Dream horse turned nightmare... help me!

If the dealer is offering to take your horse back I would take them up on it, sorry, I do appreciate that must be heartbreaking. For your lack of experience this really is the wrong breed to be buying as a first horse, especially a baby.
 
Can I ask why people seem to assume bucking is normal baby behavoir? Ive yet to have one baby fly bucking with me or their owners I break for. For some reason people think this is normal.

Anyway, wow, there's a lot of these threads lately. First off OP, I'm sorry this happened to you and I wish you a speedy recovery. I don't know you or your horse but perhaps a training livery might be more appropriate until you can get up and running. Best for both of you.

I don't know anything about Andy's. But if they're hot blooded I would assume similar to TB's and Arabs. Very athletic horses will catch you out. They do thighs super easy super quick. Riding regular easy going green horses isn't really the same. I don't think this is a lost cause but you both need help. You need a think and see if you have the commitment for this type of horse. I would also suggest you start back riding something easy going to get your confidence back.

Best of luck,
Terri
 
ive had the people at the yard look and all my horsey friends as i put it on my fb. there is no obvious trigger but i suspect as we were unbalanced on the first try that it happened again. i always over analyse everything!

i have a super instructor who has been very helpful. i also had time with the people who trained him and have been using the aids that they used with him to keep things consistent and keep him comfortable.
 
Equilibrium Ireland- It's great none of your babies have ever bucked, but in my experience most young horses get a little over exuberant at times or push the boundaries!
 
So sorry to hear about your experience and your injury.
I have had a PRe for 4 years and yes they can be difficult at first. I will leave others to comment on whether you should pursue the dealer and return the horse. However, I would suggest that you join the FB BAPSH page. A good group of people who are helpful and open minded.
I would also suggest that if you do decide to keep your horse you should get a trainer who is experienced in Iberians. I don't know where you are based but can highly recommend James Smith and Emma Thomas of Esperanza Dressage (they are backing my home bred youngster at the moment).

PRE's are great horses but they are sharp, sensitive and need to know who is boss, no matter how brave they may initially look and feel.
 
Will you settle for a horse your can ride maybe eventually or one who is a pleasure to own? I think you need to decide. I have an ex racehorse who I can ride but he is not a pleasure to own, if I take him to a show he is so hot headed he can't handle it, if we hack out and horses are charging about in a field nearby he will start messing about on the road. On the flip side if I take one of my others to a show its so relaxing and I actually get to concentrate on the job in hand rather than self preservation. I can tie them to the outside of the trailer with a hay net and they are chilled. When I was young it was the wilder the horse the better but now I'm of an age where I don't want to feel on edge and I want something to look after me for a change!
 
Equilibrium Ireland said:
Can I ask why people seem to assume bucking is normal baby behavoir? Ive yet to have one baby fly bucking with me or their owners I break for. For some reason people think this is normal.
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Young horse, new rider, new home, a week to settle then schooling daily, unbalanced going into canter and then pushed again. Also a breed which I have always known to be quirky, full on and very hard work until you click. I would allow time to settle on a move on any horse let alone a young one that didn't know me.
Out of interest, would you expect one of yours to be doing this within the week? If so, it would be testimount to your work with the horse rather than the norm unfortunately. From your posts on here, you put a lot of time into the youngsters.

I'd keep if the horse were mine and work through it but a lot slower giving you both time to get to know each other... I think your best bet would to be to return to dealer for something more sensible if possible though.
 
Sorry you are injured and hope you get better soon.

I thought I would comment as I am one with a problem PRE!

Firstly I would just like to say that I would clasify myself as a fairly experienced rider. Ive owned horses since I as 12 (now 30!) and I used to jump BSJA. I owned warmbloods and irish sport horses.

