Beatrice5
Well-Known Member
Well I have just started backing my 4 yr old NF pony who is for my son once he is going properly.
I have ridden in the school a few times for about 10 mins, led him in hand then ridden him down the only flat ish bridle path for 20 mins and taken him out in hand with tack on quite a few times .
So Thursday I decided to take him into the woods as somewhere different. It does involve going down a hill then up a long hill. I let him set the pace in walk and set a time limit of 10 mins but would jump off sooner if he started to feel tired.
He was going really well and has a full coat so also getting warm but felt quite happy and enthusiastic.
I hopped off after 10 mins and to my horror he has a small trickle of blood coming down his nose. It was mixed with a bit of watery mucous but none the less it was red mucous. I wiped it away and no more came so can only assume it was a very small capillary.
None the less I fell mortified. I led him throught the woods which he loved and home again and he was still out walking me and jigging having a lovely time.
I know I am too big for him 5ft 8 and 9 1/2 stone then add the saddle and you are talking 10 stone at least
He feels lovely to ride and does walk out happily with no need to ask if anything I have to steady him as he wants to trot. He feels strong and steady not wobbly like some youngsters I have ridden in the past.
BUT I now don't want to sit on him again as I feel so bad. We live on the edge of Exmoor our terrain is rugged and very hilly. There are no flat hacks you literally go down one hill and straight up the next.
I plan to just walk him in hand but really wanted to get him used to being ridden in order for my 6 yr old son to ride him and the pony to understand listening to the rider and not being dependant on the handler on the ground all the time.
Advice welcomed as feeling like an awful cruel owner
I have ridden in the school a few times for about 10 mins, led him in hand then ridden him down the only flat ish bridle path for 20 mins and taken him out in hand with tack on quite a few times .
So Thursday I decided to take him into the woods as somewhere different. It does involve going down a hill then up a long hill. I let him set the pace in walk and set a time limit of 10 mins but would jump off sooner if he started to feel tired.
He was going really well and has a full coat so also getting warm but felt quite happy and enthusiastic.
I hopped off after 10 mins and to my horror he has a small trickle of blood coming down his nose. It was mixed with a bit of watery mucous but none the less it was red mucous. I wiped it away and no more came so can only assume it was a very small capillary.
None the less I fell mortified. I led him throught the woods which he loved and home again and he was still out walking me and jigging having a lovely time.
I know I am too big for him 5ft 8 and 9 1/2 stone then add the saddle and you are talking 10 stone at least
He feels lovely to ride and does walk out happily with no need to ask if anything I have to steady him as he wants to trot. He feels strong and steady not wobbly like some youngsters I have ridden in the past.
BUT I now don't want to sit on him again as I feel so bad. We live on the edge of Exmoor our terrain is rugged and very hilly. There are no flat hacks you literally go down one hill and straight up the next.
I plan to just walk him in hand but really wanted to get him used to being ridden in order for my 6 yr old son to ride him and the pony to understand listening to the rider and not being dependant on the handler on the ground all the time.
Advice welcomed as feeling like an awful cruel owner
(Not sure why it happens though). I'm sure you didn't do him any harm and the fact that you feel so guilty about it just shows what a great rider you are. And don't worry - if he's a pony, most ponies can carry more weight than horses such as TBs can 
