***Daughter and Dolly....what would you do.....***

[redmone]

Hi everyone!!!

Yes, you guessed it. We are contemplating whether now is the time to move on and get Daughter a bigger pony.

After many many late night conversations and tears, we had all come to the conclusion that it was time to start shopping again. And although I'm desperate to keep Dolly, I can't shake the feeling that she would have a better life teaching another little un such as mine.

Even daughter has got her head around it.

Our options really are put Dolly back on working livery and potentially loan her out at our yard. Or sell her privately. Whilst I'd love to keep her at our yard, she's grown used to the life of competing, and she loves it. The way her ears prick up when she hears our van, well, I'm struggling to take that away from her (although if on working livery, daughter could still take her out occasionally).

Now, here's the next thing to throw into the mix.

We went to HOYS last week, with the intention to look at the pretty 14.2hhs and for Daughter to get an idea of what she wanted next. She would like to event really, so a good all rounder is what we have in mind.

HOWEVER. What did we see there? Lots of young kids, doing exceptionally well on their 12.2hhs, nearly dragging their feet along the floor.

Dolly is a chub, so weight of Daughter (5 stone soaking wet) isn't an issue.

Daughter is also not 13 until February, so in theory she could compete all of next year in the 12 yrs and under classes.

WHAT THE HOLY SHERBERT DIBDAB SHOULD I DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH has kindly (and enthusiastically) told Daughter he thinks she should "finish what she started" rolleyes and carry on competing Dolly. He says she has loads more to give, and lots more fun to have. He also thinks that taking her away when they are both "at their best" is silly - however as everyone on here will know, the season has ended now.

This last week the "outline" thing seems to have clicked and Dolly has turned into a flicky toes ***I'm not a giraffe*** power house machine!!!! (sometimes!)

We're off to a championships show this Sunday....lets see how that goes

So, here we are. Honest opinions welcome.

Should we keep Dolly, at least a little while longer, or should I get her up for sale whilst Daughter is good with it in her mind?

Here's some photos to help make your mind up.....

Fully clipped Dolly!!! (photo taken last Sunday - so here's the real gauge of them size wise.

Giving it some Dolly!!!

Popping Dolly!

And my favourite! Shiny Dolly.

Come on then, honest opinions. What would you do? Time to move on, or maybe give them a little longer together? Remember those "OMG I've bought a monster pony" threads....never thought I'd be writing this one.

I've got wine and halloween popping candy and jelly sweets for anyone that gets this far!!!

RM!

 

[OldNag]

I would say keep her another year. They are having so much fun and are such a great partnership.

 

[BobbyMondeo]

I think you have to realistically think about what your daughter wants to do in the next year and if dolly can do that.
If she can then you should really sell her, and if i were you i would sell her off the yard you do not want the heart brake of seeing her with someone else day in day out.
She looks fine size wise on her to me but i think really is the talent of the pony that needs to me taken into account in cases like this


Hope you come to decision and find her a nice home if you do decide to sell!!

 

[redmone]

I would say keep her another year. They are having so much fun and are such a great partnership.

Honestly? Do you know think she's outgrown her yet?

They ARE having loads of fun.....Dolly is just awesome at the moment.

I didn't mention option 3.

Which is getting OH incredibly drunk and then getting him to sign something saying we can get another anyway and keep Dolly too

I'm favouring that option.....

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Keep her! I have no idea what age limits there are for midget ponies these days but if you still have the time then keep her for the winter so you have plenty of time to shop around and find the new Dolly.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

As those are recent photos, it looks as if daughter could manage another season on Dolly - she's nowhere near too big for her yet. Does daughter ride 14.2s at any time? It might be worth her spending some time riding the RS' bigger ponies during the next year, as it can be a massive step up and puts some children off.
The working livery and potential loan sounds like a good option for the future (unless of course you can persuade OH).

 

[putasocinit]

they are fine together to do another year the only thing getting in their way would be if you daughter wanted to jump higher than dolly could, which i dont think will happen just yet. if you see a tall adult riding a 15hh cob their feet would be at the same length as your daughters are on dollys girth. let them enjoy why the rush.

 

[quirky]

Keep her!
I know so many people who moved up, struggled with a more powerful mount and ended up selling to go smaller again.

