Skulle göra en massa saker ikväll, men fastnade i skrivbordshögen och hittade bl a en liten turistbroschyr som jag fick med mig från New Forest i somras. Tänkte den kunde vara användbar om inte annat för dom ofrivilliga hästägare vi omger oss med…

Watch for the signs

A short lesson in pony body language

WATCH THE EARS!

The commonest sign that a pony is agitated by you is the "ear threat", where the ears are held back towards the neck. If you see this move away and the pony will calm down.

WATCH THE NOSE!

If you ignore the ear threat, it may be repeated with more intensity as the animal gets really annoyed. The, the mouth may open slightly, the nose wrinkle and the nostrils flare, with a sharp raising of the head. The pony is really angry now! Back off immediately - the pony can only defend itself by biting or kicking.

Forestry commission 

England