metalmare
Well-Known Member
It's meant to be fun... this doesn't sound much fun for anyone, including the pony.
Another naughty childs pony
- Thread starter mustardsmum
- Start date
mustardsmum
Well-Known Member
Hi Metalmare, I totally agreed with you when I originally wrote this post, however I have updated my post, see page three on the post, and the youtube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPx5qa5iJto
I was seriously on the verge of phoning the owner to return the pony. But I just felt I needed to look at what I might be doing which, if changed, might make a difference. She was napping back to her field mate, and so I moved this pony out of sight. She was taking a huge pull (leaning on the bit, head up then down) so I experimented when I rode her, put her in a milder bit in case she was uncomfortable. I don't like flashes so took it off, and she is no longer pulling/leaning or tanking. My daughter is still having lessons with the instructor, and she has some strategies for coping when the pony pulls.
We are all very much happier - pony is more comfortable, (less is more in this case!) and my daughter is having great fun. Unfortunately, my son will need to get his confidence back a bit but we will work on that slowly and to be honest, he would rather be on his bike!
Everyone's comments have been really helpful, in the end I took a bit from each and I was (am still am...) prepared to send the pony back if it doesn't work out
I was seriously on the verge of phoning the owner to return the pony. But I just felt I needed to look at what I might be doing which, if changed, might make a difference. She was napping back to her field mate, and so I moved this pony out of sight. She was taking a huge pull (leaning on the bit, head up then down) so I experimented when I rode her, put her in a milder bit in case she was uncomfortable. I don't like flashes so took it off, and she is no longer pulling/leaning or tanking. My daughter is still having lessons with the instructor, and she has some strategies for coping when the pony pulls.
We are all very much happier - pony is more comfortable, (less is more in this case!) and my daughter is having great fun. Unfortunately, my son will need to get his confidence back a bit but we will work on that slowly and to be honest, he would rather be on his bike!
Everyone's comments have been really helpful, in the end I took a bit from each and I was (am still am...) prepared to send the pony back if it doesn't work out
Littlelegs
Well-Known Member
Glad to hear of the happy update, fingers crossed it continues to work out. And by the sounds of it, your daughter is very keen to make it work which makes all the difference.
YorksG
Over the hill and far awa
Well done with persevering with Peanut What is she like on the lunge? I would think that both she and Poppy would benfit from a few lunge lessons, so that Poppy can concentrate on her legs and hands, while not having to concentrate on making Peanut go 
What is she like on the lunge? I would think that both she and Poppy would benfit from a few lunge lessons, so that Poppy can concentrate on her legs and hands, while not having to concentrate on making Peanut go redmone
Well-Known Member
Well done for keeping going!!!
As a mum of a little girl and a cheeky (chestnut!) mare, I completely understand everything you've said!
In my humble (and still relatively inexperienced) opinion, it all depends on the child. And you know your child better than anyone on here ever will.
If your child will be happy to maybe take a small step backwards and work on the foundations of getting this pony listening (and trusting her rider) and behaving, I have no doubt they will develop an amazing bond, and pony will turn into a superstar! My daughter saw this almost as a promotion as she was, in effect, training a pony to be good again! It's another string to add to your daughter's bow!
Our pony tried every cheeky trick in the book, and daughter just kept on picking herself back up and kicking her on. They make a great team now, but it did take a long time and lots of hard work. And a few tears along the way too (mostly mine!).
As I say, you know your child best. I can tell you'll make this work!!!
Even strong and cheeky ponies need a loving little owner at some point!!
Feel free to PM me if you want a chat. And well done again!!!
RM x x x
As a mum of a little girl and a cheeky (chestnut!) mare, I completely understand everything you've said!
In my humble (and still relatively inexperienced) opinion, it all depends on the child. And you know your child better than anyone on here ever will.
If your child will be happy to maybe take a small step backwards and work on the foundations of getting this pony listening (and trusting her rider) and behaving, I have no doubt they will develop an amazing bond, and pony will turn into a superstar! My daughter saw this almost as a promotion as she was, in effect, training a pony to be good again! It's another string to add to your daughter's bow!
Our pony tried every cheeky trick in the book, and daughter just kept on picking herself back up and kicking her on. They make a great team now, but it did take a long time and lots of hard work. And a few tears along the way too (mostly mine!).
As I say, you know your child best. I can tell you'll make this work!!!
Even strong and cheeky ponies need a loving little owner at some point!!
Feel free to PM me if you want a chat. And well done again!!!
RM x x x
metalmare
Well-Known Member
Hi Metalmare, I totally agreed with you when I originally wrote this post, however I have updated my post, see page three on the post, and the youtube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPx5qa5iJto
I was seriously on the verge of phoning the owner to return the pony. But I just felt I needed to look at what I might be doing which, if changed, might make a difference. She was napping back to her field mate, and so I moved this pony out of sight. She was taking a huge pull (leaning on the bit, head up then down) so I experimented when I rode her, put her in a milder bit in case she was uncomfortable. I don't like flashes so took it off, and she is no longer pulling/leaning or tanking. My daughter is still having lessons with the instructor, and she has some strategies for coping when the pony pulls.
We are all very much happier - pony is more comfortable, (less is more in this case!) and my daughter is having great fun. Unfortunately, my son will need to get his confidence back a bit but we will work on that slowly and to be honest, he would rather be on his bike!
Everyone's comments have been really helpful, in the end I took a bit from each and I was (am still am...) prepared to send the pony back if it doesn't work out
Well that's good news
Especially for the pony as I think these types need a special sort of home. I have a head strong pony and I know not everyone would have the patience for it. I too found a huge improvement when I removed his flash and martingale and allowed him to unwind a bit, although I do keep him in a waterford (I tried a french link recently and it wasn't too clever). Time and routine has been the biggest help for him - knowing that he is always coming home to his friends and his field.