 

[dafthoss]

Until daughters feet are knocking the poles down and she can't possibly shorten her stirrups any more, keep her!

If daughter is still happy competing dolly, why change it?

When the time comes I'd probably look in to working livery and a sharer for her. Then she can compete with the sharer when you go out and still be worked in the rs.


Eta YP was ridden by a 6ft man the other day and he didn't manage to knock any poles down with his feet despite being far, far taller on YP than daughter is on dolly.

 

[be positive]

The best year is often the one when the child is almost too big for the pony, as long as the pony has the talent and scope, which I think Dolly has, to do what the rider can, they can really develop their riding and the confidence soars when they can get the best out of a pony. Dolly is well up to carrying the size for another year, I would really go out and enjoy next season, having a new pony means starting all over again why move on before you have to.

 

[Honey08]

I don't think those recent photos show how big she is looking on Dolly. She could do another year on her, she is not heavy, but is getting tall. I think its time to move on. I would see whats around and how she feels once she is trying bigger ponies.x

 

[LynH]

If I were you I would hang onto Dolly and start looking around for the next pony. If you still have Dolly then you can take your time looking for the next one and just keep an eye out for the perfect replacement. Once you find the right one you can put Dolly on working livery whilst you find a home for her that you are happy with. If you aren't under any pressure to find a replacement then you are more likely to make the right choice. Good luck.

 

[ridefast]

I would keep her for the winter and let daughter have fun dressage and sj and whatever, but put the word out that you're looking for a home for Dolly and looking for another horse. When these things are right they are right, so if the right home comes up sooner than you were planning, it won't matter because it will be right.But I don't think daughter is too big yet, unless her feet have started knocking down jumps

 

[splashgirl45]

definately keep her, daughter has now got lots of confidence in dolly and they can probably still improve. dont forget its supposed to be fun and daughter is still quite young. if you get a bigger pony with more potential daughter may feel pressure to do well and will maybe lose some of the enjoyment and maybe lose some confidence if things dont work out. she has had no pressure so far as dolly wasnt a star pony, BUT SHE IS NOW!!!!!!! and that is due to all of your perseverance and hard work. i look forward to lots more updates with dolly!!!!

 

[redmone]

I think you have to realistically think about what your daughter wants to do in the next year and if dolly can do that.
If she can then you should really sell her, and if i were you i would sell her off the yard you do not want the heart brake of seeing her with someone else day in day out.
She looks fine size wise on her to me but i think really is the talent of the pony that needs to me taken into account in cases like this


Hope you come to decision and find her a nice home if you do decide to sell!!

Thank you. It's such a hard decision, I wouldn't say Daughter has outgrown her in ability yet, Dolly can still take her to school!

Keep her! I have no idea what age limits there are for midget ponies these days but if you still have the time then keep her for the winter so you have plenty of time to shop around and find the new Dolly.

For 12.2hhs I think 14 is the BSPS limit, but many riding clubs seem to go on 12 yrs and under. She's be ok for anything at the level we'd be doing.

Lots of votes for keeping.....

As those are recent photos, it looks as if daughter could manage another season on Dolly - she's nowhere near too big for her yet. Does daughter ride 14.2s at any time? It might be worth her spending some time riding the RS' bigger ponies during the next year, as it can be a massive step up and puts some children off.
The working livery and potential loan sounds like a good option for the future (unless of course you can persuade OH).

The clipped photo is last Sunday so very recent. The others were in August. She's not really grown since then.

She's ridden lots of riding school ponies this year, from 13.2 to 14.2 and has been completely comfortable. Of course, it helps that she knows the nature of them due to seeing them on the riding school. We're so lucky in that respect. Although she's been happy on the 14hh ponies, I wouldn't say she's ridden one that has really tested her yet. They're very well behaved ponies, so perhaps when the time comes it might be harder than she expects to move up.

I'm leaning towards the working livery too, but I keep asking myself, what am I keeping Dolly FOR?? Is her job to teach another little un waiting for her? :-(

they are fine together to do another year the only thing getting in their way would be if you daughter wanted to jump higher than dolly could, which i dont think will happen just yet. if you see a tall adult riding a 15hh cob their feet would be at the same length as your daughters are on dollys girth. let them enjoy why the rush.

