Meet Roman (Pony Rescue)

My newest rescue (Roman) I received on June 7, 2017, with the help of Southern States Equine Savers. We bailed him out just 15 min before he was scheduled to load up and head south for something he and many don't deserve. Instead, this young and scared 4-year-old stallion was heading to me!

Day one he charged at me and threatened to kick me because he was afraid I would hurt him. My first goal is for a horse to learn that I provide them with food and water. So the majority of my lessons take place when I feed them. Today, I was able to touch his nose a few times. When I tried to touch his neck he would bite at me. So nose was a good spot to end the day.
The second day I wanted to start the steps of haltering him. With a bucket of grain, I put a halter inside. When he put his head in, like the day before, rather than touching his star I would lift the already latched strap over his ears. He lifted his head out of the bucket, a little confused. Then he gave me this look like what have you done!!! I then offered him grain from my hand and he took it. I did it a few more times then latched the chin strap. Halter is officially on!!! I always use brake away just in case! Roman took his halter off that night it was a little big I guess.
The third day we started the day with putting the halter on, much quicker this time. I then attached the lead rope and he freaked. My round pen is pretty small so even if he bolts away the 10' lead rope is plenty long enough for me to hold onto it at a safe distance until he understands it's okay. He just took a few big gallops, then looked at me like I must be crazy!! He snorted at me. I held my hand out with grain. This is VERY important. You never approach them...THEY ALWAYS APPROACH you!!! He approached me and then I continued with petting his face and hand feeding him grain. I slowly took small steps back and he followed. We did a few laps around the pen. I did maybe 5-6 sessions with him on day 3, each session 10-15 min. About, the 3rd session I started pressure with lead rope with grain as encouragement. By the end of the day, he was following me like a puppy dog. He officially decided he likes me!! I was able to go even further than expected on day 3 and brush his mane and forelock. I ended it with cutting the mane and a bridle path with scissors!! He practically slept the whole time.
On day four we repeated day 3, then I started to teach him how to move in the round pen. Just walk/trot and how to watch me for a halt/reverse. He's a fast, smart learner. I can also already tell Roman is lazy!!! Which I love. Lazy ponies make very safe ponies. He reminds me of Peanut (palomino rescues of July 2016).

The first 72 hours are the most important. I don't leave their side. He had to eat and drink water only from me. I was the only source of life he had. I was also his only friend since he in quarantined out back on my property.