Pony behavior-Constantly tries to eat

Question
We have recently purchased a 10yr old Shetland pony(11.2h).  He has a great attitude and is very safe.  So far the problem habits that we are facing are related to eating.  The previous owners fed him by hand, let him be grabby while feeding him, let him graze while in hand and eat on the trail.  He acts as if he is starving constantly.  When I turn him out in the arena all he does is go for the fence to reach through and get a bite. When I'm leading my daughter on him he'll almost dive to get a bite. My daughter is only 2 and he almost pulls over his head when he does it.  We do not feed him by hand at all.  Treats are given in his feeder.  I weigh his food for every feeding so I'm sure he's getting the right amount for his body weight. He is penned alone so he does not have to fight for food.  I'm not sure how to correct this behavior. Thank you

Answer
Hi Lorrie!

His eating habits are not from hunger but, simply just a habit that happens to taste good.  He can be trained out of it.  You will have to be very consistent though and not allow any deviations from the course of his training.  None.  Ever.  Not even for a special treat or to keep him quiet.  Once he learns it is a losing proposition with him coming out on the unpleasant end of it, he will stop trying.

It sounds like you have begun with a solid base of restricting food to where he is allowed to have it.  Also not over-feeding him grain is excellent too.  However, allow him free access to hay/forage.  Just do not give him any alfalfa hay...anything bright green.  He will do just fine on a lower protein second cutting timothy hay.  And he can have lots of it, what we all "busy hay".

You should be longeing him several times a week at all three gaits on voice command.  He needs to respect your authority and voice cues....spending time longeing him will carry over your dominance in every other aspect of future training.

Next, do not have a rider on his back for a week or so.  Just longe him, get his body tired and his mind focused and do brief but, goal-oriented training periods.  The goal is to walk him by tasty shrubs and grass and have him ignore them.  How?  Well, you will have to use a leadline with a stud chain on it and put the chain over his nose. Walk him around with purpose and authority and when he strays from your side, shank the chain, yell "NO!" firmly and get him back to your side and walk him on as if nothing happened.  You must exhibit complete control while never "asking" for it but, "expecting" it.  You are the Boss Mare and he must follow blindly.  Only when you feel he is completely listening to you and not eating, should you re-introduce a rider.

Of course he is going to test you, just be firm and consistent...he will stop.

I recommend putting grass reins or pony reins on him.  They will physically keep him from thrusting his head down and pulling your child off in the process.

The combination of training the behavior out of him and the psychical restraint will help to make for a better pony and riding partner!

If you have no idea how to longe or correctly attach grass reins to his bridle and saddle, ask for help from your vet, farrier, local Pony Club or tack shop.  These things will help but, only if you apply and use them correctly.

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

Solange