Pony: Animal behaviour and problems.

General information

Among the numerous horse breeds there are animals of small growth which one calls pony. For instance the Shetland pony measuring between 98 cm and 106 cm. For a long time, these small horses were used in the mining industry, where they had to transport the coal ore into the gallery. Later the ponies got more and more popular as riding animals for children. The two pictures above show two robust and sturdy Iceland ponies who are hardened and toughened to a sparse life in a tough climate.

Ponies are not a gymnastic equipment! A great number of schoolgirls and schoolboys continuously gets acquainted with the pony and instructed technically in riding lessons. The relationship with the pony, however, mostly comes off badly. There are for instance those ponies who have to "transport" children by the dozen almost in hourly rates. It is obvious that the animals thus suffer and waste away. Ponies do also need love and care!

Social behaviour

Ponies are herd animals and have the natural need to always see, hear and smell their fellow species and to have body contact with them. Keeping them in individual boxes is, therefore, not appropriate to the species. The herd gives the flight animal pony security and also offers him protection from the enemy. Nobody, be it man or animal, can ever replace a fellow species. Ponies form so-called stallion families: One stallion guards jealously several mares as well as their foals and older cubs.

Behavioural disturbances

The most known behaviour disorders are the "sawing" and the "weaving". Biting, gnawing at wooden articles, shying, kicking are often the result of keeping the animals in ways not appropriate to their species or of dealing badly with them. Constantly kicking and biting ponies are dangerous for the persons who look after them.

Man-Animal communication

Many fine methods for better communication between man and pony have been developed in the course of the centuries. Apart from command helps while riding and/or going by train or by car (rein lead, methods on urging on the pony, weight shifting), the daily contact with the animal in the form of speaking, flattering or administering reward titbits is the most important "way of talking".

Undesirable behaviour

Shying, biting, kicking or even gnawing at equipment objects are often the result of keeping the animals in ways not appropriate to their species or of dealing badly with them. The "sawing" and the "weaving" also represent a big problem. "Sawing" cannot be healed and, moreover, is detrimemntal to the health of the pony.

Mood barometer

Ponies show a clear diplay. If one can see the white of their eyes or if they put their ears back, then it's best not to tangle with them. If on the other hand they eat quietly, there is no danger in approaching them. Also when riding out it is easily detectable if the pony is in a nervous, explosive or quiet and relaxed mood. The position fo the ears and the facial expression tell a lot. Experienced pony owners know how to interpret these signs and to recognize the prevailing mood.

Psychology of animals

In order to better understand the pony and his species-specific nature, it is recommendable to study the behaviour of feral ponies in more detail, i. e. to read books about it. It is also a fact that in the course of the domestication of the feral pony, his basic nature as a typical herd and flight animal has hardly changed. If we recognize the natural needs of the animal and behave accordingly, we will much quicklier be able to acquaint ourselves with the pony. Moreover, we also learn to realize when we can demand something and have our way and when it is better not to impose on him.