Bombproof Pony? My A***!!

RainbowDash

RainbowDash

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Hi all,

I'd like some advice please. This is a long-winded message but please bear with me.

Back in January of this year I purchased my first pony. Two of my instructors came to see and ride him (out and in school) - and on their recommendation I brought him. I trusted their judgement and they honestly thought Tod was right for me.

I started riding again (Nov 2011) after 19 years out of the saddle. I have been taking lessons to get my mo-jo back.

Tod is a Welsh Sec C (cross?) and 14 to 15 years old - it is becoming apparent that he has had some rough treatment in his life (doesn't like having his face touched, is very nervous at the sight of a whip). With some of the problems I'm finding with him I suppose many novicey riders would have him up for re-sale by now but I've made a commitment to him and want to help him be a more confident pony and live out his days with me and his new friends. I would like some advice/help with ways I may be able to overcome problems he has - (one was that he was scared of puddles but now I have him walking through them - he's a bright boy and I'm sure I can help him be braver and happier).

Back ground on pony as I have it from previous owner:

1. Good in traffic
2. not at all spooky
3. good to school
4. good to tack up
5. excellent to hack alone,
5a. and in company
6. Quiet and perfect for novice

Actual experience:

1. Good in traffic as long as there's no horses, cars, lorries, buses, or any sort of traffic about - having said this he is okay as long as his has seen a car and there's no light reflected off it.
2. Not at all spooky unless there's squirrels, birds, loose dogs, plastic bags, noise, burger vans, horse walkers, cars, vans, or puddles about.
3. Schooling okay alone but in company a corner is seen as a target and the rider as a projectile and gets spooked if someone is watching, car doors close and hates the top school - bottom school no problems - top school larger and more suitable for jumping, canter work - bottom school very compact.
4. Saddling up fine, hates having bit put in - merry dance around the stable and clamps his mouth and will only take bit once thumb in and tongue tickled - fine once bit in but clamps and holds bit when taking out.
5. Hacks alone and okay as long as the ride is uneventful and there's no loose dogs, plastic bags, puddles, squirrels, birds, cars, vans, motorbikes - he's at livery at a country park and seems more nervous of bright and shiny objects - since summers coming up and there's going to be more reflections on cars, puddles, metals etc i'd like to try and sort this now if possible.
5a. In company okay with other horses but always wants to be in front - very forward pony.
6. He's not a plod, in fact it only takes a vocal command to change pace - granted his brakes are not so good.

I see a lot of intelligence in my little ponio and he's willing to learn - if anyone has any ideas of how I can help him over come his nerves then please let me know. If after reading this your first thought is 'sell him' then please don't reply because I'm a stubborn old mare and can see a cracking little pony under this nervous little chestnut shell :D

Kindest of regards,
Shrike
 
If he was in his last home with the same owner for many years then moving to a new home with a new owner could have unsettled him more than you think. It normally takes 6-12months for most horses to properly settle into their new home. How many times did you try him out? I'd would just carry on working with him and strengthen the bond between the pair of you.

Well done for sticking by the little man :)
 
The advice I was given when going to view a horse is erase all the information given and form your own.

You have quite a list identified problems and good for you at least you know what they are now.

I do think its good to get help etc and things like plastic bags etc show them loads of the darn things..rustle but produce a bit of food out of one....just practice practice practice so it all becomes normal. Mine spots a plastic bag a mile off when I whip it out of my pocket and homes in on it has a strong food association..I would leave the odd one on a fence or tie it up in front of him and produce even one pony nut out of it...let him have a good sniff ..I use tarp to cover hay and that flaps around in wind etc

At the end of the day its desensitising. Even traffic proofing is same. If we never went along the road to see traffic for a while the horse wasnt as comfortable. Try to go out really early or when road is so quiet...with someone on foot even(even if they lead you or as a beginner would) hi viz etc
Is bottom of school where the gate to go out is??? Loud bags I would make tons of noise etc is he kept with calm horse etc just so its all regular things that become normal.

Good luck and at least you know what you have. It took me a year to get to know my horse sold as a family horse but a second horse in reality!
 
Echo what above poster said about being unsettled, give him time to adjust, you've barely had him home a month, especially if as mentioned, he was in previous home for a long time. Think about it from his point of view, and as you say, he's a clever pony, so it will affect him more than perhaps, something that isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer (I own one of them).

Also, are you sure all of his behaviour is him being 'unsettled' and not just him taking the piddle a bit? My (aforementioned) lad, plays up his 'spookiness' to test if I'm awake or not. He will spook at something he walks past every other day of the week sometimes, just in case I wasn't on the ball.

Sounds like you are willing to persevere, hack him out with a nice steady companion if you can, and get a good instructor who can help you through his patches of sillyness. Get him in a nice routine, so he knows what he's doing and when he's doing it, might help settle him somewhat :)
 
Archina said:
If he was in his last home with the same owner for many years then moving to a new home with a new owner could have unsettled him more than you think. It normally takes 6-12months for most horses to properly settle into their new home. How many times did you try him out? I'd would just carry on working with him and strengthen the bond between the pair of you.

Well done for sticking by the little man :)
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Hi,

Thanks for taking time to reply. (:¬).

The story I have is that Tod lived on the same field/same companions for 2 and a half years - I suspect that he actually didn't go on road very often and when he did it was a short walk to hacking (read 'gallops') - where he was possibility just allowed to do his own thing as long as it was fast.

His new home is very different from the field - his new home is also a riding school - he has a good routine, has the same field buddies, he's pretty nosy and there's always new faces about.
 
indie999 said:
The advice I was given when going to view a horse is erase all the information given and form your own.

You have quite a list identified problems and good for you at least you know what they are now.

I do think its good to get help etc and things like plastic bags etc show them loads of the darn things..rustle but produce a bit of food out of one....just practice practice practice so it all becomes normal. Mine spots a plastic bag a mile off when I whip it out of my pocket and homes in on it has a strong food association..I would leave the odd one on a fence or tie it up in front of him and produce even one pony nut out of it...let him have a good sniff ..I use tarp to cover hay and that flaps around in wind etc

At the end of the day its desensitising. Even traffic proofing is same. If we never went along the road to see traffic for a while the horse wasnt as comfortable. Try to go out really early or when road is so quiet...with someone on foot even(even if they lead you or as a beginner would) hi viz etc
Is bottom of school where the gate to go out is??? Loud bags I would make tons of noise etc is he kept with calm horse etc just so its all regular things that become normal.

Good luck and at least you know what you have. It took me a year to get to know my horse sold as a family horse but a second horse in reality!
Click to expand...

Thanks, that's a great tip - Tod loves carrots so I'll rattle the carrier bag about a little more before producing the carroty goodness. :D

There's two enclosed schools at the yard - the top one has 7.5 tonnes horse boxes parked up beside it and after the corner you're in the sun - some of the other horses spooky there too and the the owner only has that spot to park in so they can't change that. The bottom one is next to a track and near a pony turnout so more secluded.

Going to invest in a Hi-vis and will take Tod for walk on halter this weekend down the busier roads and see how he gets on - might walk him to my house so he can make a start on my lawn :D
 
section Cs can be very bright ponies and often a bit nervy or stressy. You might find it is the change in home/owner that has unsettled him, they can also be very much a one person pony so give him time to settle.
Work away with him but always be aware there is a very bright little brain ticking away in there, once you have a cs love & trust you will have a great partnership, just be prepared to have a sense of humour because by god they have one :)
 
SophieLouBee said:
Echo what above poster said about being unsettled, give him time to adjust, you've barely had him home a month, especially if as mentioned, he was in previous home for a long time. Think about it from his point of view, and as you say, he's a clever pony, so it will affect him more than perhaps, something that isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer (I own one of them).

Also, are you sure all of his behaviour is him being 'unsettled' and not just him taking the piddle a bit? My (aforementioned) lad, plays up his 'spookiness' to test if I'm awake or not. He will spook at something he walks past every other day of the week sometimes, just in case I wasn't on the ball.

Sounds like you are willing to persevere, hack him out with a nice steady companion if you can, and get a good instructor who can help you through his patches of sillyness. Get him in a nice routine, so he knows what he's doing and when he's doing it, might help settle him somewhat :)
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Hi, Tod does take the piddle a bit to start with, but mon to fri he knows I mean business as soon as I'm in the saddle, on sat and sun he plays up as he doesn't like the sound of the generator running the burger van - as soon as we're out of ear-shot he's okay, some days he'll walk past things no problem and others I can add a new thing that bothers him - ponies who'd have 'em? :D.

With the time of year we don't have many other riders to go out with - but when our riding buddy is about we do go out for a good ride and Tod's fine (lady in question is 72 and her horse 30 something - so defo steady:D)
 
AMW said:
section Cs can be very bright ponies and often a bit nervy or stressy. You might find it is the change in home/owner that has unsettled him, they can also be very much a one person pony so give him time to settle.
Work away with him but always be aware there is a very bright little brain ticking away in there, once you have a cs love & trust you will have a great partnership, just be prepared to have a sense of humour because by god they have one :)
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Hi,

I'm certainly learning to love my little 'Sec C', Even though I've only had him for a few weeks I do believe that he's pleased to see me, he's tries his best for me when I've not ridden him for a couple of days even when he's fizzy. (or perhaps it's the carrots, polos and apples that he works for? ;))

He's certainly an intelligent lad - I have two labradors and he's certainly far cleverer than they are.
 
There's a fabulous book called Bombproofing Your Horse. Can't remember author, Amazon bound to have it. It's full of common sense tips, case studies, real life stuff and some gorgeous photos that lift your spirits and make you want to tack your pony up immediately and get started. Think there was 1 horse that was terrified of wheelie bins on bin-day hacks. The final photo is a close-up of the horse's face taken from a camera INside the bin! They taught her to expect yummies from the bins and then encouraged her to lift the lid on her own! Good luck x
 
With a lot of these issues they are probably just learned behaviours, they are mostly things that can be sorted with a good NH/IH instructor. The reason why I find working with these instructors useful is that show you what you need to do, so you can correct these issues when the instructor is not there. Also alot of them wil be related, so as you sort one issue the next is easier to sort.
 
I echo what everyone else says but add groundwork can be very good for building trust and bond. And have you done all the usual checks ? Whenever I buy anything I automatically get teeth done and osteopath out just to make sure all is well. Also is he in his old tack or gave you got new?
 
Sorry you are in this situation. If it were me I would do the following:

1. Make sure there is no physical cause for discomfort. From what you say I would look at the teeth but also the eyes as they may be a reason he is reluctant to take the bit and spooks at bright objects.

2. I would reconsider any aspects of the pony's management and consider changing yards to somewhere where he could be out 24/7.

3. Get a good instructor who can ride the pony for you when he needs schooling, help you with groundwork and give you lessons on the school and on hacks - these people exist and are worth their weight in gold!

4. Keep an open mind about the partnership - good on you for giving it a go but if it really doesn't work out both you and the pony will be miserable.
 
Second the advice about the eyes.I had a Highland.Sometimes he could be incredibly sensible, other times just plain silly for no apparent reason.Turned out he had a cataract (large) in his right eye.
 
Some good advice from others :D

I'd only add:

Good on you for trying to get this sorted; and

Ground work. Lots of it. Get him used to different ground surfaces (tapaurlins good for that), noises, flags, etc.

Oh, and suggest to the lorry owner that, as a number of horses are taking issue with being blinded by reflected light, s/he gets some sort of sheet or other cover to go over the windows. Bit of a drag in one respect, but saves time cleaning windows as well :D

Good luck and I hope you have a lot of fun with your pony :D
 
I'd do the checks everyone else is suggesting. Also agree it's a whole new life for pony. Things are new and different.

Also, you are just getting back to riding. It is very possible in his last home he was as described and also ridden by someone that didn't really react to the slightest reaction from pony. Pony is in new place, his confidence is all over the place, and his new rider is a little reactive. I don't mean this as a put down on you. You both are trying to figure things out. Sometimes the difference between the sensitive horse and the not so sensitive is tiny little clues from the rider. Anyway, keep up the good work and you all will be fine.

Terri
 
It sounds like you're doing great and he's probably just taking time to settle and get to know you. I bought a Welsh C at the beginning of November. Until January I kept wondering if he was too much for me and whether I'd done the right thing (although I love him to bits).

It just took a while for him to settle and for us to get used to each other. I think they are so intelligent that moving yards, people etc does unsettle them.

By the begnning of this year I felt we were beginning to bond and the bottom half of the school no longer prompted a half pass or piaffe (ghosts in the hedge, you know). Out hacking he was generally good although would sometimes do a great impression of a giraffe.

Welshies definitely have a sense of humour and I'm sure he was testing me, as soon as he knew I wouldn't stand for something he would be fine.

By the beginning of Feb I felt he was much more settled and we were much more of a partnership. Sadly he's developed health issues very suddenly and I've had to retire him.

If and when in time I do get another, I know now that I'm a complete sucker for a Welsh C. I know it won't be plain sailing but they are so worth it! I wish you lots of fun with yours, I'm sure he will be absolutely fine.

ETA some really good advice above, and I'd echo getting all checks done. It took me 2 saddle fitters, several weeks and a fair bit of cash to finally get something that was right for mine.
 
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Agree with other post but would also add, just make sure that you are not giving him too much sugar (you mentioned treats). While you are getting used to him and getting back into riding don't overfeed him, especially as we are (hopefully) coming into Spring.

It sounds like you have a nice busy yard, use this as an opportunity to take him around things he considers new and scary. Walk him up to the lorries, let him sniff them and have a good snort. Go and visit the burger van, stand and have a cup of tea while you are with him. If he's bright he will soon get the hang that strange things should be investigated. Keep your voice at a low pitch when you talk to him and always go with the attitude that everything is quite normal, so what's the issue? I find it amazing the number of people who when faced with something they think the horse won't like immediately start to speak in a high pitched strangled tone (their own body tightens, they stop breathing regularly and the horse wonders what is going on). We are on a working farm and my boy loves tractors, hedge cutters etc. No problems when we hack out then.

Lastly, and please don't take offence at this, but would also recommend that you ensure you are as riding fit and flexible as you can be. Anything that will help your core stability if he is being a little spooky is going to be helpful.

I took me 18 months to really get to know my second horse, so it really is early days.
 
Great advice here. Personally if I was going to lead him out on the roads I would have him in a bridle rather than a halter as you will have more control. Also, if the burger van generator is a problem can you give him his meals near it, getting gradually closer to desensitise him? Good luck and good on you for sticking at it :)
 
As the instructors recommended you buy the pony, ask them to take him in for use in the riding school, he will have a firmer and more regular riding experiences, sounds as though you are both a bit nervy at the moment.
 
Echo what others have said about checking his eyes. At his age cataracts might be a problem, they can turn a previously quiet horse into a spooky nervous one. Understandably! If they're fine I'd invest in a good calmer and cut out all hard feed. He might just need his hand holding while he settles - but don't be afraid to be firm when he's feeling wobbly, plenty of firm direction from you will reassure him. Good luck :)
 
You have a burger van on your yard??? Wow!


Sorry, I digress. I think a lot of the issues are merely because you are new to each other and possibly both lacking trust in a new partner. It will come good in time, I'm sure. Just work with it and have fun.

(From a Section D owner, so I understand the challenges)
 
Herts05 said:
Agree with other post but would also add, just make sure that you are not giving him too much sugar (you mentioned treats). While you are getting used to him and getting back into riding don't overfeed him, especially as we are (hopefully) coming into Spring.

It sounds like you have a nice busy yard, use this as an opportunity to take him around things he considers new and scary. Walk him up to the lorries, let him sniff them and have a good snort. Go and visit the burger van, stand and have a cup of tea while you are with him. If he's bright he will soon get the hang that strange things should be investigated. Keep your voice at a low pitch when you talk to him and always go with the attitude that everything is quite normal, so what's the issue? I find it amazing the number of people who when faced with something they think the horse won't like immediately start to speak in a high pitched strangled tone (their own body tightens, they stop breathing regularly and the horse wonders what is going on). We are on a working farm and my boy loves tractors, hedge cutters etc. No problems when we hack out then.

Lastly, and please don't take offence at this, but would also recommend that you ensure you are as riding fit and flexible as you can be. Anything that will help your core stability if he is being a little spooky is going to be helpful.

I took me 18 months to really get to know my second horse, so it really is early days.
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Its the bit about the hedge cutters tractors etc.I had lost a LOT of confidence when I got the newbie, a welsh section D.I still worry a bit about tractors etc and he is the one who says to me LOOK its a hedge cutter/tractor.NOTHING to worry about.Lets be really brave and just ignore it shall we!
 
I could have written most of that word for word when I first got my Welsh. He was VERY unsettled him and moved him to my yard, even though he was perfect at his old yard he was spooky, strong and silly at mine and I thought about selling him several times - I was told to persevere and after several months he was back to being great!

Some horses, especially Welsh, take a long time to settle and leave their friends behind
 
You have been given some great advice here and I think it is just a confidence and trust issue. Its important to remember that he will pick up on any change in yourself. Try and remain calm and relaxed with him at all times. If your anxiety or adrenalin is raised he will sense it immediately and there the problem escalates. Working with a young Sec d I am constantly having to correct myself in given situations, take a deep breath and relax.
 
Hi all,

Thank you so much for your advice - it is greatly appreciated.

I have lots of ideas here to be going on with - I will give Tod a few months to settle in and see how he goes - he's such a lovely boy. I'm well and truly a signed up member of the Section C appreciation society :D
 
One extra bit of advice,pop a neck strap on him,it will give you confidence knowing that you can slip a couple of fingers in it when he gets wound up. Oh & when he gets wound up,put your leg on:D
 
your post did make me smile you see what you have is a welsh.. sorry about that ;)

In better news the more they get to know you the better they will be, although they won't ever completely stop trying to take the mick/check you are paying attention but they will teach you a lot! :).
I think generally welsh's can become quite unsettled about moving, mine certainly changed massively and stopped being such a stresshead about a year in so you do need to be patient.

My D (who is now 19 and I have had for 7 years) still looks for things to spook at if he can, still dislikes two ends of the field (THAT HE LIVES IN and those ends are fine when you are eating grass :rolleyes:), still dislikes the corner with the trough and the corner with the jumps in instructors arena etc etc. Has been known to get 200 yds from home and have to find something to spook at when he realises he has been far too well behaved. Apart from with the braying donkey I don't think I have ever seen him actually scared and hence I normally just tut at him. I do a lot of ear watching they tell you lots, when they start pointing the right way a 'no' or 'don't even think about it' works wonders! :D

However he is A1 in traffic, completely trustworthy with small children and an allround gem really just with added ermm character :D
 
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