help- snapping pony mare

Happy Pony · 03-06-2009, 07:37 PM

I have a pony mare who is very smart- we've had her a month. About three weeks ago out of the blue she pinned her ears back, charged and snapped at me. It caught me by surprise. I have been firm and haven't let her get away with much since.

Mostly she's good. She hadn't snapped at me since the one time until today (almost 3 weeks later) when I approached her in the pasture and tried to touch her. I couldn't slap her chest because she hopped up off her front legs at me, snapped and ran away.

I'm very frustrated with her. The snapping is scary because it's so unpredictable. She was perfectly calm earlier and usually easy to catch. Is there anything I can do...since it's so unpredictable and both times when she has no halter on that she does it (so I can't reprimand her easily).

This is also my first mare- I had a gleding before.

belsenj · 03-07-2009, 05:04 AM

What she is doing is dangerous and sounds like she thinks she's in charge. You need to show her that she's not in charge, and YOU are.

Lunging or time in a round pen would help. Also, carry a whip with you and let her know immediately when she acts like that that you will not tolerate it.

Banat · 03-07-2009, 07:40 AM

Find a trainer and take some lessons.
This situation isn't something that a forum is going to be able to adequately help you with. A hands-on approach will be your best one.
Investing in some hands on help is always beneficial to both you and your horses.

Welcome to the forum and best of luck to you

Luna9 · 03-07-2009, 08:02 AM

I agree it sounds like she thinks shes boss. You need to do some ground work in a round pen with her. I do agree though and get someone to help you if you can. However all my learning as been done by reading and watching training videos online. I havent had much help otherwise. I would search on you tube for clinton anderson and the other good trainers and watch their videos on respect and ground work. They will help.

Happy Pony · 03-11-2009, 10:36 PM

Thank you. I did hire a trainer, and decided this pony was not a good choice for us. The trainer said the pony had too many issues and we weren't a good match.

Thanks for the welcome and good advice. I'm getting back into horses afrer many years.

Banat · 03-11-2009, 11:03 PM

I'm sorry that your first pony didn't work out for you, but I am very impressed that you sought advice from the trainer. Hopefully your trainer or another knowledgeable horse person will help you find a pony that is more suitable and you will have a great deal of fun.

Keep us posted on your horse adventures

03-06-2009, 07:37 PM	#1
Happy Pony Full Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: washington Posts: 87 Images: 4	help- snapping pony mare I have a pony mare who is very smart- we've had her a month. About three weeks ago out of the blue she pinned her ears back, charged and snapped at me. It caught me by surprise. I have been firm and haven't let her get away with much since. Mostly she's good. She hadn't snapped at me since the one time until today (almost 3 weeks later) when I approached her in the pasture and tried to touch her. I couldn't slap her chest because she hopped up off her front legs at me, snapped and ran away. I'm very frustrated with her. The snapping is scary because it's so unpredictable. She was perfectly calm earlier and usually easy to catch. Is there anything I can do...since it's so unpredictable and both times when she has no halter on that she does it (so I can't reprimand her easily). This is also my first mare- I had a gleding before.

03-07-2009, 07:40 AM	#3
Banat Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,673 Images: 48	Find a trainer and take some lessons. This situation isn't something that a forum is going to be able to adequately help you with. A hands-on approach will be your best one. Investing in some hands on help is always beneficial to both you and your horses. Welcome to the forum and best of luck to you __________________ You've been mooned

03-07-2009, 08:02 AM	#4
Luna9 Senior Member+ Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 5,073	I agree it sounds like she thinks shes boss. You need to do some ground work in a round pen with her. I do agree though and get someone to help you if you can. However all my learning as been done by reading and watching training videos online. I havent had much help otherwise. I would search on you tube for clinton anderson and the other good trainers and watch their videos on respect and ground work. They will help. __________________ Roscoe ~ 4yr Paint - 15.3HH Luna ~ 1yr Quarter Horse - 14.2HH Sunny 1yr Paint - 14.1HH Sydney 7m - Yellow Lab Jasper ~ 6m - Cat & Im a Mommy & a Wife! I Have Been Gobbled by Thom Turkey!!!

03-11-2009, 11:03 PM	#6
Banat Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,673 Images: 48	I'm sorry that your first pony didn't work out for you, but I am very impressed that you sought advice from the trainer. Hopefully your trainer or another knowledgeable horse person will help you find a pony that is more suitable and you will have a great deal of fun. Keep us posted on your horse adventures __________________ You've been mooned

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
snapping in stifle area?	Delkee	Horse Health	0	02-25-2009 12:37 PM
muscles make snapping noise.	Dressage-steps	Horse Health	4	02-07-2009 10:13 AM
Bits breaking/snapping?	giddybiddy	Tack & Equipment	19	06-01-2008 09:01 PM
11.2hh, 9 YO Pony mare in TN for Lease	Tydyecowgrrl	Equine Classifieds	2	09-25-2007 08:40 AM
Lipizzan stallions & Snapping turtles (pics)	shell	Horse Chat	23	05-10-2004 06:31 PM

03-07-2009, 05:04 AM	#2
belsenj Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 781 Images: 41	What she is doing is dangerous and sounds like she thinks she's in charge. You need to show her that she's not in charge, and YOU are. Lunging or time in a round pen would help. Also, carry a whip with you and let her know immediately when she acts like that that you will not tolerate it.

03-11-2009, 10:36 PM	#5
Happy Pony Full Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: washington Posts: 87 Images: 4	Thank you. I did hire a trainer, and decided this pony was not a good choice for us. The trainer said the pony had too many issues and we weren't a good match. Thanks for the welcome and good advice. I'm getting back into horses afrer many years.