anyone else feel like giving up?

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luna88

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Have had my loan pony for about 2 weeks now and hes gone from a lovely pony to the pony from hell hes boulsy i rode him earlier and he done mini bucks and just badly behaved his manners are getting worse im now think do i carry on or just give up. When he came to me he was in a poor condition he had lice etc which ive sorted could he just be feeling better and becoming a hot arab or is he really to much for a novice nervous rider??
 
Hard to say without seeing the horse, but 2 weeks is not long so imagine he is 'testing' you.

Have you spoken to his owners to see if this behaviour is normal?

Count yourself lucky that you have him on loan though. My two are being utter gits atm but would need to sell them to get rid - at least you can give yours back!
 
It's not uncommon for horses to be kept poor to keep them quiet. Look at the diet he has now. I understand you want him to gain weight but is there something you could feed him that's less likely to make him hot-headed? Before his behaviour deteriorates further, I would arrange to start having weekly lessons on him for a while.

But ultimately I suspect you may be right in that he doesn't sound suitable for a nervous novice rider. If you decide to return him to his owner, ensure your next loan horse is healthy and fit for the level of work you want to do, so you can properly judge its suitability for you.
 
This is true but have already fallen in love but dnt want to get to the point werr i end up resenting him as he is on a long term 3 year loan lol
 
Sugar and spice i may think ur right but i am willing to put the work in with him and maybe if i can teach him some manners
 
Are you overfeeding him and trying to get him looking good too quickly? cut back the feed if you are giving him any, just plenty of hay and time in the field, he is likely to just be feeling bright and getting a bit above himself as well as still settling in.
 
Do you have a loan contract?

Do you have an experienced person or instructor that can help you?

'Falling in love' with a horse doesn't always mean it is suitable for you....
 
be positive said:
Are you overfeeding him and trying to get him looking good too quickly? cut back the feed if you are giving him any, just plenty of hay and time in the field, he is likely to just be feeling bright and getting a bit above himself as well as still settling in.
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Sugar_and_Spice said:
It's not uncommon for horses to be kept poor to keep them quiet. Look at the diet he has now. I understand you want him to gain weight but is there something you could feed him that's less likely to make him hot-headed? Before his behaviour deteriorates further, I would arrange to start having weekly lessons on him for a while.
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I agree with both this posts. Out of interest what are you feeding him?
 
I no falling in love doesnt mean he suitable but dnt feel lile i sud give up at the first hurdle as when i tried him out he was a dream pony quiet steady going and seemed perfect
 
After two weeks I'd say hes testing you. Don't give up yet! If the problems continue then yes return but maybe have some lessons to help both of your confidence? Really helped me:) Also think of what he's being fed, yes you want him to gain weight but maybe its the feed thats adding to his behaviour, have a look around for something else to see:)
 
Get an instructor! Someone who can help not just your riding, but give you advice on groundwork and finding a regime that suits you both.

What's his diet and turnout regime like? Is he getting hay or haylage? Would you be able to lunge him lightly before riding? Also bucking can be a saddle thing. There's many possible issues and solutions, a good instructor would be brilliant because they can see in person what the horse is like. We bought a plod for my sister to learn on, he was a lunatic for six months and then went back to his old self, there is definitely a settling in period. (we've had him eight years and now know he hates change)

Horses aren't machines, we all have to start somewhere, and as long as you're not at risk of injury, see it as educational! :D
 
I would change the haylage for hay. Also drop the feed too. Also try some ground work with him so he learns to trust you and build a bound with you.

also get back, saddle ad teeth checked to rule out pain related problems
 
I can change his food to hay but haylage is included in my livery. :-/ was thinking of changing his hard feed but unsure as to what i jisy dnt want to give up on him i have a very supportive yard owner and people on the yrd are great at helping me out as well
 
Good advice given by others and I would also agree he is testing you. When I got my boy (about 5 months ago) was all good for the first month or so and then he started being naughty and testing me with napping when went to a hunter trials and in the field sometimes and also had issue with bucking (half heartedly) at schooling whip (and I mean like gentle tap to reinforce leg). I got the napping sorted with help from instructor as just had to show him it was not on and it was hard and a struggle and a bit scary but then was all fine and he has not napped since! I did not nip the bucking in the bud like I should have and everything else healthwise with him was fine and he didn't with my instructor when she rode him so it was him not respecting me and I was being a soft touch. In last month have become a much more dominant rider and the difference is really good. He rarely will buck now, no napping and is actually going much nicer, more willing and more focused on me.

He has always pretty much been a total sweetheart on the ground and I found lunging and free schooling has also really improved our bond and made him respond better to me.

I'd obviously make sure no reasons for his behaviour that are physical and then get an instructor or experienced person to help you get theough it.
 
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