Every equine that arrives at Bransby Horses requires a training and handling regime tailored specifically to them, with some more complex than others. But 13hh Welsh pony King Fergus, is a different ballgame altogether.
The arrival
King Fergus was signed over to the charity in March 2021 along with seven other equines, as part of a much larger multi-agency intervention. We worked alongside World Horse Welfare, Redwings and the RSPCA to rescue a group of equines who were living in unsuitable conditions.
He arrived as an eight-year-old, unhandled stallion, very nervous and reactive to his handlers, preferring to keep himself at a distance. King Fergus had a lack of trust in humans and a fear of being restrained with a headcollar, making it particularly difficult to catch him for necessary medical treatments or assessments.
When he felt afraid or pressured, he would bolt away from his handler. This behaviour would become very dangerous if it continued, even though the team knew he wasn’t trying to hurt anyone. They put a plan together to help King Fergus build some trust and gain some confidence.
Patience and progress
The team worked hard to build a good relationship with him, using positive reinforcement training and taking everything at his pace. King Fergus felt most comfortable when working one-on-one with a particular handler and took a liking to target training.
Target training is a technique often used alongside clicker training, encouraging an equine to touch a specific target, using a clicker and rewarding them with a treat when they do so. Instead of leading King Fergus with a headcollar, his handler uses a moving target for him to follow, preventing him from feeling restricted.
For King Fergus this was a huge step, allowing his handler to provide him with necessary care such as clipping, brushing, farrier and veterinary treatments, without pushing him out of his comfort zone.
Four years later and this way of handling is still used for King Fergus. While his progress is slow, he has come a long way since his arrival and is a testament to the kindness and patience of our yard teams.
It’s unlikely King Fergus will ever be rehomed due to his complex needs, but he has a home for life at Bransby Horses, and his handler Megan will continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment for him to thrive in.
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