Advice Needed

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UnpaidGroom

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My pony is a 15 year old, 14.1, Arab X Welsh/TB, ex-riding school pony. I have had a few problems with him napping which I have posted about before and got some got some really good, helpful advice (thanks!). Had teeth and backed checked and he doesnt appear to have any problems causing him pain or anything.

The thing is when I went to try him out his old owner said to carry a crop with him as just holding it was usually enough to get him going forward but sometimes he needs a tap. The YO where I keep him is REALLY against crops and I know it is really soft but I don't dare to use one on him there because I know how much she dissaproves. She thinks I should be able to get him going by applying pressure with my legs and being positive. I have really tried with her methods and I am not bothered about using a crop myself, I'm am quite happy to ride without one but I am getting nowhere with my pony, he just doesn't respond. If I push him on too much he just rears. Would I be better off using a crop which is what he is used to after about 9 years in the riding school or persevering without one? I'm also worried because he's putting weight on just on grass and really needs to be exercised.

Thanks x.
 
Try him with the crop and see if it makes a difference - trial and error about finding what suits your horse. Each horse responds to different things - some respond to voice, some to perserverence, some to just carrying a crop and some to using one. Not one of those things is wrong and you shouldn't be made to feel like it is.
 
Thank you, I appreciate your advice. I think I worry too much about upsetting other people - I mean, I would never be cruel and go thrashing him with it or anything! I think I will try him with a crop this week and see how he goes - at the risk of p*ssing YO off immensely!
 
Bless some yard owners can have some funny ideas - mine included! I think definately try with a crop and see how you get on. Good luck
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It's not just mine then? Lol! I just really hate confrontation and stuff so I try my hardest not to annoy anyone but at the moment it means that I'm not enjoying riding my pony because it is a constant battle and more improtantly he is not getting his exercise and is turning into a barrel which is not good! I just desparately want to have some fun with him and I want him to enjoy himself.

As he is only 14'1 and I am about 9 stone - do you think he is struggling with my weight and that's why he's napping? I was about half a stone lighter when I got him because I'd been dieting (never again!) but my normal weight is about 9-9.5 stone. Maybe I'm squashing the poor boy
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As said carry a crop and see what happens. If pony responds to one tap to me that is kinder then constantly kicking the pony in the ribs
 
you're weight isn't the issue - 9 to 9.5 stone should be fine - it's more likely his own weight he's lugging around that is an issue !!
 
Could you say to YO that you'd like to try carrying a crop to see if it helps then say that you don't like using one (even if you don't mind) but you're losing the will to live as your pony will not budge. Surely she'll understand that its far safer for you to carry a crop than to have your pony rearing.
I don't like using a whip but to get D out alone I have to carry one as he is nappy too
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you should always carry a whip. i am an experienced rider, i have very long legs and a lot of determination and i STILL won't even hack out without one. it sends a completely different message to the horse... even just having it in your hand, not using it at all, sends a huge message. I MEAN BUSINESS and if you muck around matey i have a WHIP and i'm NOT AFRAID TO USE IT!!! a lot of horses are golden if there's a whip in the rider's hand, and naughty little gits if not!
carry it. tell her it's an experiment as you are at your wits' end and not enjoying riding him. him rearing is FAR more dangerous and worrying, to my mind, than you carrying a whip, for goodness' sake! a lot of horses hate the pressure of strong leg aids... with a whip in your hand, things won't have to get that far.
have the conversation with the YO about carrying the whip while you aren't riding your pony. explain why you feel you need to carry it, tell her the old owner knew the pony very well and it was his/her advice.
if you do need to use it, try just touching your pony with it, then, if that's not enough, rubbing it gently on your pony's backside. the YO can't object to that, you aren't beating it up. if those aren't enough, and they probably will be, then taps with the stick.
a short-ish dressage whip might be better than a jumping whip. just an idea.
if you can't get him into a paddock with less grass, maybe lunge him for 10 minutes a day... it's good exercise anyway, and will get him listening to and obeying your voice, which is all good for under saddle! don't forget to use your voice if he's naughty... it's a very good Aid.
good luck!
 
I would try carrying a whip. If you let the pony get away with this he will get worse and worse and eventually a whip will make not difference at all.

As you have just got him he will be testing your limits at this point. They remember things for a long time so if you dont get him past this problem now it will be a bigger problem in the future.

There is nothing wrong with using a whip as long as you are not beating the pony up for no reason, which I know some young people do. But you sound very sensible and seem to know what will work for this pony already.

Could you not have a go when the YO is not around, just to see if a whip does make a difference?
 
All the riding school horses and ponies I have ever ridden need you to carry a whip to get them to listen to you. You may not have to use it often or at all, but I was amazed at the difference.
 
I'd be inclined to tell the YO to butt-out. He's your pony & as long as you aren't 'beating' the lad senseless you need to use it for your own safety - rearing is no joke.

I always carry a stick, especially out hacking. My friends spooky pony occasionally needs reminding to concentrate on me & not the gremlins in the hedgerow when on the road, otherwise I would be under a car!
 

definately carry a whip!! I actually think sometimes it can be dangerous not to - especially on a hack.

It is not cruel, unless used inappropriately and is intended to be a back up to you leg aids, which your ponio is currently not listening to.

surely, YO can't object to that.... TBH, I would be v cross that YO is stopping use of whip - surely that is YOUR choice.
 
Interesting relationship with your YO. I'm all for Yard Owners stepping in if they see neglect, or cruelty, in fact that should be encouraged but not for them interfering in how you handle, ride or discipline your horse within reasonable boundaries - unless never carrying a whip of any kind is a precondition of being at the yard
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Do what you need to do to get your horse to listen and respect you, you will both be happier for it.
 
i would definitely try carrying a whip. I always do and very rarely need to use it, but he rides much better when he knows i've got one.
 
Thank you everyone. I have decided I am going to be a bit more assertive and ride with a crop from now on. Having your support and back up really helps a wimp like me! Thanks! x
 
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