First pony

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Butterscotch

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We have taken what for us a huge step and bought a pony for our horse loving youngest daughter aged eight. Would love to discuss some of our inevitable teething problems with those of you with experience of such matters. Pony has been with us for six days, daughter rode her twice at vendors in walk and trot. Allrounder outgrown by competitive boys. Pony has lovely nature you can touch her anywhere doesn't nip or kick. She does push you with her head when she's nervous. Loves her paddock but becomes nervous when you take her out and over to stable yard. Gets diarrhea until she relaxes. Not relaxed when being ridden making daughter a bit nervous seems ready to canter off with her so daughter is I think pulling a bit on her soft mouth but has got her to walk and trot - and stop, though she did give a little buck from nowhere which had daughter off with nose bleed, daughter did get back on. After a few days I tried to ride her (am small adult - pony sturdy 12.2) and couldn't 'find' trot, she will walk and then if you squeeze her she goes straight into canter. I am not an experienced or keen rider only took lessons to share/understand daughters passion. Older daughter (similar level to me) rode her yesterday and found the same as me. Also tacking her up is completely new experience - now I know which way round the saddle goes that bit is fine but putting her bit in is a 'bit' of a challenge. It takes several minutes of me fiddling about for it to happen as she keeps moving her head about and won't open her mouth easily.
Published advice in our rapidly growing equine library can be quite contradictary.
We were hoping possibly naively for a second pony that was happy to be a first pony until my daughter developed her ability. Vendor confident this pony would do this. Didn't feel happy buying a lovable slug only to part with slug after a year. Would like this lovely little mare to be part of the family forever but am feeling a bit anxious that we may have taken on too forward a pony.
The vendor swore bling the pony is not laminitic (had her for six years) but there are some rings at the bottom of her hooves. We have divided up her paddock and she is in a very small bit to stop her eating too much grass. Previous home she was stabled at night because of lack of good grazing. How much space should she have? She eats constantly!
Thank you for reading my post would welcome gratefully any constructive advice.
 
It can take time for horses and ponies to settle in to their new home. This may be the pony's first move for a long time (?).

I am on week 7 of owning my new horse. I would say he is now fully settled, but most definately wasn't for the first two weeks or so.

He really wasn't keen on being in without his new mates, and so could seem quite agitated in the stable when he was brought in.

My advice would be to take it slowly - and let the rapport build up gradually.

Ridges on the hooves are not always evidence of a laminitic history - but was this something you asked your vet to look at specifically for you at the vetting? You could get your blacksmight to look as well for reasurance.

What is her condition like - is she fat, slim, just right?????

Are you at a livery yard with an instructor that visits regularly?

The pony sound like a smasher any piccys?
 
Is the pony being kept on her own? sounds to me like she is feeling stressed. was she kept alone before?

Why not assume she needs a bit of time to settle, do lots of inhand work with her to get her used to you and your daughters. You could lunge her a little before your daughter gets on, then have your daughter ride her on the lunge - she can do all the commands, but it will give her confidence that you can help if she gets stuck.

You need to act like everything is fine and easy (even if it doesn't feel it!) so that both pony and daughter feel calm. I'm sure she'll settle given time.
 
OK - first of all, six days is a very short space of time. She will still be settling in, and is probably feeling very insecure. It does take a while for them to settle, and the nervousness coming on to the yard is fairly normal.

Well done to your daughter for getting back on after being bucked off. You do need to look at why the pony may have bucked and one thing that springs to mind is that you need to make sure her saddle is sitting right and is not uncomfortable for the pony. Do you have someone experienced around who could check you've got it on right (when I first loaned a horse I always had someone check, just in case)?

Rings on hooves can be any change of diet, they don't awlways indicate laminitis. You're doing the right thing by restricting her grazing a bit though just in case....have you got any pics of the pony and her paddock so we can judge if she's got enough space?

Is she out in the field with another horse/pony or is she on her own? she may settle more quickly with some company.

Her going straight from walk to canter - again, check her saddle is OK. Also, it may be to do with the way you asked her, especially if your younger daughter can get her to trot.

The ILPH do a course that might help you: http://www.ilph.org/ukoperations/responsiblehorse.asp
and of course people on here will be happy to give you advice. I'm sure you'll get things sorted, it's very early days.

Good luck, and enjoy it
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Yes 6 days is no time at all. My horse did not cope with the change of home at all well when I bought him and it took months for him to settle and trust me...no joke! I did lot's of in hand work with him getting him used to things, scary objects etc. Take your time and do not rush too much, perhaps stick to walk with your daughter at first until the relationship has developed and the pony is feeling happier about things. You seem to be doing right with the field separating...keep weight taping each fortnight to monitor any un-wanted weight gain and make sure the pony has hay if not enough grass as you do not want it hungry or it will be even more upset! Good luck I am sure things will settle in time but they are all different and cope with things differently too.
 
