Franklin Levinson's
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Gentle pony stallion with children
Hi!
I love your web site, its awesome. I could not find the exact answer I needed in the search files so I thought I would ask .
I have bought a 7 year old stallion Shetland pony for my little girl. I DID NOT know he was a stallion when he was bought. He was very fury and although I looked I missed seeing his "manhood". The seller didn't bother to tell me he was a stallion and even sold him as a gelding. Anyway, I somewhat rescued this animal and he is the most loving pony I have ever seen. He lets the children do anything with him. They climb on him and love on him all day. When he lays down, they will lay next to him and he doesn't mind. He was stalled with a mare and a stud pony before I bought him, so I know he has also been with other horses. I have been told by a couple of horse people that I should get rid of him because a stallion is dangerous! I really don't see this in this pony. Do you think gelding this stallion will help ease all nerves? I really want to give him a chance.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, what I do or don't want to hear!!
Thanks, Terry
Hi Terry,
Thanks for the kind words. Could be you have gotten very lucky with your pony and his temperament will stay calm and mellow. Be mindful that a change in environment is stressful on a horse (potentially on us as well). Sounds like you have had some good horse experience and you should be able to spot a negative response in the pony, before it would become a dangerous problem. It is true stallions can be aggressive and territorial. The testosterone induced behavior around a mare is part of nature and should be taken into account. Consider carefully your choice of stable mates, fencing, etc. Be thoughtful, supervise times when the pony is with children or other vulnerable individuals (non-horse people).
Part of the nature of a horse is to dominate anyone who might appear vulnerable. This is how they establish their hierarchy. They don't neccessarially mean to really hurt each other. Rather, they want the 'other' to simply yield ground (territory). If it is a vulnerable human they are attempting to dominante, the human might get hurt. If you are experienced with horses, you should be able to see if the pony is changing his attitude from his 'move' to the new location. Bottom line is caution, leading to safety and the horse is always innocent.
Good Luck.......Sincerely, Franklin