Spooky, Herd-Bound Pony Training: A Tale of Patience and Success

Join us on a remarkable journey as we tackle the challenges of training a spooky, herd-bound pony. In this video, you'll witness the transformation of Lucky, a 16-year-old Welsh Pony, known for his spookiness and herd-bound nature. Discover the innovative techniques used to build his confidence and respect for personal space, a crucial element in ensuring safety around kids at the farm.
From the initial assessment to intricate training sessions, you'll see firsthand how we approach a horse with such complex behavioral issues. We delve into methods like the hindquarter yield and using tools like a flag to establish boundaries, all while maintaining a focus on safety and understanding.
This isn't just a training video; it's a deep dive into the psychology of a nervous pony and how to redirect his energy constructively. Learn about the importance of movement in calming an adrenaline-fueled horse and how giving them space can make a significant difference.
Whether you're a horse enthusiast, a professional trainer, or someone curious about animal behavior, this video offers valuable insights. So, saddle up and join us on this enlightening journey to transform Lucky into a safer, more relaxed pony.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more horse training tips and success stories. Your support helps us continue providing educational and inspiring content.
Patreon: / ryanrosehorsemanship
Equipment Ryan Uses: qualityhorseman.net
Promo Code: RR5
Website: rosehorsemanship.com/
Instagram: / rosehorsemanship
Facebook: / rosehorsemanship
Business inquiries: [e-mail]
#HorseTraining, #PonyRehab, #SpookyPony, #HerdBound, #EquestrianLife, #HorseBehavior, #AnimalTraining, #WelshPony, #EquestrianTips, #PonyTransformation

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

If you would like to see more detailed training videos and ask specific questions about your horse, consider joining my patreon page. Only $10! Go to www.patreon.com/ryanrosehorsemanship

[@clarkkent3730]

Deemonic horse is possessed

[@HorseObsessedGrrl]

​@@clarkkent3730not at all. This is the fault of the humans for not giving this horse education or boundaries to work within

[@kristinbailey3227]

Will it include more sessions with this horse? This is my newer gelding to a T! It's getting better around the farm but he doesn't stay focused on me and it gets bad again when he is nervous

[@beverlyaaby2681]

😩💝😊

[@user-jwill]

The mic targeting was golden!! 😂😂

[@KingsMom831]

😂😂😂

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Score Pony 1 Ryan 0 😂

[@KingsMom831]

@@ryanrosehorsemanship 😂😂😂

[@KM-lu7nh]

😂

[@wildedibles819]

Ahaha😂

[@pon1952leod]

So great to see what little pressure it takes for a horse to change his perspective. 👏👏👏

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Absolutely!

[@barbaracollins5605]

Now that was beautiful Ryan. Heartwarming that you, unlike the Clints of this world, know, understand and love horses. You left your ego at the door and the crowd went wild. On your way toward 1M.

[@britneysilveria4820]

Well said. And multi million deserved ❤

[@sherryw-ponyluv-er2394]

Wow. His brain is always somewhere else. I love the idea of getting a buddy for a while to just offer him some temporary comfort. I love ponies so glad Lucky will probably get what he needs to meet his potential!

[@ruthkult6536]

That's what I noticed as well. Constantly with his attention elsewhere. There's another trainer I follow who uses a lot of the same methodology but he also insists, quietly that the horse's attention always be on him. Makes a world of difference!

[@ToLoveTruth]

So lovely to see this beautiful pony relax down a bunch of notches and find some peace in his interactions with people...thanks for giving such a wonderful gift to this precious creature. Nice work! ❤️👍

[@kimdavis2508]

Like teaching a old dog new tricks lol He is a Purdy quick learner. He sure is a cutie pie 🥰

[@jennyrosd2003]

Great video and perfect example student. He had no idea he could count on a human. I love how ypu didnt get after him when his anxiety was so high. He would have learned nothing. He really clicked with it.

[@thehomeschoolkids4644]

You should write some horsemanship books! I would definitely buy!❤

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Thank you 😊

[@GPC-tu7ti]

My laid back 15 year old gelding acted like this when he developed gastric ulcers. He was so distracted and uptight for no real reason. Spooked at everything, couldn't be away from other horses, totally ignoring me because he was so hypervigilant. Treated the ulcers and my quiet, chill horse came back. Just a thought.

