ADVICE: New part-loan horse

[glass]

I'm writing to seek genuine advice as I have very recently begun to introduce myself to a horse prior to part loaning long-term.

He's a TB and lives out all year; the livery yard doesn't have access to an arena/flat ground and its a bit of a walk to the closest hacking tracks. I have only taken him out twice so far- the first time I planned just to walk out with him (to get him used to me and also to figure out where I needed to go!) and although we (I!) got a little lost he was perfectly well behaved (although in retrospect I could imagine my anxiety of being lost may have been picked up by him). Today I took him out for the second time. On approaching with his saddle he did several back steps and wasn't very keen on the look of the ounting block. We set off okay though, however on arrival at the park he bolted towards a tree and did several bucks which succeeded in my meeting the grass, before bolting away. The most worrying thing about this was that this meant he headed straight for the road and I dread to think what might have been....leading him on the way back he was very edgy and required some soothing (I didn't get back on as I didn't want to put him in any undue distress or danger)

My concern is that this isn't usual behaviour by what I've been told. So, I'm wondering whether a) its something I did b) he was unsettled by going out with someone new on his own and feeling/speaking differently c) sore back? I know he's put on a little weight recently as another owner at the yard commented on it on my first day with him.

If its a) or b) then I'm not sure that it would be wise to continue with the loan as there are no paddocks or him to get to know me in and I really wouldn't want to put him in danger by taking him out on the roads again.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[kirstyl]

Poor you! What a horrible start to loaning a horse. I hate to say it, but this doesn't sound a good situation for you. Where was the owner? If a new person were Icoming to ride my horse, I would definitely be there. How much is he being worked by the owner and has this work been less since you last rode him? How experienced are you and what are you prepared to cope with? Being bucked off on second time of riding wouldn't make it that appealing! There are lots of horses out there so please don't feel bad if you decide this horse isn't the right one for you - it is meant to be pleasurable after all!

 

[Kellys Heroes]

Difficult situation - I started loaning at the age of 12, a little pony who was a little bugger at times but perfect for me to progress on. His owner stayed with me for about 3 weeks before I went to the farm alone. I still part loan with the same lady now (10 years on!) but her mare who can be quite difficult (She gave me a few stickability lessons today in fact!! ) but again, I wasn't left with her by myself for the first two weeks or so.

I would suggest you ask his owner to accompany you if possible so she can see how he is with you? Has he been ridden recently? Is he just giddy? Could you try hacking in company?
If it is really out of character then maybe it's saddle/teeth/back?

If its none of these and you do want to continue pl this horse (I don't know how long you've been part loaning him) I'd spend more time on the ground with him, leading, grazing in hand etc and get to know him for longer, then take it steady and see if he settles. Otherwise it may be worth considering if he is the horse for you - as said above, there are plenty of people looking for help with their horses.

Good luck and keep us updated!
K x

 

[be positive]

It could be a,b and c, have you seen him ridden by his owner and have they seen you ride him?
When was he last ridden, option d it may be that he has not been getting enough exercise and feels rather fresh and this is his way of expressing himself.

Having a loan or part loan needs to be approached in a similar way to buying a horse, you need to have time to try it and decide if it is for you, in this case he may be but possibly the yard with no facilities is not for you as there will be no way apart from hacking to develop a relationship with this horse.

I would talk it through with the owner find out how he is usually ridden he may well have a sore back or just needs the saddle checking to be more comfortable.
If riding out again try and go in company, it will give you more confidence as well as be more settling for him.

 

[glass]

Thanks everyone! I think I do just need to speak to the owner and find out a little more about how he has been generally/whether hes not been getting out as much- if there has been no change there then unfortunately would look like a) or b) and as you say, although he's perfectly happy with me grooming/fussing around him so far, current facilities don't allow us the time to get to know each other a little better as a united pair!