch him begin to relax.

Solange