anyone else feel like giving up?

[luna88]

I have had my loan pony for 2 weeks and at first he was lovely now hes the pony from hell he bad mannered i rode him earlier and he decided a mini buck was in order hes bolshy he did come to me with lice and needed some tlc ive sorted.medical problems could he juat be feeling better or is he just a hot arab whos to mucj for a nervous novice

 

[oldie48]

Well it's very early days but as you describe yourself as a "nervous novice" this pony might not be the one for you. Can you get the pony's owner to come over to help you, or do you have a knowledgeable friend who will spend some time with you and the pony assessing your riding, handling etc? Some ponies will misbehave in a new home because they are unsettled but if you can keep to the pony's usual routine he might improve. I'd also stop feeding anything except grass/hay as if he's not getting much work he won't need anything else. Good luck, it's very disappointing when a new pony isn't working out but most of us have experienced it and sometimes all you need is time for the pony to get to know you and for you to have confidence in the pony.

 

[webble]

If he is starting to feel a bit better he is probably testing the boundaries. Some in hand work and lessons with good instructor will help. I know its not easy but try not to be nervous make you self big and imposing on the ground and feel and think likeyou are in charge

 

[hayinamanger]

Don't give up, OP, you are obviously looking after him very well, what feed does he have? High fibre and no cereals is the best way to avoid bolshy behaviour, mine get ad lib hay and a small amount of fast fibre to carry their minerals.

 

[4x4]

Sorry you're not going to like this but a hot Arab is not the best type of pony for a nervous rider. I would send it back and get something more suitable.

 

[luna88]

Im certainly not giving up after 2 weeks as we barely no each other and yes it mayb hard work and i may fall off a few times but he deserves a chance as whos to say if i got another pony it wouldnt be the same but thanks for your advice i will look at his feed etc as maybe hes hving more thn he should

 

[D66]

Get some lessons, things can change really quickly for good or bad. Just load the dice in your favour.
You seem to have a positive attitude so tackle the problem asap for the best result.

 

[highlandponygirl]

I think 2 weeks is a bit early to give up. He is likely just getting used to a new person in charge, a new routine and if you have moved him to a new yard for the duration of your loan spell?, then he will be settling in to a new environment. That is a pretty big change for a horse/pony. Some settle pretty quickly, others could take a few week/months to get used to a new place/people.

I think if you are confident to persevere, then some lessons with an instructor and get some advice on his diet so you're not giving him anything he doesn't needs.

If it isn't working for you or if he starts to scare you in anyway then it is best to cut your losses sooner.

Confidence is an easy thing to lose but can be hell to get back.

Hope it works out for you x

 

[JDH01]

This will be a scary time for both of you, the pony will be testing you but you have to be confident, if you aren't get professional help and decide how far you are prepared/able to go. Dont get hurt that will wreck your already fragile confidence and dont act purely out of pity, a bad horse costs as much as a good one to feed etc.