Emma

[ejk6@msn.com]

I am thinking of buying my first pony, (I prefer ponies always have) which has turned out to be VERY difficult as most of the ones I have tried have been far from bombproof! I have found one but it has a cheeky habit of putting his head down to eat grass before you even get chance to notice that he is about to do it! He has tried it with his present owner in a trot!!
Any advice on how I could stop this or is it a risky habit in a pony?

[ShariN]

Yes, It is called an Anti Grazing strap. Comes in many different designs.
One of them looks like this.

http://secure.mediafusiontech.com/hpc/shopping/Items.asp?OPEN=YES&ACTION=DISPLAY&Category=1&SubCategory=10

I would allow Grey Squirrel to eat..but only on my comand. She learned that if she did not do as ask she would not get to eat at all. Sounds like said pony needs a little retraining.
Good luck!!

[ejk6@msn.com]

Thank you for this. I am trying him out again this week to finally decide if I am going to buy him or not. I feel better about the grazing thing at least.

[Tots N Dots]

as ShariN says "a little retraining" I have never let Pickle graze with a bridle or head collar on, they mean work is in progress.
its a pity as sometimes (when he is thinner before anyone points at me ;)) I would love to lay in the garden with the longer grass and let him graze. but I am only little and have been hauled about by bigger horses with no manners, so was determined that Pickle would grow up with a few manners at least :) and so far so good :)
I think it is just what the pony has been allowed to get away with? maybe had a child that isnt strong enough to stop them doing it?, will soon learn that with you that is a "no" wouldnt stop me from buying him if I really liked him.

and welcome to the board :D

[ejk6@msn.com]

He had a rider too small to handle him and I think this was the problem. I have now taken him out a few times and think he is great, he has not tried again to graze with me as I am clearly not having it. Instead he just pretends to itch his knee the little bugger! I have made an offer and waiting for a reply