Breaking a pony

Question
Hi, thank you in advance for your help.  We have a 3-4 year old pony, not sure of breed she is 49 inches tall and is black and white.  We were told that she has been ridden by the previous owners grandchildren, with just a halter and lead rope.  I'm beginning to question this and was hoping for some advise from you.  She will come right to me when I call her name, she will let me halter her and has taken the bit once.  She is fairly calm, but can be very naughty.  She will run and buck like crazy for no reason, if you leave the halter on her she will buck and roll on the ground over and over, after about an hour she will straighten up. If I'm holding the halter or lead she will not try this.  She also likes to kick at me.  If I try and shut the door to the barn or the gate she will turn and kick.  If I try to approach her in the pasture she will rear or sometimes turn to kick.  If I wait at the gate and call her she will come running and act very well.  I wanted some advise on where to start with her.  I is very sweet when she wants to be.  Thanks, Jenny

Answer
Hi Jenny!

The best advice I can give you is to speak to your vet, farrier or tack shop and have them recommend a local pony trainer who can give you "hands-on" help.  That is what you both need.  Also, Google to find where your local Pony Club chapter is and contact them about training.

Ponies are difficult little creatures at best and you have a baby to boot.  She is clearly showing you disrespect and is quite loudly telling you she is "Boss Mare"....not you.  I feel that you are allowing this either unconsciously or through an attempt to not "be mean" to her.  When, that is exactly what she needs....strict discipline that is followed through on 24/7/365.  I do not mean beating her with a 2x4.  I mean correctly communicating with her that YOU are in charge.

It is very common that new owners are too easy on their horses through fear of retribution (biting, kicking and such) when in fact, being too nice will cause a horse to bite and kick out because they feel free to do so...because there will be no punishment.  And new owners of ponies are even nicer because it is such a little thing.  HA! They tend to be the worst of the lot to take advantage of a kind soul.

Get a professional trainer out to your place, have them observe your handling, access your situation and discuss your future goals. Hire them to train you both in solid ground manners and get that pony to obey you.  Or you will have a spoilt rotten little thing that will terrorize anyone who asks it to do anything it does not want to.  And it will never be safe for children.

The first priority in a human/horse relationship is safety....and especially when children are involved. The only way for a horse or pony to be safe is to be well trained.  No magic tricks or gimmicks.  Just old-fashioned time and effort based on a working relationship between the horse and human.

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange