I bought a pony from an auction who is terrified of people. He has obviously been well trained and loved once, but is absolutely terrified,especially of men. I've made progres winning his trust, but he is especially frightened when I approach his rear end - obviously so. I think he was sexually abused. Anyone ever encounter such a situation and does anyone know how this type of abuse affects animals emotionally? My heart bleeds for this sweet pony. Please, no sick responses - I am serious, not one of those sick perverts that get kicks outof bestiality. This pony needs help!
2007-03-23 05:39:03 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
If anyone beat the pony (which they likely did) they would not have just beaten it in its rear. When I groom the pony he is extremely fearful when I touch his rump, tail and flanks. It is obvious that something happened in that area that frightens him to death. This type of abuse DOES happen, and to geldings and stallions as well as mares. I've researched and found articles about this crime but nothing on the emotional effects on the animals - only physical harm.
2007-03-23 06:43:38 · update #1
I stand beside him and groom him - move my hand toward his tail and he freaks. Maybe it is his blind spot - but I don't discount the sexual abuse. He is more frightened of males than of females. I don't understand why he is so touchy about his back end more so than his front. I am not approaching him from the rear - standing beside him and touching him with my hands.
2007-03-23 09:40:25 · update #2
We had a sexually abused horse about a year ago at my ranch. I've also studied other equines that have gone through some types of sexual abuse, and they all act basically the same. What you described however does not sound like a sexually abused horse.
The sexually abused horses that I've studied actually act out sexually. They will be constantly trying to mount other equines no matter the sex or size. Some even got so bold to try and mount their handlers.They display often agitation towards other types of affection- such as rubbing on the neck or shoulder and will often try to nip or bite but most will position their bodies to make their privates more accessible to you. Mares often have unusual heat cycles where theirs take breaks very often instead of staying steady. Mares will practice backing and lifting of the tail even when away from other equines. Even mares in foal will still display these acts.
From what you said however this pony may have been physically abused. His rear end is his blind spot- I've seen horses that were never abused get frightened when you walk towards their behind. With the proper ground work and desensitizing exercises I think that you can get this pony to grow out of this. This could have been caused from an abusive farrier who use to hit the pony when he was getting shod to an owner who just didn't take the time to work with the ponies hind quarters.
2007-03-23 08:42:37 · answer #1 · answered by silvaspurranch 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
doesn't mean it was sexually abused. We have a shire mare (owned her her whole life, so we know her history) who flips when any males come near her back end. After 10 yrs, she finally (reluctantly) lets a male ride or work with her. She just didn't have a lot of experience with males- she has always been worked by females. We also have a pony that hates males- don't know her history, but she always has. Some birds and dogs are very sex orientated as well- only like one or the other.
Your pony may be frightened because there is a type of blind spot behind him- he can not see the scary person (any person) coming up behind him. He doesn't know if they are going to come up and hit him, or whatever else. It would be like you trying to watch a hungry tiger out of the corner of your eye- it would be very scary.
As for actually sexually abused, male horses can get raped, and they have no emotional side effects. We had a stallion in a bachelor herd of geldings and if one gelding was too passive and did not kick out at the stallion- he would get raped. Usually only happened once or twice before the gelding learned how to avoid it. Happens in wild horses, as well as dogs, cats, rabbits, etc as a play of dominance. It is more of a "worst of luck" case than abuse.
How to get over it: a lot of time, patience, and a lot of treats. Walk wide circles around him, talking the whole time. After a billion circles, make them smaller and smaller, but stay away from his flight zone. As long as you are talking ina calm voice, he will eventually relax.
2007-03-23 07:51:24 · answer #2 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would assume that the horse may have just been maybe beaten on the rear end rather than sexually abused. Is there any other reason you would believe it was sexual abuse and not just your run of the mill animal cruelty? As for what you can do about it, I guess just work with it, show it love and that your not going to do that and it should eventually be ok. Have patience and know that it may never get over it's fear. It just depends on what exactly happened to it and how long it went on.
2007-03-23 06:17:54 · answer #3 · answered by StephanieM 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually last year, i've read in the newpaper, a guy sexually abused his pony...it happened in Holland tho.I feel so sick towards the guy..thank god he was caught!! And poor pony..but there wasnt a follow up on wot happened to the pony.maybe u can get a vet to check on the horse u bought to double check if there is any signs of sexual abuse or perhaps any scars if the horse was abused before.Least it gives u a peace of mind.Sorry to hear bout ur horse. :)
2007-03-23 07:55:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
in my view conversing from journey it messed me up interior the pinnacle even nevertheless i'm no longer interior the abusive situations, I certainly have a marvelous type of rage and anger in me to boot as different issues stemming from my abusive early existence and marriage. i certainly desire which you detect the braveness like I did to get out of the depressing subject you're in now, that on my own takes guts have confidence me, yet you will optimistically know which you're extremely worth better than this. At 19 you're youthful sufficient to have your finished existence earlier than you, there will be somebody lots greater advantageous obtainable who treats you with the respect you deserve, do no longer positioned up with the abuse from now on. i do no longer care what every physique else says, it does have a protracted-lasting effect, I certainly have been out of my undesirable subject for a number of years now and am nevertheless affected in that i'm untrusting of all and sundry, have a terrible temper etc. I additionally get days the place i think so annoyed with what has befell to me that I only prefer to lash out lots. i'm hoping you notice the experience and do the splendid concern x
2016-10-01 09:16:14 · answer #5 · answered by gizzi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