Despairing a bit...

S

SPSP

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14 September 2014
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Have shared this pony for about 4/5 yrs. he's been a saint the whole time but recently it's just been awful. He's suddenly become nervous, and even dangerous. Yesterday he ran past me when taking him out of the arena, cantered all the way round the yard (loose) and back to the field. It was absolutely horrible. I feel so incompetent, I just don't know what to do with him! I don't understand why he's being so difficult. The owner is meant to check him on the days I'm not there (so about 3-5 days per week- it's flexible), but now only goes once a month or so. What do I do? Any advice is so greatly appreciated.
 
That's quite a big deal, what if he became lame or sick/colic on the days you don't see them. IMO the owner should pay someone or get another sharer if she is unable to do it themselves.

Have you spoken to them about his behaviour, it sounds like he needs an eye check at least, though there could be other things going on too.
 
Spoke to the owner when he had a similar episode about a year ago, although it was ridden rather than on the ground- he took off with me on a hack. Owner just said "that's not like him" and it was left at that. Although this time he's being wonderful ridden but a nightmare on the ground. Last time I assumed it was just a phase as like I say it only happened the once, but now he's started acting strangely again I'm starting to get worried, particularly considering he's getting so little contact, and I cannot afford to see him every day- obviously if I could I would! :-/
 
It maybe worth getting someone out to give you some pointers in terms of how best to handle him and/or vet. Whereabouts are you in hampshire? Sarah Weston is local to this area.
 
and I wouldn't be surprised if it was more on the ground as he knows where you are then ;). If he is consistently being not good (compared to a one off taking off incident) when he has been fine previously then you need to talk to the owner about it and discuss getting the vet to him to get the basics checked. I don't think it is fair on him otherwise and you obviously know him well and know this is out of character/ it's not like you've only known him a few months and he has just learned to be bolshy with your handling.

I don't think you should see him every day, I think the owner should ensure he is seen every day! It doesn't sound like she should be owning him currently as I can't imagine owning one and not ensure they get seen at least once every 24 h.
 
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