Originally posted by shellonabeach
EB, Thankyou so much, you have made me feel so much better about all the things I feel I have put Ross through.
Glad I could help. I really have put mine through similar, not the same, but similar situations. I have had the same concerns that you had expressed, and after trying to learn what they might be thinking of the mess, I came to understand the value they place on their herd memebers.

When I first got him I was 14 and he was my 2nd horse, the first thing he did when we got him home was show what his previous owners had hidden, on hacks he reared, took off and was very nappy. My instructor could do nothing with him, but in the field and over jumps he was another horse. It took me 4 years of hard work on my own before I wasn't terrified of hacking him out. He's my horse and we both know it, when I ride other horses or someone else rides him it is just not the same.
This very situation is what helps develope relationships, good and bad, between people and their horse. It either gets better or worse. Sounds like yours got better.

"Now this doesn't necessarily mean you will have to baby him day and night every time you move him" oh but I do, even though I will pay for his care I will be with him morning and all evening fr the first month of his time there, as I have always done.
Didn't say you shouldn't either! I totally understand the desire to make sure that he is settled and comfortable. Some horses have to have you stand there with them for hours before they can settle down, others are better if you just visit them them each day for a bit. They are are individuals just as we are.

He's a funny thing, when I go home and see him for the first day he actually ignores me. No calling to me when I pull up in the car, no coming over to me from the field. And if I try to ride him he is most un-cooperative!!! The next day however it is like we have never been apart.
This doesn't surprise me. Horses have disappointment also, and they can show it by ignoring the source of their feelings. If he holds is against you for leaving him fo so long, he could decide to ignore you to get his point across. I have seen in herds where a colt will irritate another horse, and what seems to fluster that colt more than active discipline is being ignored by the other horse. Later, the colt may have his friends undivided attention and all is well.

I know what you mean about your pony. I have had several like that I wish I could have "rescued" and retired at home. I wish you luck with your dream.