ex riding school pony- advice please

[ellis9905]

So i have owned my pony 7 weeks, and are now having a few problems, leaving me now very disheartened!

Noodles is a 14hh welsh x, shes 14. we bought her as an ex riding school pony, who was a bombproof novice ride, as a mother daughter share. my daughter being a novice and myself a return to riding/horse ownership who needed a confidence boost.

We tried her out and she rode lovely, very calm and well behaved- perfect!. over the last few weeks se's become increasinly nappy- walking backwards if she didnt want to move on, standing stock still and refusing to walk on, little bunny hop buck when out hacking- culminating in bucking my daughter off in walk in our school area- this really is the straw to break the camels back!

we have had her teeth done, saddler out to check her saddle,had her back checked etc shes not in any pain. she's really shaken my confidence.

A more experienced friend who has her horses next door to my mare rode her for me last week- in there school along with someone else riding there pony- she behaved like a dream- even standing perfectly still when the other pony bolted flat out round the school ditching the rider into the ground- noodles never bated an eyelid! she was the perfect novice ride, slow and steady, very forgiving and totally happy.

I contacted her old owner ( as we bought her from a third party- sales yard) she said noodles was always one of the favourite ponies at the school, everyone loved her and she was 100% trusted with novice riders.

We are now thinking that having spent 6 years in a riding school environment that she may of become a little "institutionalised" and feels out of her comfort zone when expected to work alone. unfortunatly our "yard" is little more than fields owned by an local old man with some very basic stabling- theres only three owners uo there and of the 5 horses only noodles plus one other are in work- so working with another horse is rarely possible, nor is it a feasible option.

Anyway if you've managed to read to the end of these ramblings- does anyone have any experience in ex riding school ponies- will she come good in the end or would she be better returning to the environment she knows best?? what can i do to improve things?? to be honest shes lovely to handle but has me worried to ride or let my daughter ride, ive been lunging her daily to keep her working at min.

hindsight is a marvelous thing- in the ad ex riding school pony sounded great, didnt think of the flip side i.e only used to nose to tail with another horse, always in a group etc!

thanks in advance

 

[Jane_Lou]

I once bought a horse from a RS but he had mainly been used by more experienced riders in private lessons and students so he was used to working alone. He was quite sharp and by no means a novice ride but he was not my 1st horse so I was not bothered. He got sharper and spookier once he stopped doing 2-3 hours a day 6 days a week but I expected this and worked through the issues. He had however been sold twice before and returned after a month as both times he was sold as a 1st horse which he was just not suitable for. The point I am (badly) making here is that most riding school horses will do 2-4 hours work a day, some head to tail, they can become very different when taken out of that environment. I would try and find a good local instructor who can come and give you some lessons on him and advise you on feed/exercise plans etc, it may just me that a bit more work and he will be fine. Good luck.

 

[soulfull]

sorry to hear your having such problems

You say she was fine when a friend rode her ?

Is she now suddenly hacked alone?



However I would still bet money on its the fact she is Welsh and VERY VERY Smart. She will have picked up on the fact you are a novice and taken advantage. 6/12 weeks is the normal time to get new horsey problems!

It will have probably started so small you didn't even notice, like slowing down just a little at certain times, looking longingly in a certain direction, even pausing then carrying on when asked.

Some times they then do the same with handling issues, slowing down when they want speeding up when they wan't, all so subtle to start with. oh and stepping ever so slightly in to your space next thing you know they are barging you around

Cheeky little sods !!!

Ask you can guess I've had a few

You need to be really really firm and always keep the line in the same place NEVER TO BE CROSSED

I would get your friend or someone else to ride her out with another horse, and if she is the same give her a good kick and growl 'get on' back up with the whip.

If there is a particular place she does it you can do it inhand too BUT YOU MUST be able to get her past there at almost any cost

 

[JoBird]

I have to say I just think she is showing her "character"! Ponies are intelligent and she just sounds a little stubborn and obviously knows you arent in charge! I had a 14.3 riding school horse who had been there for 10 years. You just have to get to know each other and work through these issues without getting frustrated.
Horses arent machines - they act like them when in a riding school and the poor lass is just showing a bit of her personality now she is in a private home.
I agree, get an instructor out for a lesson - if nothing else it will remind the pony of the school environment with someone shouting commands and it should help your confidence with her.
Remember please, horses are animals and not perfect and nor are we!!