[@MegF142857]

Good point that always need to make sure there aren't some physical reasons for a horse behaviors.

[@melanies.6030]

This is really interesting, and something I've never heard of...how did he eventually get diagnosed?

[@kristinbailey3227]

Good to know! I got a gelding that was always chill with old owner but the move to my place seemed to really rock him. I have wondered about ulcers but never associated it with this type of behavior, just some other things

[@SDWits]

My 23yo lease horse is acting weird like this too, and the barn owner suspected and treats him for ulcers (for 2 mos now), but he gets distracted/looky and still randomly spooks. I can predict by his body language if it will be a spooky ride or not. He only does this with me though. Not with any lessons kids nor the other leasee. So I wonder if it's bc of his "I don't wanna work" attitude, and I make him work/think harder than the young kids who ride him. (Still not hard by most peoples standards bc Im careful w/ him bc of his age). My only other guess is his eyesight or dental. I usually ride in the evening, so it's been dark. The arena isn't the best lit arena. I have changed his saddle, bridle, bit, my spurs. I've tried riding him super gently, and sternly. Doesn't matter. He spooks at nothing. Last time I rode, we were walking on a loose rein and he spooked.

[@caitlinw8351]

@@melanies.6030a very large percentage of horses have ulcers, and they get them quite easily. i think it’s worth treating every new horse one acquires for ulcers just from the stress of a move.

[@LianeRollin]

Wow, he improved a lot, I am happy for her and her pony.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Definitely 👍

[@McDiltz]

The pony seems to be having difficulty focusing on you. Seems like there is something/someone else over in the corner that he is concerned about. So glad I just discovered Ryan. He is great

[@lizarutherford2477]

Amazing work, again, Ryan. You are a great teacher of hosses and humans. Lucky lived up to his name that his owner got your help. And she is obviously working hard on what she’s learned! Awesome.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Thanks 👍

[@lindahollister5530]

Poor thing, too bad he hadn't been trained before. Good for her getting a hold of you.

[@ppww6076]

I think the pony is "Lucky" for sure - lucky to have an owner looking for help in the right place.😊

[@yasminsilwany7017]

Ryan, the main thing that I love about your videos is that it’s not an overhyped video of a horse that’s completely misunderstood. You take the horse and you make such a small subtle changes And you can see it 100% change in the horse

[@MrsTfromtheUK]

He's Welsh! That's all you need to know. Spot on! A lot of Pony! . Uk comment

[@azpcox]

Love the follow up at the end. It’s wonderful to see the result of hard work after a few weeks!

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Thank you!

[@debbieherring2644]

I love this sweet horse Lucky….he has so much character and I hope he becomes more at ease each day.

[@sharonjackson9994]

Nice job helping this pony relax and learn to respect some boundaries. He has a motor thats for sure. Hope he can be a great ride for someone!

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Thanks

[@johnnorman1793]

It's all about leadership, respect, and trust. This young guy had very little of any of it. Once he got shown his place in the herd, and was showed what respect and leadership was all about, he became a different horse very quickly.

[@Harley-Charliehorse]

That pony was so distracted! She has her hands full, I have one like that.

[@steel12city17cowgirl]

You’re an amazing teacher and steward for these Amazing Beings!! I’m learning a lot from you and all of the different personalities that you come across!!

[@melissanorris6010]

Thank you Ryan , your videos are really helpful, you make sense when your doing training explaining things as you go, love it!

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Glad you like them!

[@hhlagen]

I like that gem about leaving the tools at the gate.

[@shelahsummers4893]

I LOVE your sense of humor! "the crowd goes wild!" SO enjoying and loving your videos!

[@angelkotilainen]

So nice to see a welshie! I live in Wales, have my whole life and it's so nice to see a Welsh pony on your channel although I have to admit I've never seen one at 16 years old with this energy! He's so beautiful, but sad that he didn't get training early. He's a unique little guy :) Where I live there are wild welsh ponies on the mountains, the stallions are so beautiful. We have a pure white (grey) one with the most glorious mane and tail. He gets super aggressive at his youngsters if they try to come back to the herd later on in life. Loved seeing this palomino, we don't have any in the wild herds. We have all the shades of greys, bays and the occasional black. Thank you for helping this sweet pony ♥

[@HorseObsessedGrrl]

This is a perfect example of how the human needs the education, in order to educate the horse. It's super helpful to hear your thoughts on the horse's actions/reactions throughout. Going to subscribe to your Patreon finally 😅

[@sidilicious11]

Lovely to see the progress.

