This summer the owner of the ranch (Nicole) and I are planning trips
in which we will bring her almost 2 year old freisian filly (Helena) to
the parks and have her pony. Nicole will pony here, using her well
trained QH gelding. Mystery and I and probably friends will accompany
her.
Mystery has learned his manners around adult horses. He grew up in
a mixed herd situation and currently lives with a mixed herd but no
babies. He's known Helena since she was born...also knows her mother
who is huge and who he is very wary of. Helena and her mom (Nitasha)
are now seperated since Natasha has a new colt and is also in foal...
We practiced ponying around the ranch for the first time Sat.
Helena did great. However, Mystery insists on giving her the
"meanies"... ears back, head nodding saying "I'm above you status wise"
(not physically..we are talking freisians here!). I try and distract
him, verbally relay my displeasure using voice..it works to a certain
extent. His next step is to side jump at her as he would in the
pasture, regardless of my displeasure. So, we kept our distance and
worked on it.
Finally, my question, any suggestions for breaking him of this habit?
I'm also reinforcing his good behavior...when we are all three
standing and he is not doing his "meanies" at her, I praise him. I
just dont' want him to kick her when she is being ponied or gets too
close to him. What is interesting is he doesn't treat adult horses
this way....
Thanks!
Kimberly (&Mystery the Morab)