Need some advice on a new pony...
We sort of inherited/rescued a new pony. Long story, but the basic situation is she's very pregnant, has barely been handled, and doesn't seem to like people much at all at this point. She's about 10H and cute as a button, so she has that going for her at least!
I'm comfortable with foaling, but this will be our first time with a mare we don't know and I don't think we have much time until the foal arrives based on the limited info I got about the timing of her breeding. Its one of those out to pasture with a stud situations, but she's nearly as wide as she is tall right now. She's not aggressive- just very timid, doesn't want to be caught or handled, and just backs or runs away from contact. I know how I'd normally work with a horse like this, but I'm just not sure how best to proceed given her late term pregnancy and our likely lack of time before delivery. I don't want to push her too much, but by the same token I need to be able to get my hands on her & the foal when the time comes, especially if there are problems. I doubt she's had much (if any) vet care during the pregnancy, so I'm preparing for the fact we may well have complications. Our vet will be out when she arrives to check her over thoroughly.
I'd love some of your thoughts on how best to proceed training wise. And I promise photos when the little bit arrives this week! I'm such a sucker for ponies! *rolls eyes*
I'm comfortable with foaling, but this will be our first time with a mare we don't know and I don't think we have much time until the foal arrives based on the limited info I got about the timing of her breeding. Its one of those out to pasture with a stud situations, but she's nearly as wide as she is tall right now. She's not aggressive- just very timid, doesn't want to be caught or handled, and just backs or runs away from contact. I know how I'd normally work with a horse like this, but I'm just not sure how best to proceed given her late term pregnancy and our likely lack of time before delivery. I don't want to push her too much, but by the same token I need to be able to get my hands on her & the foal when the time comes, especially if there are problems. I doubt she's had much (if any) vet care during the pregnancy, so I'm preparing for the fact we may well have complications. Our vet will be out when she arrives to check her over thoroughly.
I'd love some of your thoughts on how best to proceed training wise. And I promise photos when the little bit arrives this week! I'm such a sucker for ponies! *rolls eyes*