[@user-tb6lg5jd7o]

I'd could See Ryan that this Young Colt had not been worked with but seems to respond quickly Enjoy watching your progress with ever Horse Your A Excellent Experience Trainer ❤❤

[@hollyfay1812]

He's a really cute pony❤️🐴 Glad that she's giving him a chance and wants to work with him to make him better🤗

[@jeniferrinehart1107]

I always want these horses to go home with you and their owner for a month or two! 😂

[@chrisp7548]

Spot on! I really enjoy seeing the change in the horse. You also give practical advice to the owners. Thanks!!

[@susiethomas6909]

He a beauty, isn’t he?! Lovely!

[@francescacanfield5098]

Great job, everyone!

[@kidstuff44555]

0:46 haha Rachel's face is so funny :)

[@kellythyben3984]

Ryan is amazing how he approaches training and has helped me with my “left brained” horse which I am so grateful.

[@MichelleT-so4we]

In a wild herd, the mares teach the younger ones their place. If the colt is not a quick learner, the stallion can get his attention real fast. Yep. ❤️ nature!

[@lyndsayhammond6884]

It’s so tough when they’re buddy sour like that. Makes me nervous b/c they aren’t thinking at all.

[@barbaracollins5605]

Buddy sour is like saying so sad he is being a horse. Hate sour and sour that.

[@wilson9031]

Ryan Rose u r one hell of a cowboy!

[@kasiabe827]

He keeps looking at his mom 😊

[@shannix]

Wonderful work :-) He looks a bit like a horse that could be allergic to grain. If thats the case, and he is fed grain - he can get totally warm, for no reason, seeing ghosts everywhere. Even in the stable. I had a PRE who acted like that. I removed all grain from his food, and he changed completely. Just a thought. Thanks for sharing. xxx from DK

[@tropicaoptica]

So often people don’t give horses enough space and keep them trapped right up next to their hand on the lead. There is no release of pressure, so they constantly fight it.

[@saspinks9536]

And then they label the horse as pushy.

[@connie6623]

Great work and connection. Inspiring to say the least.

[@loriswain8140]

She did a great job with him!

[@ecc815]

As always, great video and so helpful

[@janetgoodall4094]

This video was so helpful!

[@shonamathie1607]

You have a welsh dragon there😂 awesome ponies but feisty too! Xxx

[@jeffrose1144]

Great video!!!

[@claudiaparkhurst1109]

You are so clear with your words and actions. 👏

[@KingsMom831]

Great video! Thanks Ryan

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Thanks

[@SanswayNuna]

I love the "few weeks later" update video from the client :) That shows, candidly, that the training was successful and it's really cool to see that they stuck with it!

[@bonniekornfeld6662]

Love this. I have a similar pony and to see the progress they can make is really joyful ❤

[@susannaj4680]

I love to see you work with the horses!

[@daveanderson8776]

This horse seems to be so hyper alert constantly looking around ,it seems like fear based like he has had something that he had to be hyper aware of constantly, it was nice to see it responding to the ground work . 🐴❤️🫶🏼

[@10mileroadie]

wicked wonderful, Ryan! you are saving lives: human and equine!

[@noahchasinguitar5831]

I like the indoor a lot… Those mirrors are cool

[@zonazona888]

WOW incredible !!! 😊

[@mamabear1260]

❤❤ Love your work Ryan. Love your calmness and gentleness and firmness when needed. Its almost like horses are people too. Love the respect you have for them. I have learned a lot even if i never have another horse again. Thank you for sharing experiences. Many Blessings

[@reeannarobertson]

Wow that incredible video ❤. That a good training session way

[@georgiascott5779]

Great break through!

[@brentonkelly3780]

brilliant training Ryan, thanks so much - this info is really helpful for where I am at

[@maitajack]

I like the week after part. That really shows the result of the training done.

[@dawnnelson6469]

That pony loves his owner. His eyes are on her the whole time, like.....mom, whats this guy doing to me? Are you going to help me? Its precious. He's super cute. He's very well loved. I know because I have one. Mines a mini. I love Ryans ground work training its amazing how quickly it takes hold.