I then decided I wanted a spanish horse and imported a stallion (unbacked) from Spain 2.5 years ago. I then gelded him and had him backed in the UK and then the problems started. My horse blind panic bolts......like proper bolts not spooky bolts like some people wrony classify a bolt as. I have NEVER known such a SUPER SUPER SUPER HOT sensitive horse in all my years! he is crazy. Ive had many falls from him, last one resulting in putting me into a fence.

To cut a long story short he had ruined my confidence to the point I wouldnt ride him as a simple sneeze set him into a bolt. It is know guessed they tried to back him in spain and failed which is why he has such an issue with being ridden.

He is now at a PRE stud on schooling livery and doing AMAZING! he went to the spanish national championship show at Hartpury and got placed in everything with his rider. They have a great relationship but it really takes a certain 'type' of person. So as much as I think I am not a novice (used to jump 1m20 plus) I have been totally shocked by my PRE.

However, he is odd for the breed.....he was a bit of a project but still outlines how super sensitve they are (you can NOT under any terms even do your girth up whilst mounted on my horse, let alone lean and cuddle him he would have a meltdown).

Before othes comment,there is nothing medically wrong with my horse. Ive spent a stupid amount checking everything (and others that have commnted on this thread can vouch for that too). I just have one of the mega hot ones.

We are getting there, he even did his first dressage comp last week and got scores in 60's for both! he is MEGA talented which is prob part of it.

I will be buying another PRE that I can properly enjoy, as getting on my boy is not a relaxing hobbie! however, I wil be keeping him as he is a darling and deserves a good life which he currently has.

None of this is my horses fault, as others have said, their upbinging in spain isnt exactly the nicest for a lot of them.....especially if they are a nervous worrier type like my boy.
 
SpanishNeddy said:
Sorry you are injured and hope you get better soon.

I thought I would comment as I am one with a problem PRE!

Firstly I would just like to say that I would clasify myself as a fairly experienced rider. Ive owned horses since I as 12 (now 30!) and I used to jump BSJA. I owned warmbloods and irish sport horses.

I then decided I wanted a spanish horse and imported a stallion (unbacked) from Spain 2.5 years ago. I then gelded him and had him backed in the UK and then the problems started. My horse blind panic bolts......like proper bolts not spooky bolts like some people wrony classify a bolt as. I have NEVER known such a SUPER SUPER SUPER HOT sensitive horse in all my years! he is crazy. Ive had many falls from him, last one resulting in putting me into a fence.

To cut a long story short he had ruined my confidence to the point I wouldnt ride him as a simple sneeze set him into a bolt. It is know guessed they tried to back him in spain and failed which is why he has such an issue with being ridden.

He is now at a PRE stud on schooling livery and doing AMAZING! he went to the spanish national championship show at Hartpury and got placed in everything with his rider. They have a great relationship but it really takes a certain 'type' of person. So as much as I think I am not a novice (used to jump 1m20 plus) I have been totally shocked by my PRE.

However, he is odd for the breed.....he was a bit of a project but still outlines how super sensitve they are (you can NOT under any terms even do your girth up whilst mounted on my horse, let alone lean and cuddle him he would have a meltdown).

Before othes comment,there is nothing medically wrong with my horse. Ive spent a stupid amount checking everything (and others that have commnted on this thread can vouch for that too). I just have one of the mega hot ones.

We are getting there, he even did his first dressage comp last week and got scores in 60's for both! he is MEGA talented which is prob part of it.

I will be buying another PRE that I can properly enjoy, as getting on my boy is not a relaxing hobbie! however, I wil be keeping him as he is a darling and deserves a good life which he currently has.

None of this is my horses fault, as others have said, their upbinging in spain isnt exactly the nicest for a lot of them.....especially if they are a nervous worrier type like my boy.
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I wouldn't necessarily say yours was a "problem" PRE; just a PRE :-) NOT the same as your average horse in this part of the world.
 
I do put a lot of time into my younsters. And those for other people.

I've also agreed too much too soon with this guy in a new place. I just hear about too many buck offs with young green horses. It just surprises me.