I'd get regular lessons but the walk to canter does sound like pain, her saddle might be hurting her, or she has another underlying problem did you get her vetted?
 
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I'd get regular lessons but the walk to canter does sound like pain

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I agree about the lessons - disagree about the walk to canter. Sounds like a beautifully schooled pony - that needs the right buttons pushing.
 
Horses do eat constantly!
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You need to give this pony a chance, she wont ahve had time to settle in yet, also if you are not very experienced and are fiddling with her quite a bit, thinking the bitting scenario you described, the chances are you are making her more nervy and unsettled.

The walk to canter just sounds like she has been well schooled, I think lessons are the way forward, plus finding someone experienced to help you out with the day to day stuff.

Are you sure it was the right time to buy this pony?
 
'Competitive boy owners' -that sounds like the reason fopr the walk to canter, I know lots of boys who just dont do trot, however as everyones esle has said give her time and pehaps have everything checked out just to be sure, if the saddle is hurting it would be more pronouced with a heavier rider. Perhaps you could keep your daughter on a long lunge for the next week or so until every one feels a little more settled. First ponies are a nightmare. Its so easy to break fragile confidence, however as you say a steady pony would be quickly outgrown. Good luck.
 
Thank you all for your reassuring replies.
Pony has always been kept with others there was mare with her when we saw her and a Shetland was away on holiday to greener pastures. Now she is kept at my brother's, he has two geldings. She can see them and her paddock comes to a few feet from theirs but we haven't put them in the same paddock.
She loves smaller horses and donkeys apparently.
She certainly doesn't look hungry - is quite round but not obese.
How do I put picture on?
Will definitely get instructor to come and teach daughter there. I am a bit nervous of the menage though as it has a brick wall on one side.
Today has gone really well for pony we took her out of paddock and tacked her up outside stable and she had no diarrhea just loose stools so things must be getting better already. Then we took her on a 3 mile hack around the fields with my daughters taking it in turns to ride. My youngest daughter whose pony she is has really lost confidence this week and insisted on being on a leading rein despite being able to walk trot, canter and a do little cross country in lessons at riding school. Pony was fantastic despite low flying jet, a combine in next field and gamebirds flying out of the hedgerow.
Tacking up is still a bit fraught. Will the bit become easier for us to put in or now that she lives with Laurel and Hardy will she always make a game of it? Any tips? She tosses and shakes her head quite bit.
 
This may be a silly question but how do you put the bridle on?? People may have a few tips on here for you if your not already doing them??
 
I'm sure after a few more days her little tossing head and other little worries will become the norm and be accepted and dealt with without batting an eyelid.
We all have to start somewhere and I remember it all too well!
After all its an expensive time consuming hobby.Try not to worry too much and spend lots of time bonding with her through grooming and ground work(ie not ridden just lead)....gives confidence to both horse and human.
 
Don't know if it's right but if I ever have a problem encouraging a horse to take a bit I just carefully put my finger into the corner of my mouth to encourage them to take the bit, or you could put something tasty on the bit like apple sauce or honey. You say the pony is kept with your brother's geldings, is he not able to help at all?
I am sure it will come together, and as others have said do lots of ground work, grooming, leading without a rider etc. I have found it so helpful with getting to know my new horse who frankly terrified me the first day I had him by dragging me round the yard!
 
Re the bridle: I take the head collar off - tried doing it with it on - what a cat's cradle. I now put the rein around her lower neck stand to her left side and put the bit to her mouth then there's a bit of jiggling and dancing about (by me) and I end up almost in front of her with partner holding her head at the right side. Sometimes I find that space behind her front teeth but she won't let me hold her mouth for long enough for me to do anything worthwhile like open it. Jiggling and dancing rules the day in the end. The previous owner tacked her up single handedly in front of us, I don't recall any dancing.
I am really scared of horses but I am not scared of this pony she is lovely, I really trust her good nature.
My brother has been a great help but he is bigger, stronger and very assertive with his horses. Our approach will be more gentle. He demonstrated putting the bit on his 17 hand horse for us and the boy just took it out of his hand.
Who is the best person to check out her saddle? She needs a new bridle it looks a bit tired, who makes comfortable ones out of really supple leather?
Why could cantering from trot indicate good schooling?
Is it acceptable/worthwhile to reward good behaviour with food like you would when training a dog? As soon as the bit goes in I have been giving her a treat. Is this okay?
Thank you all for all your reassurances they are so helpful.
 