[@LadyJane29030]

Lucky is lucky to meet up with Ryan.

[@meretefrandsen9340]

Yahr that is The Way to go👍 nice to watch

[@PONYHEAVEN]

Amazing content.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Glad you think so!

[@MegF142857]

This is why I joke that one of my horse's "tricks" from positive reinforcement is standing quietly. However you get your horse to pay attention & stand quietly & let you work around them & safely etc, then that's a behavior developed by consistently working with them. I expect them to stand quietly unless I ask them to move out of my space, then they should quietly move. I want no drama. I can clean their sheath out in middle of yard with no halter on, for example. Enjoyed watching you work with this horse.

[@andsuddenly4252]

Really lovely to see this little guy find some confidence. This isn’t intended to be shady at all but I’m not sure that he’s going to get the time and effort he’s needing to continue the training. I hope I’m wrong.

[@Caballusss]

Getting my first horse soon, he’s going to be a groundwork only horse for now, and with the combination of the horsemanship people I trust and your techniques I cannot wait to work with him! Thanks for sharing your content and spreading knowledge :)

[@kayBTR]

Congratulations on getting your first horse! That’s great! Do yu also follow Steve Young Horsemanship? He is a very good teacher like Ryan here.

[@becantonopoulos2604]

Was just going to mention Steve Young. He’s brilliant

[@famouskate9071]

What a lovely large pony and Ryan is one of the best out there. If only all horse owners and trainers and riders would take the time to understand how horses think. It's not hard, people, since people tell you exactly what they are thinking.

[@aleb_equine]

this was a fun video oh boy little Welsh boy

[@lindajayneclark767]

You are amazing

[@Safe_and_Easy_Horsemanship]

I know you don't want to appear too aggressive to your viewers but you really need to get more of this horse's attention.

[@taradufour2187]

This is lucky cause we're lucky to be alive

[@Claudia.888]

Puuuh, how difficult to get a connection with him. He mentally is 85% on the outskirts.

[@hollywill2226]

What is he focused on at the rail!?!? He never gives his attention to Ryan! Maybe the distraction should be removed during training... he may be partner sour.

[@Kynzzie]

@@hollywill2226no, they shouldn’t remove it. It’s crucial to have the horse pay attention to you while there’s distractions.

[@Claudia.888]

​@@Kynzzieexactly my thoughts

[@lorimcentarfer7413]

Ryan, you should use Tristan's method (check out TRT method) for this type of horse and make him aware of his anxiety by keeping your hands on specific parts of his neck bone and muscles until he realizes his tension.

[@wesmccoy7061]

He even had ur feet move backwards a few times Ryan.

[@Sine-gl9ly]

I KNEW he was a Welshie! They can be very, _very_ reactive - and not in a good way - especially when compared to the average of the other native breeds of these islands.

[@evelynwaugh4053]

Super cute, though, and a nice size.

[@Sine-gl9ly]

​@@evelynwaugh4053Welshies (all sections - A, B, C & D) are pretty, athletic, hardy, good doers, strong and versatile. They do have lots of virtues but of all the native breeds of the British Isles, they are the one I like the least.

[@evelynwaugh4053]

@Sine-gl9ly I've never had one (or any pony), just part Arabs and quarters here in the US. In general, reactive and spooky isn't fun. Give me level-headed and kind. Hopefully this pony will become a good equine citizen.

[@Sine-gl9ly]

@@evelynwaugh4053 As I'm barely 5ft tall, I've had - and rehabbed - lots and LOTS of ponies, from 10 hands or so upwards. I come from a long line of farriers on my dad's side - one uncle had a farrier ancestor's pike (used for killing injured horses on the battlefield) from the Battle of Waterloo - so people asking for help with difficult littlies were often palmed off on me from quite a young age! Not that I objected as I loved being around horses from my earliest days. My favourite breed, though, is the Arab - Polish bloodlines especially. There aren't many quarter horses on this side of the pond; 'western' type riding is quite a niche thing.

[@evelynwaugh4053]

@Sine-gl9ly This pony would be perfectly sized for you, I think (assuming Ryan is about 6 feet). I'm guessing pony is about 14.1. Your family history is intriguing. Very sobering to think of all the horse and human carnage during history's battles. After a terrifying experience where an English saddle rotated sharply about a foot to the side after my no withered half Arab mare spooked at a canter, I have only used Western saddles. The swells at the cantle are very helpful as a thigh brace for stability in the saddle when unexpected equine antics occur. It's much more difficult to get unseated in a Western saddle.

