Solving Pony Problems

 randomly reward ponies seeking attention by feeding them carrots or other treats. Instead, give verbal rewards or soft pats on the neck but only when the pony has actually followed through with obedience to a request on cue.

Address any areas of housekeeping that may encourage the biting behaviour by inducing boredom. Plenty of turn out, hopefully with other ponies, donkeys, or horses that are more dominant than the individual in question plus plenty of work and productive daily activities can thwart boredom.

Ensure that the pony is not in pain, or being mishandled in any way, or being defensive due to bullying by other animals. Check the tack and equipment for proper fit so that work is not associated with pain and soreness.

If the pony does attempt to bite, a quick surprise spray of water on the nose from a plastic water pistol (by an adult, and not as a game) can alleviate the problem. An unpleasant pinch on the nose can also be administered. In the worst cases where the biting habit has become dangerous, the pony can be muzzled.

As with any equine bad habit, retraining negative behaviour to positive may require professional help if that behaviour is significant and/or dangerous.

Kicking Out

Kicking, like biting, is one of the horse’s survival mechanisms. A mare teaches her foal to gentle its aggressive behaviour, such as biting the teat too hard, by lifting her hind leg in a slow manner as a warning. If the warning isn’t heeded the mare may kick out toward the foal as a further indication that it needs to stop its unwanted behaviour.

A reprimand for a pony deliberately kicking out should be swift, but short and sweet. A warning such as the snap of a longe whip, or a sharp poke in the ribs with your elbow or the handle end of a riding crop, administered by an adult without anger, is usually enough to put a stop to the behaviour. But it must be done in the moment. Do not engage in an argument with the pony. Once you have dished out a rebuke, turn away as if to dismiss the animal from your mind and leave the space, but keep an eye over your shoulder.

If the pony is a repeat offender, for safety’s sake always tie him when working with him. Start a training program utilizing a round pen and natural horsemanship techniques to make him move his hooves where you want them to go. There is an expression: control the horse’s mind by controlling the feet. Stand in the centre of a pen or small arena and begin with directional work at walk, trot, and canter. If you don’t have access to a suitable space, utilize longe work to do the same thing. There are myriad online and print/audio resources you can access to learn the proper way to employ these valuable techniques.