OP needs her confidence back. If horse was brought on some while she's out I don't think she will have a problem.

Terri
 
Equilibrium Ireland said:
I do put a lot of time into my younsters. And those for other people.

I've also agreed too much too soon with this guy in a new place. I just hear about too many buck offs with young green horses. It just surprises me.

OP needs her confidence back. If horse was brought on some while she's out I don't think she will have a problem.

Terri
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For a normal, i.e Irish/English sort of horse, I'd agree; but Spanish horses are very often not ever going to be "normal". A major re-jig of riding and approach is often necessary to get along with the Iberian breeds. They are fantastic, but not for the fainthearted.
 
Haha yes very true Cortez :D
Still he is a problem to me hahahaha!
Love him to bits though, I have never known such a sweet horse who is very desperate to please!

OP I don't think people mean you are not competant......just that a PRE is NOT a good FIRST horse!!!!!!!!!!
 
I never said you weren't competent. We all go through times our confidence is shaken. If someone tells you that's never happened to them their either lying or haven't ridden many horses. It happens to the very best.

Big difference in not being competent and having confidence shook. No shame in that.

Terri
 
Cortez said:
I would expect any well trained 5/6 year old horse to walk/trot/canter under any competant rider, anywhere, at any time, yes.
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chazza44 said:
please dont assume i am not a competent rider. i dont think that is fair.
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If you are referring to Cortez - I think that his reply was answering Equilibrium Ireland's question (Can I ask why people seem to assume bucking is normal baby behavoir?) about bucking youngsters.
 
Totally agree Cortez!

Ive had to retrain my riding!!!!!!!! you very much have to deal with iberian horses differently.

It is probably a good thing your yard can not assist you, if they are not iberian experienced they would prob advise you wrong anyway. Sorry but I have had this. As Cortez says they do need to be dealt with differently. They are not 'naughty' horses.
 
chazza44 said:
please dont assume i am not a competent rider. i dont think that is fair.
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I dont think anyones suggesting that, so please please dont think that, i just think you may have fallen into the trap so many do with this breed that there being so trainable and intelligent makes them equally easy, when quite the opposite is true in most cases. You probably have bitten of slightly more than you can chew but your not the first and wont be the last to do this, ive wondered on more than one occasion myself if id made a big mistake in buying a pre, and compared to Spanishneddy's both of mine have been a walk in the park. If you do want to stick at it (and its worth is as they are so loyal once youve gained their trust) then please at the very least give one of these specialist yards a call, you'll need someone to work him whilst your injured and you may just find some trainign with the right people is all he needs. In the meantime as soon as your able is also suggest some lessons on a spanish schoolmaster, both for your confidence and to give you more of a feel of the breed.
 
SpanishNeddy said:
Totally agree Cortez!

Ive had to retrain my riding!!!!!!!! you very much have to deal with iberian horses differently.

It is probably a good thing your yard can not assist you, if they are not iberian experienced they would prob advise you wrong anyway. Sorry but I have had this. As Cortez says they do need to be dealt with differently. They are not 'naughty' horses.
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Agree. And I wouldn't ever go back to riding "normal" horses now: nothing like the Horse of Kings........
 
Thanks for the Andy info. I deal mainly with TB's and TB warmblood crosses as well as draught crosses. I'd much rather the ones with more blood. Quick, intelligent, and very athletic. But I can't say I'd know an Andy personally. I think they're beautiful.

Terri
 
Equilibrium Ireland said:
Thanks for the Andy info. I deal mainly with TB's and TB warmblood crosses as well as draught crosses. I'd much rather the ones with more blood. Quick, intelligent, and very athletic. But I can't say I'd know an Andy personally. I think they're beautiful.

Terri
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You can come and try some of ours any day; nothing compares to an Iberian horse!
 
Yes you are defo not the only one OP. Most people I know that have imorted have had issues.