 

[Honey08]

Having worked in riding schools, and having bought a RS pony as my first pony, I would say that there is nothing like a RS pony for sussing out exactly how effective the rider is, and how much they can get away with! This particularly sounds the case with yours, as it was better for your more experienced friend.

My first pony (also welsh x) was very like this, and unfortunately was kept alone for the first six months, which didn't help at all. He put me through hell! In the end, after lots and lots of lessons, he turned into a wonderful pony.

If you can, you would definately find the pony easier on a bigger yard. As someone else said, get yourself a good local instructor to give you some lessons to help get through this.

Don't worry, it will sort out easy enough, but you do need some help before it escalates anymore.

 

[ellis9905]

However I would still bet money on its the fact she is Welsh and VERY VERY Smart. She will have picked up on the fact you are a novice and taken advantage. 6/12 weeks is the normal time to get new horsey problems!

It will have probably started so small you didn't even notice, like slowing down just a little at certain times, looking longingly in a certain direction, even pausing then carrying on when asked.

You need to be really really firm and always keep the line in the same place NEVER TO BE CROSSED

Think you've described her perfectly!!

 

[ScattyBella]

Personally it sounds like she is testing your abilities. Shes used to teaching novices and having an instructor around to stop her being naughty. She has probably sussed you both are a little bit novicy/rusty and is trying her luck wheras she behaved perfectly for your friend because she knows the friend wont tolerate her behaviour and knows how to handle it.

 

[misst]

Sorry but I had to smile. We bought a "sensible" ex riding school pony for my daughter as a first pony. She was lovely UNTIL she was asked to work alone in the school.... she planted and ran backwards after a few weeks. She also learned to nap and buck very quickly. She was fab with an experienced rider.
The bottom line was that she was no longer part of "the ride" working mainly in a group. She was clever, wiley, talented and crafty. She understood when someone who could really ride was on board, and when my more novicey daughter was on board. She also, of course, was in less work and on more feed - stupid I know but we just did not think it through at the time.

After persevering for nearly 9 months my daughter finally got the measure of her. She ended up as one of the best pony club ponies and won boxes and boxes of rosettes and made all the teams When she came up for loan a few years later we had a string of people wanting her..... half of them had the same problem and couldn't get her to do anything.

I know someone else (from pony club at the same time) who made exactly the same mistakes and also ended up with a cracking pony.

Get some good help and persevere, he is testing you. Check feeding and excercise regimes and don't forget all the "spring" in spring grass at the moment.
I hope you enjoy him in the future. We still have our old girlie -she is 27.

 

[soulfull]

Think you've described her perfectly!!

I thought so . To be honest it happens all the time!! People even buy them because they are described as cobs so they think they are a first timers horse, or they are small and pretty so attract novices.

I had one to loan out once, I told people when you get him home he will do xyz you do abc, but they were stary eyed he was so cute, and oh so well behaved for me. He didn't last 2 weeks before they were screaming down the phone to fetch him back. hated to say I told you so!! you didn't listen to me!!

Good news is its not too late. Treat her like a naughty crafty child looking to pull the wool over your eyes. Correct ANY mis step or deed. She is to do exactly as you say and nothing else.
Be very consistent, even when you are talking to your friend or daughter, on the phone etc, you need eyes in the back of your head.

Do some ground work with her, get Kelly Marks book perfect manners and do the exercises religiously. Most important ones being walking forward towards you and stopping BEFORE she get in YOUR space, backing up when you say so, a hoof pick in the chest if she is really that stubborn

Be prepared for a little bit of a battle to start with, she will suddenly wonder what is going on and object

The other thing is they need really strong leadership ALL the time otherwise they panic and take control themselves

Welshies are rarely nasty though

not all horses are like this my WB can be allowed to slightly step over the line and I know he won't won't take advantage

 

[TrakehnerFilly]

As well as being used to riding with company as others have said the decrease in workload will not be very helpful either. Most riding school horses are extremely fit so having a very fit horse doing less hours than they are used to they will have far too much energy. I would also suggest she would thrive on a bigger yard where she could be ridden in company and slowly build up to ride more and more alone.

In regards to the bucking, it will be beneficial to ride with a neck strap or handle on the saddle as something to hold onto to try and sit the bucks. If I remember rightly Redmone on here has bought an ex riding school pony for her daughter who she has on working livery so may be worth getting in touch with her. They seem to have come on really well in a short space of time.

 

[ellis9905]

Thanks for all the relpies. She has great personality, and is very loving, i trust her 100% on the floor and in the field, i have no worries about my children around her.she follows me round the field when i poo pick, waiting at my shoulder for me to move on, then following me again, i can walk round in circles or anywhere around the field and she'll follow, nudging me in my back if i ignore her. She just geninuenly doesnt seem to have alot of experience with a lot of " normal" things, bathing, fly repellent, fly fringes, dentist etc.... maybe things that she didnt get so much by being one of many horses on the yard- please dont think im running riding school down, there are lots of great ones, however noodles came from a low end yard.

 

[soulfull]

Sorry but I had to smile. We bought a "sensible" ex riding school pony for my daughter as a first pony. She was lovely UNTIL she was asked to work alone in the school.... she planted and ran backwards after a few weeks. She also learned to nap and buck very quickly. She was fab with an experienced rider.
The bottom line was that she was no longer part of "the ride" working mainly in a group. She was clever, wiley, talented and crafty. She understood when someone who could really ride was on board, and when my more novicey daughter was on board. She also, of course, was in less work and on more feed - stupid I know but we just did not think it through at the time.

After persevering for nearly 9 months my daughter finally got the measure of her. She ended up as one of the best pony club ponies and won boxes and boxes of rosettes and made all the teams When she came up for loan a few years later we had a string of people wanting her..... half of them had the same problem and couldn't get her to do anything.

I know someone else (from pony club at the same time) who made exactly the same mistakes and also ended up with a cracking pony.

Get some good help and persevere, he is testing you. Check feeding and excercise regimes and don't forget all the "spring" in spring grass at the moment.
I hope you enjoy him in the future. We still have our old girlie -she is 27.

hhmmm is she welsh too?

 

[soulfull]

Thanks for all the relpies. She has great personality, and is very loving, i trust her 100% on the floor and in the field, i have no worries about my children around her.she follows me round the field when i poo pick, waiting at my shoulder for me to move on, then following me again, i can walk round in circles or anywhere around the field and she'll follow, nudging me in my back if i ignore her. She just geninuenly doesnt seem to have alot of experience with a lot of " normal" things, bathing, fly repellent, fly fringes, dentist etc.... maybe things that she didnt get so much by being one of many horses on the yard- please dont think im running riding school down, there are lots of great ones, however noodles came from a low end yard.

OOPSS sorry hun not good! she is not being loving she is bossing you around. so subtle, the following you is herding, the nudging for attention is her getting the top of the pecking order. she is only allowed in YOUR space when YOU invite her NOT when she thinks she will

 

[ellis9905]

OOPSS sorry hun not good! she is not being loving she is bossing you around. so subtle, the following you is herding, the nudging for attention is her getting the top of the pecking order. she is only allowed in YOUR space when YOU invite her NOT when she thinks she will

LOL!!! right tonight i draw a line under all this and tommorrow is a fresh day with new positive attitude! the mickey taking is gonna stop! now ive just gotta tell noodles this! lol

 

[misst]

OP I bet this pony has had experience of these things at some point as she probably had a private home at some time. Whatever you do do not make too many "allowances" for her..... like someone else said treat her as a naughty child trying to pull the wool over your eyes I bet she is lovely, but being in a riding school teaches them very quickly how to get the best of people! Our girlie was also perfect on the ground but would "play up" with anything new we tried. Looking bad over those first few months, I think we were "too kind" and always gave her the benefit of the doubt. We found out later that she had done all the bathing, fly spray, loading etc for years in a private home before she went to the riding school, she made right fools of us for a few months Once we took charge she gave in and was a real perfect pony. She can still make me laugh though when she barges through gates and raids the feed room. These cheeky naughty native x breeds are the best and worst of ponies.

 

[mcnaughty]

Oh good luck - just lay the law down and get firm. Not sure if anyone mentioned feeding? Anyway, if not, cut it all out - grass is enough until she learns to behave.

A few lessons would help too.

 

[misst]

hhmmm is she welsh too?

