Monty Roberts Equus Online University | Monty's Horse Training Post: PTSD in a pony

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Monty Roberts is a renowned horse trainer known as the man who listens to horses and the original horse whisperer. Monty's horse training instructions are accepted worldwide.
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Join-Up methods help horse and trainer to establish a bond of communication and trust. “You must somehow understand that we as horsemen can do very little to teach the horse. What we can do is to create an environment in which he can learn.” ~ Monty
Monty says, “We hear that ‘actions speak louder than words,’ but generally we do not live by it too successfully.” Now Monty has taught thousands of people worldwide how to build trust in animals through our actions and body language.
Monty’s principles really amount to common sense and immense patience. He believes that children and horses have the same behavioral patterns. They are both naturally “flight” animals. "If you frighten them and resort to confrontation, you’ll lose their trust." ~ Monty
"Simple one-on-one reassurances and praise reap long term dividends that can all be undone with the quick slamming of a book on a desk or shouting back." ~ Monty Roberts
"No one of us was born with the right to say 'You must or I'll hurt you' to any other living thing, animal or human". ~ Monty Roberts
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Horse Behavior and Training

PTSD in a pony

By:

krista67bruce

Date:

2023-Nov-17 at 03:31PM

I have a 4 1/2 year old pony. I bought her almost 2 years ago, and when i bought her, she was owned by someone who had picked her up at the stock yards at an auction. She trembled in a corner just looking her way. Now, i can lead her, halter and bridle her, tack her and walk her. But, she still has panic at some things, always humans. She is petrified of toddlers and new people. Does anyone have experience helping to eliminate this fear for her? Her name is Sassy. She allows the farrier to do all 4 feet now, because she works with me to help calm her. But, i want to help her not be so reactive.

JoHewittVINTA 2023-Nov-22 at 11:22PM

Hi Krista & welcome to the Uni. Humphrey, a remarkable Irish cob, has PTSI - illness ( note illness cure able, disorder a lifelong condition ). If my experiences with Humphrey are anything to go by you need to work in very short sessions over a very long period & be very generous with your praise for any small cooperation - it's doable but you need infinite patience. Clearly you have already made significant inroads. Humphrey has huge issues with tack on his back or around his middle. He's happy to be ridden bare back but when Jordan & I started with him he got really upset by a towel over his back so no chance of a saddle. Working incrementally, over some 18 weeks every evening, eventually Humphrey walked with a vacant saddle without panicking or half collapsing. With the onset of winter weather we haven't been able to progress further yet but the improvement in Humphrey is significant & proves that dealing violence free with traumatised equines is not only possible but rewarding. Good luck & keep us posted on your experiences - we are here to support you & your journey. Cheers, Jo.