Abused old pony

Question
Hi,
my boss got this very sweet shetland pony. He was seriously abused and hes a great when we pony him off of other horses and does what is asked of him. He does not like his feet being touched. Hes VERY skittish and for the work that we do we cant have a pony like that. Im taking him in with me for a while till he is sound proof for kids. (he and my horse are really attached and we cant stand to seperate them now)  I need all the advice and help i can get to let this pony know that I/WE will not let anything happen to him while working or anywhere else that we take him with the other 2 ponies. I know what to do to help him get used to stange noises in different situations but how can i help break him of think someone is going to hit him when we go to pet him or if theres ropes around...

please help!!!

Thanks

Stephanie

Answer
Hello Stephanie,
Sounds like you have a great attitude and enough knowledge to help your pony! The tricky thing with horses and ponies that have had bad experiences is that it can make the people around them act differently. People tend to move slowly and try to be more quiet in their movements when the horse is bothered. I invite you to get big! Be Silly! While you lounge him around skip, stop, and skip again. When you go to pet him stand at his side and bring your hand in fast towards his eye, then slow and pet him. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Throw ropes over is back and wiggle them around. You want your pony to realize he does not have to look at the tool you are using and assume its meaning, he needs to read your body language! Sometimes ropes mean go, sometimes they mean its time to get pet by a rope. If he gets big and nervous you get big and silly- as he slow's you slow- he stop's you stop. Soon he will feel in control of the situation- "Here comes Stephanie with a plastic bag! If I hold still I know she will get quiet and take it away." Remember, Advance with the Pressure and then Retreat with the Pressure.
Let me know if you have any problems with this and keep up your great attitude!
Best Wishes,
Caitlin Day Huntress