RE: Ponies Square up and kick

Question
We recently purchased 3 Chincoteague ponies that are 6 years old. Two mares and one male (gelded). They have been with the previous owner for the last 6 years. They are very sweet and seemed to be well behaved although both females square up and try to kick with both back legs at us if we are to close behind them. Is there anyway to break them of this behavior. The last time one of them tried to square up we tapped them on the but with a rake handle and she didn't complete the kick. Any advice would be appreciated.


Answer
Hi Reni!

What you have here is the classic situation of attempting to correct  a small problem that is obviously exhibiting itself  (dangerous kicking) when you should really be focusing on the true issue.

You have a very tricky situation.  You present yourself as relatively inexperienced horse owners and yet have 3 untrained ponies to deal with all at once.  And trust me, they are going to choose each other over you humans each time.  They have known each other all their lives and are a bonded herd.  You are nothing more than interlopers...to be chased away...by kicking.  In horse talk that clearly says "Back off!  You are too close and unwanted!!"

Do not attempt to solve this yourself.  They are faster and more clever than you think.  Any pyschical thing you have done or accomplished with them is because THEY ALLOWED it.  Not because the trust or respect your authority.  You have not established that yet.

You need help and guidance on site.  Speak to your vet, farrier or tack shop and have them recommend a local trainer who can help you.  It really should be one who has experience in ponies.  If you were to get a Quarterhorse trainer or a Dressage trainer, they may attempt to train the ponies like they always do with Quarterhorses or such...in training, one size does not fit all.  You could also contact your local Pony Club chapter and ask for traininer recommendations.

Have the trainer out to your place to evaluate your situation and discuss your goals.  If you like him/her hire them to put your ponies in training and also teach you and your family how to properly handle them and get some training exercises to use.  

These ponies need lots and lots of discipline.  They need to realize you are the new Boss Mare and must obey you 100% of the time.  And that means doing what YOU WANT them to do.  Think of them as kindergartners.  Do 5 yr. olds run the classroom?  Heavens no!  You must be "teacher" everyday, all day long.  Then, once you have established a firm control on the situation you can give them more and more freedom and becomes their true and trusted partner.

For now, stay well away from their backsides, as you do not have the correct training to stop this unwanted behavior.  It's best to just avoid the kicking for now.  Once you begin to really address the
the true issue of overall disrespect, then everything else will fall into place,the kicking will stop because they will have accepted you as their new leader.

Get some help.  Be firm, be consistent and be patient will them and you will have some wonderful ponies for the next 20 years  :-)

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

Solange