Not welsh but connie x arab looks a bit welshie though some days

 

[soulfull]

LOL!!! right tonight i draw a line under all this and tommorrow is a fresh day with new positive attitude! the mickey taking is gonna stop! now ive just gotta tell noodles this! lol

Good for you hun!! Your daughter needs to do the same too I know you can do it I had a similar welshie for my first horse, a mistake to start with but hey, I lean't so much I then bought another one lol Now you know to look for the tiny things it will be so much easier, look for it in everything you and she do. Absolutely EVERYTHING has to be your idea then you won't go far wrong. AS I said treat her like a toddler you need eyes in the back of your head.

Don't let anyone tell you you are being too strict or mean and some will! Welshies have a very very good sense of fairness to so be fair or she will resent it, be strict and she will be good (eventually)

If you need any more pointers in future just pm me as I don't always look on here and am going for surgery on my ankle this wednesday

Not welsh but connie x arab looks a bit welshie though some days

Oh bless, might be the arab then, welshies have a lot of arab in them, but then I heard connies can be stubborn too lol oh well its a pony brain thing lol

 

[piggyinablanket]

You have described my boy to a 'T' !!!! We have exactly the same problem, same yard set up (3 of us) same history (14.1 16 yr old trekking pony) same issues (napping, reverse, planting, mini broncs lol)
First, I dont think it will ever change 100%. I have accepted that it is his character to be a stubborn oaf at times.
However, he has been with me 9 months, and we just deal with it. Its better than it was. I accept that it is in his nature (and rightly so) to want to be a follower, or be with company. He is much better now in the field due to my being firm and consistant, ignoring the bad behaviour and praising the good, and forming a bond with him. I find he responds better to calm quiet patience than fighting fire with fire! He finds schooling a real bore, doesnt use himself properly doesnt understand being 'on the bit', but then he has never been taught so I can hardly blame him. He lights up when jumping though!
I think I have accepted that he is what he is, a fab hack with a friend, a 100% in traffic, kind boy who just gets the wobbles on his own. If I wanted a show pony I would have bought one, but I didnt. We are a good partnership 95% of the time, he does what I need him to do. He takes the p*ss out of a new rider, but funnily enough, my OH got on him who is a no-messing type of experienced rider and got an instant tune
out if him LOL
Give your pony a bit of time and patience. Mine is a forever boy now, wouldnt swap him for anything! (despite his issues)

 

[misst]

I think it is the subborness of the connie more than the arab side! She will always take charge though if she gets the chance. That was why she was only ever loaned and not sold - bless

 

[ellis9905]

If you need any more pointers in future just pm me as I don't always look on here and am going for surgery on my ankle this wednesday

Thanks so much for your advice- i may well take you up on the offer of further advice. i wish you a very speedy recovery from your operation.




Thanks to everyone for all the advice and pointers- all very gratefully recieved.

 

[JoBird]

Mine was a Connemara x Welsh Cob! Very clever and crafty and strong! Best horse I have ever had in my entire life!
Your new relationship starts tomorrow ......! Mutual respect! x

 

[paddi22]

i agree with the other posters in that the pony is probably a clever little thing and has sussed what she can get away. can you get someone down to teach you handling techniques?

I hadn't watched a kids riding lesson for years till my niece was on one recently. I had forgotten how crafty riding school horses are - they can suss out the minimum they need to do and know exactly had much they can get away with. My niece was learning canter and the pony knew that if the teacher looked away she could go back to trot, as soon as teacher looked towards her again the pony would break back into canter! clever crafty little things!

on the plus size, if you daughter can manage a crafty pony, she will be well set up for life with horses in future! my first pony was a crafty, savvy connemara who was far more intelligent than me! I really had to get my wits about me to handle him. The horse i have now is a thoroughbred and just seems so naieve compared to him, he hasn't a sly bone in his body!

