My new pony who is blind in one eye is really coming around with me now. I am so happy. She came to me very skittish of people and a back end full of manure and mats from diarrhea. Yesterday was warmish (about 35F) so I decided it's about time to try to clean her up. I was worried because she has just recently let me touch her but now I can put my hands almost anywhere. In fact, she is more compliant that my minis now! Poor thing. Worked on her back end for 3 hours and had to trim off half her tail and longer hairs that were matted down her back legs and lower belly. Still not completely done, but almost. For a skittish girl, she sure was VERY tolerant! Although a nasty job, I think she must have appreciated it afterwards. She has no ground manners yet--working on that slowly of course. While timid with people, she sure lets my "marish" mares know who's boss! She bites and kicks at them. I think she's going to be a good pony, even with kids on her eventually--as long as they she is led and the adult walks on her blind side so she feels protected where she can't see. Previous owners couldn't catch her without grain but I am feeling so happy she comes to me without a bribe and before she heads over to eat. She sure wasn't that friendly when I brought her home, but I think that remaining calm, looking down and letting her smell my hand and even face before before making a move helped! Now she follows me everywhere.