The UK bred ones do seem to be easier in my experience. I do all the breed showing so have got to know a lot of people in the BAPSH association (some I meet up with a lot, we are a friendly bunch!!). The UK bred ones do seem to be not as hot! of course still smart horses but most I know are quite lazy.

Like NatWood said they are SUPER horses when you get their trust. They say once you have a PRE there is no going back and it is true :)
 
Cortez said:
You can come and try some of ours any day; nothing compares to an Iberian horse!
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Not my one you cant ;););) hehe he has one dedicated rider only!! on a serioud note, I am at a PRE stud and classical training yard. She has 15 PRE stallions and specialises in classical dressage lessons on her horses so if you did want to get more experience I can give you our number.
 
I am so sorry to read about your accident. I hope you heal soon x

We all have our confidence knocked, I have had several episodes. I bought Archie and just before he came I had a bad fall off of another horse. Confidence shattered. I did not want to give up. Archie came. I regained my confidence. I had a stupid fall in the field, bareback. Lost confidence big time. Had to make the decision to get back on and give it my all or part with him. I chose to get back on and give my all.

It is very early days. Your horse is young and is in a new environment. Before asking too much why don't you bond with him from the ground and when it is time to get back on go slow. Take him for lovely hacks and around the school in walk. Up to trotting. Then so on. You have a lifetime to share. No rush.

In your heart you know whether this horse is truly suitable. No shame in thinking you are not suited, better to realise and do something about it. Otherwise, start again, slowly, and dont try to run before you can walk.

Good luck and let us know what you decide x

Spanish ... beautiful. But you could always try a cob ;)
 
How does the routine you had him on compare with what he was doing at the dealers?

Is he having the same feed, amount of turnout, work? Has he ever been ridden by someone at the same level of riding as you or has he only been ridden by professionals? Does the dealer know how long the horse has been backed?

I can understand why the yard staff won't ride your horse as if they get injured they won't be able to work like you!

Where you carrying a schooling whip could you have accidently touched the horse with it if he is sensitive that might have caused it. Could he have been stung by an bee or something like that if it was totally random?

I imagine there will be a very limited time frame for you to return him to the dealers, I presume you were honest with the dealer with your riding experience?

I do know two people who bought young Andulsians as first horses and both of them were leisure riders not experienced with young horses and the horses are not easy but they have coped. However neither of them work full time and your job could be potentially quite stressful and demanding and do you want to also have a horse who could be putting you in stressful and demanding situations.
 
aw thanks.

if i keep him i need someone to ride him as i dont think time out of work does that particular horse very good (on advice of prev home). my plan would be to do some natural horsemanship stuff on the ground alongside that so we can build our bond.
 
I had similar issue with a Oldenburg 4 year old I bought last year - see my thread have I made a mistake.

And I'm 33 and have owned many many horses, but I over horses myself with a talented sharp youngster and ended up badly hurt in hospital too.

I stuck with it though but it cost me a few £1000 pounds of professional schooling for my horse, as he was just too much for me , fast forward a year and we getting on fine but I've learnt the hard way and would not do it again

I'd say a 4 year old Ander in not a first horse, take him back and get something that has been there done that from the dealer, the fact he willing to take him back makes me think they very decent so let them match you with something more suitable.

Remember a horse is not worth breaking your back or worse over , you have to put your safety first.

Youngsters can literally turn themselves inside out , best left to the pros .

Get well soon xx
 
I have ridden Andalusians in Spain and having read all of the above, I am now thankful I'm still in one piece. They sound a nightmare. Pretty to look at, but really, who needs all of that stress and expensive lessons/retraining in their lives?
You already have one of the most stressful jobs going. I'm thinking it will all become too much to cope with. Maybe the kindest thing you can do for both of you is to send him back to the seller, who can find him a more suitable home, and then you look for something less complicated to deal with. A more straight-forward horse that you can have fun with. That's what I'd do, anyway. Very good luck to you, whatever you decide to do. And I hope all heals well and soon.
 
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