I think Dolly could go up a bit more height wise - she's happy at 75cm and I think they could do 80-85cm if daughter rode really positively. Dolly's got the scope just can get a bit cheeky if she chooses to. It's nice to hear that so many people don't think she's too big yet. Thank you x

Keep her!
I know so many people who moved up, struggled with a more powerful mount and ended up selling to go smaller again.

Dolly seems to have lots of friends on here....has she been posting without me? ;-)

Until daughters feet are knocking the poles down and she can't possibly shorten her stirrups any more, keep her!

If daughter is still happy competing dolly, why change it?

When the time comes I'd probably look in to working livery and a sharer for her. Then she can compete with the sharer when you go out and still be worked in the rs.


Eta YP was ridden by a 6ft man the other day and he didn't manage to knock any poles down with his feet despite being far, far taller on YP than daughter is on dolly.

Exactly what we were thinking about the loan. I'd be more than happy to take another little un out with us. Dolly's so easy to travel, she'd be good for another pony to be around who perhaps wasn't as good.

I think I'm definately favouring the loaning idea....I can keep an eye then!!! ;-)

The best year is often the one when the child is almost too big for the pony, as long as the pony has the talent and scope, which I think Dolly has, to do what the rider can, they can really develop their riding and the confidence soars when they can get the best out of a pony. Dolly is well up to carrying the size for another year, I would really go out and enjoy next season, having a new pony means starting all over again why move on before you have to.

I've heard this quite a bit. But what I can't decide is was this year their best year???

AARGH so hard......!!! xxx

 

[dunkley]

Dolly is looking fantastic! She is a super pony, and she will be much in demand, I think, as a good pony club pony. What you get for her will go a very long way to financing a bigger beastie for mini RM. I think seeing her on the same yard with a different rider is a very difficult thing to cope with. I would also worry that if she goes on working livery, she will very quickly (with different, and differing riders) lose the 'edge' that makes her so special. I would be inclined to start looking, see what is out there, and make a concerted effort to sell her in the spring when children are generally looking to change/move up. The theory is, they do Spring rallies, all the Easter activities, and are then settled enough to go and have a blast at camp in the summer. Half the battle is getting a child to agree to a pony 'moving on', and it seems like you have conquered that. Let mini have a fantastic fun winter - indoor eventer trials and why not let them go hunting? There will be pony club meets over the Christmas holidays, and they will be well looked after and 'nannied' by adults and/or older members. It's something else to put on Dolly's CV, and will make her even more desirable

 

[Boxers]

I'm with everyone else on this one. Keep Dolly for another year. They still have plenty to offer each other. There is no hurry to move up a hand or two. They still look great and now your daughter knows her inside out, she should have a cracking last year on her.

 

[MyBoyChe]

I favour Option 3! If that fails, I would be tempted to keep Dolly for now, certainly through the winter when Im assuming you dont compete as much. Let them do some fun stuff and see how daughter looks on her after Xmas. We have a 14 yr old on our yard who still rides her 12.2, she is tall but very slim and happily hacks and schools, they do go to shows but I dont know what classes she does (its not jumping though). I do agree that if you sell Dolly a clean break will be easier than loaning her on your yard, very very difficult to see her with another owner who might not do things your way. Could you afford to get another pony and hang on to Dolly for a little while as well, then sell her as soon as you are sure daughter and new pony are settling down together. I certainly dont think your daughter is too big/tall for Dolly yet, it may be that her ability and ambition become too much for her though (meant in a good way)

 

[Polos Mum]

She doesn't look too big in the clipped photo but I'd take advice from people who've seen her in the flesh as photos can be tricky
Selling/ permiantly loaning Dolly and finding asuitable replacement could take many many months so no harm in starting to put the word around and see what is available by word of mouth.

 

[slumdog]

Also in agreement with everyone else! Keep her for another year, they are a great team and there's no rush.
I don't know how tall daughter is, but I'm 26, 5'3 and 8 1/2 stone and I have a 13.2 who carries me fine

 

[Rolo--Chilli]

If you think Dolly has the ability to do what your daughter wants next year. Then i would keep her.

I knew that my daughter had outgrown hers as she started spending more time on the floor when jumping, she wasnt necessary to big for him but she became top heavy and that caused a problem for them.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=19037&d=1372273176

A pic

 

[Mince Pie]

I would keep her for the winter and let daughter have fun dressage and sj and whatever, but put the word out that you're looking for a home for Dolly and looking for another horse. When these things are right they are right, so if the right home comes up sooner than you were planning, it won't matter because it will be right.

I agree, keep her for the winter but put the word out that she's for sale/loan (?). I'd also agree with the poster who said to get daughter on some of the bigger RS ponies to get used to the step up.
I do think Daughter is looking a bit tall on Dolly now and she's probably not finished shooting up like a weed yet!

 

[debsflo]

size wise i think you definatley have another year at least. They look fab.

 

[tinap]

I honestly don't think she's too big for her yet & they could easily do another year together xx

 

[zoelouisem]

Hello!!!
I have to say on recent pics on FB I've noticed the longer looking legs in a few of the pics and thought it won't be long.
I think realistically come march which is 5 1/2-6 months away daughter could have grown more she is going to look very leggy on her.
And I know Dolly will jump higher but if she wants to go bigger there are going to be fillers under every other fence, so in some ways maybe she has outgrown Dolly's abilities?
If I were you and having been in your shoes 😉, I would keep her over the winter with one eye open for a bigger pony but not in a rush so to speak!
On the option of working livery, personally I'd rather sell or full loan loan out. Riding school isn't what I would choose for one of mine but that's just me.
Having been there twice I know what a gut wrenching decision it is but I have to say it has always been the right choice.
Xxxx

 

[redmone]

I don't think those recent photos show how big she is looking on Dolly. She could do another year on her, she is not heavy, but is getting tall. I think its time to move on. I would see whats around and how she feels once she is trying bigger ponies.x

Hi Honey!! We're still debating......

The top photo (clipped) was last Sunday but I know what you mean, I've just been trying to upload a video which might show better. You and I both know how long Daughter's legs have got!

I'd sold myself that it was time to move on, both in size and ability. But god knows why, Dolly has suddenly grown a halo!!!!!!! You should have seen them this week. I'm truly amazed and don't know where it's come from. All of a sudden she doesn't seem to look as big on her as Dolly seems to be moving better and working better.

ARGH I just don't know....perhaps it is time....maybe we should loan her out for a bit, to get used to the idea....

If I were you I would hang onto Dolly and start looking around for the next pony. If you still have Dolly then you can take your time looking for the next one and just keep an eye out for the perfect replacement. Once you find the right one you can put Dolly on working livery whilst you find a home for her that you are happy with. If you aren't under any pressure to find a replacement then you are more likely to make the right choice. Good luck.

That's a very good point, not as much pressure then. Maybe I really should be trying to convince OH that we need two....

This is how it all begins isn't it...mad cat lady turning into mad pony lady....

I would keep her for the winter and let daughter have fun dressage and sj and whatever, but put the word out that you're looking for a home for Dolly and looking for another horse. When these things are right they are right, so if the right home comes up sooner than you were planning, it won't matter because it will be right.But I don't think daughter is too big yet, unless her feet have started knocking down jumps

Nope, the jumps are staying up (daughter usually knocks them down with her body anyway!!!). I'm not thinking of selling her out of our area anyway, I was going to advertise with the local pony club and riding clubs.

So hard :-(

definately keep her, daughter has now got lots of confidence in dolly and they can probably still improve. dont forget its supposed to be fun and daughter is still quite young. if you get a bigger pony with more potential daughter may feel pressure to do well and will maybe lose some of the enjoyment and maybe lose some confidence if things dont work out. she has had no pressure so far as dolly wasnt a star pony, BUT SHE IS NOW!!!!!!! and that is due to all of your perseverance and hard work. i look forward to lots more updates with dolly!!!!

Thank you. Problem is, she is a STAR now!! So is now the best time to sell???

Updates will continue for now...will let you know how the championship show goes at weekend! xxx

 

[LauraWheeler]

I'm probably not much help. (I'm 30 and ride a 12.2hh pony ) I think Daughter still looks ok on Dolly to be honest and they do have so much fun together.
I'd probably put the word out that you may be looking for another pony in the near future and see what comes up then you can concider loaning dolly or selling. Someone may know of a fantasic pony, If not I think D&D have atleast another season together.

Or deff option 3 is worth a try:wink3:
Or how about getting a bigger one who looks just like Dolly (only bigger), Do you think he'd notice you had two (as long as he didn't see them both at the same time lol)

Oh Dear I'm realy not much help am I

 

[ester]

Is it feasible to look for a replacement now and sell dolly in spring so daughter gets a bit of crossover time?

 

[redmone]

Dolly is looking fantastic! She is a super pony, and she will be much in demand, I think, as a good pony club pony. What you get for her will go a very long way to financing a bigger beastie for mini RM. I think seeing her on the same yard with a different rider is a very difficult thing to cope with. I would also worry that if she goes on working livery, she will very quickly (with different, and differing riders) lose the 'edge' that makes her so special. I would be inclined to start looking, see what is out there, and make a concerted effort to sell her in the spring when children are generally looking to change/move up. The theory is, they do Spring rallies, all the Easter activities, and are then settled enough to go and have a blast at camp in the summer. Half the battle is getting a child to agree to a pony 'moving on', and it seems like you have conquered that. Let mini have a fantastic fun winter - indoor eventer trials and why not let them go hunting? There will be pony club meets over the Christmas holidays, and they will be well looked after and 'nannied' by adults and/or older members. It's something else to put on Dolly's CV, and will make her even more desirable

This sounds like a good plan (apart from the hunting bit.....reaches for more wine......although yes, I would let them go, just need to find a nanny for them!!) Dolly would make a fab PC pony. It's not something we've done with her (due to timings of meetings and events) but she certainly could do well there. I think that's the life I want for her if I'm honest. Daughter has definately agreed to moving on. She knows it will be hard but she's also said she's ready.

Daughter is a strong willed girl, even though she's very quiet. Once she's made her mind up, she's a "rip the plaster off quick" kind of girl. Now she's got her head around letting Dolly go, I do wonder if it's time.

***secretly thinking of doing inhand showing with Dolly myself......***

I'm with everyone else on this one. Keep Dolly for another year. They still have plenty to offer each other. There is no hurry to move up a hand or two. They still look great and now your daughter knows her inside out, she should have a cracking last year on her.

Thank you! xxx

I favour Option 3! If that fails, I would be tempted to keep Dolly for now, certainly through the winter when Im assuming you dont compete as much. Let them do some fun stuff and see how daughter looks on her after Xmas. We have a 14 yr old on our yard who still rides her 12.2, she is tall but very slim and happily hacks and schools, they do go to shows but I dont know what classes she does (its not jumping though). I do agree that if you sell Dolly a clean break will be easier than loaning her on your yard, very very difficult to see her with another owner who might not do things your way. Could you afford to get another pony and hang on to Dolly for a little while as well, then sell her as soon as you are sure daughter and new pony are settling down together. I certainly dont think your daughter is too big/tall for Dolly yet, it may be that her ability and ambition become too much for her though (meant in a good way)

I will certainly try to afford it! I was thinking the transition would be easier if we could have two for a while. It might be a more natural end. gulp......sniff........ :-(

She doesn't look too big in the clipped photo but I'd take advice from people who've seen her in the flesh as photos can be tricky
Selling/ permiantly loaning Dolly and finding asuitable replacement could take many many months so no harm in starting to put the word around and see what is available by word of mouth.

Very true Polos Mum. I've been trying but failing to upload a video which might be more "honest".

Daughter's decided what she wants next! Apparently we're having a 14.2hh dun connemara gelding with a black mohawk. Who is brave, slightly crazy and can jump big. That narrows it down then.....

Also in agreement with everyone else! Keep her for another year, they are a great team and there's no rush.
I don't know how tall daughter is, but I'm 26, 5'3 and 8 1/2 stone and I have a 13.2 who carries me fine

Daughter is 4 foot 9 ish, aged 12 and 5 stone at her heaviest.

But very very leggy. Unlike Dolly!! ;-)

 

[Fools Motto]

Or deff option 3 is worth a try:wink3:
Or how about getting a bigger one who looks just like Dolly (only bigger), Do you think he'd notice you had two (as long as he didn't see them both at the same time lol)

Oh Dear I'm realy not much help am I

I think this is the best idea yet!! Get another Ginger Ninger, only a 14.2 version and no-one will be any the wiser... then D can compete both and be a rider diva! (with top mum groom of course!)