[@celianewman4809]

My 5 year old has a pony that we keep where she takes riding lessons. He has been here since her birthday in August, so we were giving him some time to get adjusted. I bought him because he’s kid safe, but in the last couple of weeks he has completely changed and doesn’t want to be ridden, spooks easily, he also seems a bit sensitive to noises. I don’t know much about horses but I do get some guidance from her riding instructor and the owner of the place, but I was wondering what your thoughts were on this and why he’s acting that way. The owner of the farm thinks that it could be an ulcer because his behavior changed overnight so she’s giving him some ulcer medication right now to reassess. I would love to know your thoughts and what I can do for him as an inexperienced horse owner. We do love him and I hope she’s able to ride him again.

[@Wendy-bd9zu]

He would be a nice jumping pony probably.

[@kaiwindingwest]

Rachel's coat is amazing...where can i get one like that? 😉

[@chertaylor3602]

WTG Lucky!

[@topolinofarm9343]

My mare gets super afraid when I try to use the wall to interrupt her as Ryan suggest at @9:15 Just something to keep in mind for anyone else... It might not work on your horse. lol. It's something we are working on. She is less afraid of using "the wall" if it is an outdoor arena fence vs an indoor arena wall. But the idea of running into the wall makes her afraid and defensive and sets her to just running backwards after a couple times.

[@shawnaweesner3759]

The horse is never at fault.

[@IntuitiveUniversity]

Thats a pony that never got enough time spent with him. Good time. I've worked in stables. Most problems are never addressed. The let stable workers do the work but mostly it never gets done. They sit in a stall and get turned out with the occasional visit from the owner.

[@sandysgrandgirlssandysswee2492]

He really likes his owner, he looked at her the whole time! I think , maybe he was looking at the camera! Lol idk

[@user-qm1zn6jh3v]

She took the harmony horsemanship koolaid 😂

[@SRosie]

Hi Ryan, I have a 3 year old mare she has a problem with trotting when I’m on her when I ask her she won’t listen and I was wondering if you have any tips for that?

[@cherjohnson5807]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@marks7502]

16 year old pony who acts like a 16 month old

[@PersonalTriumph2022]

So this horse was wearing a hybrid halter. Any one familiar with it ? Worth the buy ?

[@nicolematthews1543]

It looks like to me you should be looking at his feed! What is she feeding him? Alot of times these little high strung ponies should not be eating alfalfa. Should try Teff or orchard a more cool type forage, just plain straight hay no grain, at his age he shouldn't be acting like this. Very hot little pony. He cannot even focus on any one thing.

[@darktoadn1113]

i have atuisum and for me when a horse gets scard the horse will seek me out every time weather it untied it self or broke the cross ties a horse never runs away from me when scard they always come in to me i give the contact and it is like instant relief licking and chewing starts the 1 thing i wish i could fix is the horse in padlock when there is a wolf or coyote near thee pen the horse runs to me keeping me in the middle of that circle i got to walk forward there herd is telling me no if i try to escae the circle they close the gap keeping me in the middle

[@Elysian777]

Did they have his eyes checked? Also you train like Larry Rose, good trainer in Ohio, '80's & '90's.

[@futtermanfarms6791]

what does pawing the ground tell you?

[@lyndsayhammond6884]

In this horse, it’s probably anxiety. In most horses, they’re bored and/or frustrated. It would be the equivalent of a kid sighing or rolling their eyes at you. Most horse owners put a stop to that real quick.

[@lindajayneclark767]

I’m giving him some thing to do rather than him giving me something to do fabulous

[@Bluefoxgirl_16]

When you are working with horses, would it be ok to say words softly to them like: "Good Boy/girl" when they do what you want and "woahh" to slow down, or would it be better to stay quiet? I love your videos and I'm learning so much from them!

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

You bet

[@Bluefoxgirl_16]

@@ryanrosehorsemanship thank you!

[@barbaracollins5605]

Just don't overdo it or it can be a big hindrance. (: good question.

[@marybeard3341]

What is looking at to the left of the camera he seems worried about it

[@betty-janececile5214]

Probably his owner

[@marycanary3871]

he’s classically welshy tbh