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We have a new problem with our old
family pony. Pokey is a Shetland gelding that we have had since our
first of five daughters was five years old. We figured he was about 10
years old in 1978 when we got him, so he is now just over 30. Pokey has
always been an absolute joy of a character--no care, laid back, 100%
trustworthy around kids, and there for us whenever we needed him. He's
done lead-line, driving, and kids' parties, and gets along well with
anyone and any horse. He loves attention, even from the vets. We trim
his feet about once a year, and he's always great. He's been as healthy
and sound as when we first got him. So, of course, we've been planning
that Pokey will make it through to the grandchildren.
Well, to our recent problem. Believe
it or not, Pokey had never had his teeth floated. He has always stayed
fairly fat at pasture, with just a little hay in the worst of the
winter. A couple of months ago the dentist was here, and we decided to
have her take a look at Pokey. He came right up to us and let her check
him out with no problem. She found a couple of points, and agreed that
while she was at it she could do a little bit that might help him chew
better. We all agreed he should be fine without a tranquilizer. Well,
she had hardly even put the float into Pokey's mouth when he just
flipped out. With the first contact of the float to his teeth, he
squealed and went right up into the air and over backwards. Of course,
we were startled, and I let out a scream myself. He scrambled up and ran
off. We tried to catch him, but he wouldn't let us near him. We were
happy that he didn't break his neck, and I insisted that it just wasn't
worth it to go any further.
To make a long story short, ever
since that day Pokey has not been the same old happy pony we knew for 20
years. He doesn't come up to us anymore, and is actually fairly
head-shy. He seems fine left alone, but whenever we are near him, he's
got that cautious eye on our every move. I've heard that ponies can hold
a grudge, but this whole episode is so out of character for a pony that
has given lots of people second chances over the years. We have tried
the slow, gentle approach, but things have not been improving. Any ideas
on what to try with this old grump?
Laura, Maryland
I know that ponies are all unique
individuals, and they can sometimes surprise you with uncharacteristic
responses or grudges. But I agree with you that this is well out of
character for an old, trusted friend. First, the instantaneous flip-out
from what sounded like a very compliant, calm start with the dentist
might be the most important clue that this is not primarily a behavior
problem.
It's hard to imagine that even with a
fairly novel experience of having a metal tool inserted into his mouth
that Pokey would respond so explosively unless something really hurt
him. Squealing and going over backward is usually not the first sign of
resistance for such an animal to dental floats. So, before anything
else, I would explore the possibility of a source of genuine pain in his
mouth or somewhere else around his head that might have been
inadvertently aggravated during the dental procedure. This might have
caused the explosive reaction and might now be a factor in his continued
head shyness and change in behavior.
Some horses, and particularly Shetland
ponies, can be fairly stoic with chronic pain. Things can be pretty bad,
and they still look fairly healthy and normal if left alone in a
pasture. Then some minor manipulation can seem unbearable to them.
Another possibility is that Pokey was
fine before the dental episode, but was truly startled. As he reacted,
he might have incurred an injury to his head or mouth that exacerbated
his cause for the initial reaction and is causing his current behavior
change. So, you'll want to have his favorite vet out for a thorough exam
and treatment of anything you find.
Whether or not you find and correct a
source of physical pain, I would recommend continuing your gentle
approach to gain back his confidence. The prognosis usually is good
(even for old ponies) that they will regain trust and compliance.
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