 

[ellis9905]

You have described my boy to a 'T' !!!! We have exactly the same problem, same yard set up (3 of us) same history (14.1 16 yr old trekking pony) same issues (napping, reverse, planting, mini broncs lol)
First, I dont think it will ever change 100%. I have accepted that it is his character to be a stubborn oaf at times.
However, he has been with me 9 months, and we just deal with it. Its better than it was. I accept that it is in his nature (and rightly so) to want to be a follower, or be with company. He is much better now in the field due to my being firm and consistant, ignoring the bad behaviour and praising the good, and forming a bond with him. I find he responds better to calm quiet patience than fighting fire with fire! He finds schooling a real bore, doesnt use himself properly doesnt understand being 'on the bit', but then he has never been taught so I can hardly blame him. He lights up when jumping though!
I think I have accepted that he is what he is, a fab hack with a friend, a 100% in traffic, kind boy who just gets the wobbles on his own. If I wanted a show pony I would have bought one, but I didnt. We are a good partnership 95% of the time, he does what I need him to do. He takes the p*ss out of a new rider, but funnily enough, my OH got on him who is a no-messing type of experienced rider and got an instant tune
out if him LOL
Give your pony a bit of time and patience. Mine is a forever boy now, wouldnt swap him for anything! (despite his issues)

sounds very familiar!! i know i can eventually handle her- im sure as i bond with her the better it will become- what does worry me is whilst i can accept this, i cant accept it for my novice daughter- its not always possible to school or hack with someone.

 

[soulfull]

sounds very familiar!! i know i can eventually handle her- im sure as i bond with her the better it will become- what does worry me is whilst i can accept this, i cant accept it for my novice daughter- its not always possible to school or hack with someone.

you can walk with her, even in the school, encourage her to be firm too. you both need to do the ground exercises to get ponies respect.

If you walk with her and pony naps you grab hold and make her walk on. If this is dangerous, use a treat. but Be careful with treats, welshies get very bolshy about them too lol

Is it possible to get your daughter a few lessons too? oh and I hope she wears a Body protector

One more thing fix a strap between the d rings on the saddle for either of you to grab hold of, its a great way to stay on and gives you amazing confidence. I used to just hook a thumb thro it every time I got nervous

 

[LaurenM]

Sounds like you've had loads of good advice already. I agree with soulfull about her bossing you around. The only thing I would add is to never get angry, remain consistent and avoid giving treats as a reward - a scratch/pat should be enough.

 

[piggyinablanket]

sounds very familiar!! i know i can eventually handle her- im sure as i bond with her the better it will become- what does worry me is whilst i can accept this, i cant accept it for my novice daughter- its not always possible to school or hack with someone.

My novicey 12 yr daughter rides Charlie, but I walk/cycle out with her and take a lead rope just in case. She has learned that if he stops at something, just to sit quiet and she can encourage him most times out of it on her own. If not, Im there to help. The more she does it, the more she trusts him, as it will not escalate (luckily for us) into anything more than a reverse or small temper tantrum hump/bronc. I think it may be different if she were getting bucked off!! She is learning how to read him before it happens now, which helps, as she says 'Mum!?' lol I hope it all works out for you x

 

[Javabb94]

My first pony (who I still have now aged 22) came from a Riding school

I got him aged 13 when I was 8 and he work 6 days a week for 2-3 hours

When they come out it's like freedom for them! Charlie was very overweight and we got 11 stone off him!

As you can imagine he felt tonnes better in himself

Charlie was always the slow one
And the riding school which also holds competitions couldnt believe me and Charlie were winning everything and he was now super speedy with super turns!

They get all the attention when they come out and obviously less riding if child at school etc so they will maybe be a little full of beans until they get used to the new routine

 

[jendie]

Ours was pretty much as you describe.We bought her as an ex riding school horse, confidence giver, perfect novice ride and as soon as she'd settled she turned into a bucking, napping monster. We got a more experienced rider to try her and she bucked everytime she was asked to go forward, we were told she was unrideable and should be sold as a companion. She had been at home.We moved her to a large yard where I could have lessons on her and there was a transformation. We've had her for a few years now and she'll never be sold. She is very intelligent, very quirky and a horse with a heart of pure gold. I consider ourselves very lucky to have her. Do persevere, it will be worth it in the end.

 

[I See Clover]

I have just bought a riding school pony - a 14.1/14.2 Highland x Connemara and going through similar issues. Had her for nearly 3 months but only moved from the RS/livery yard a few weeks ago. It is only since then we have had issues.

She's a bit of a rearer, nashes her teeth in the morning, attempting to bite but never done so (because she has no hay left ), won't let me get on her from the mounting block despite NO problems before, and her most recent measure is refusing to come in from the field at night. But, we are slowly getting there. As soon as we get over one problem, another appears!

She is an absolute joy to ride though, and I don't regret buying her for one minute!