I would nt personally treat a pony with food particularly if they have a tendency to be greedy . A pat and a rub should be sufficient or if you really wanted to go for it there is always clicker training!
Look in your yellow pages for local saddler...or ask at local tack shop. To be honest if the buck was a one off and the tack she is wearing is what she came with it may just have been a bit of nervousness....or she may have been taking the mick........yes they do do it!!! lol.
Have a look on e bay for a nice bridle or failing that have a look in Robinsons catalogue or ride-away. Suppleness usually comes with use and lots of oil!! It may just be that her current bridle needs a good clean and oil and it will be fine.
Good luck xx
 
No more diarrhea today. She had another hack followed by a full bath.
AND when we put her bridle on I asked her to open her mouth - and - she did! This pony is a genius.
On the hack she didn't really want to be in front so one of us went ahead on foot, if the leader walked faster she quickened her pace and if they ran she trotted.
 
Sounds like you are getting there... as you gain confidence she will gain confidence in you.

As for the bit.... try putting a polo on the palm of your hand as you offer the bit... also on your palm, so if she wants the polo she has to have the bit. I have had to do this for 3 years with my horse who knows that there is no way i can (or would want to) force his mouth open. He takes it like a lamb every time and because he can smell it he actually looks for the bit when he knows its time.
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Good luck and do persevere, you are right about rehoming the sluggy first one, and unless you want a collection thats exactly what you have to do.
 
Your brothers approach to things would probably help this pony as being a bit 'too nice' doesn't always help a nervy/worried pony.

The minute a lot of ponies think you are unsure of yourself they take the mick, so even if you're not sure, try to be assertive and treat everything as matter of fact.

Having said that, sounds like things are coming on fine. Your pony is bound to feel as unsure of you as you do of her, so taking that into account, she sounds a lovely lass.

Get someone to check you're putting the saddle in the correct position as too far back/forward can make a pony buck. Contact your local saddle shops and ask if you can have a visit from an SMS Saddle fitter.

The walk to canter 'problem' might be as simple as the fact that you are stronger and ride from the leg more than your small daughter. It's possible that the pony has been charged about by kids recently who had outgrown her and were very confident on her, and this has whizzed her up a bit. That's not to say that she's naughty, just doing what she thinks she should.

Good luck with her, she sounds lovely and hope to hear more good news as the days go by.
 
One of the most accurate pieces of advice I was given before venturing down the pony acquisition path was "You WILL have teething problems".
Now I'm not sure how to differentiate between teething problems and plain old problems. Pony has been with us for a month now. We have arranged a weekly lesson for daughter on pony with a lovely teacher who comes to pony. First two lessons went well with teacher taking things very slowly and doing a lot of talking to daughter whilst holding on to bridle and mostly walking and a little bit of trot. (Daughter can walk, trot and canter and do small jumps during riding school lessons - sometimes her lessons there are with this same teacher)
Last Monday we went out for our usual hack around one of the fields. Daughter and pony were mostly walking with occasional short trot. On our way home elder daughter encouraged them to trot on again and pony burst into canter and little daughter could just not stop the apparently soft mouthed pony who was making for home. It ended with daughter falling off at the other end of the field. Now daughter has lost trust in riding pony. She got back on the next day and we led her for a short hack. We were looking forward to her lesson on pony the next day to discuss events with teacher.
Next morning we arrived to tack her up in time for lesson. Pony seemed restless, pony was not right. Teacher arrived saw pony and diagnosed colic. Called vet. Pony distressed. Teacher got in stable with pony and stopped her lying down and rearing up. Vet came, confirmed colic and gave her intravenous injection. After ruling out overdose of Panacur wormer that I had given her on the previous Saturday we worked out that colic due to me giving her a new section of paddock with a lot of clover. She had gorged it. Pain subsided but pony paced and tossed in stable very wound up. Vet said turn her out. Reduced the size of her grazing and put her back in paddock. She was not happy about this, raced about the place and jumped the fence (beautifully cleared). We put her back in her section and brought in brother's geldings to graze down the rest of her paddock and stop her jumping out of her section. This worked. She did a lot of flirting and winking with raised tail. She had not been so close to the geldings before now only an electric fence instead of wooden fence.
Thank goodness for teacher and timing, I would not have known when to call vet or what to do or what not to do.
Vet said don't ride her for a couple of days, so we just visited on Thursday and Friday. We were away on Saturday so that brings us up to today. We went to her today with intention of getting now reluctant daughter to go for short ride. Pony seemed quite relaxed in paddock but when led out she was not so. On the yard she was hard to groom - wouldn't keep still. Shook her back leg on picking it.
Scraped the ground with front leg. Pooed three times. We decided against tacking her up and put her back in paddock. Meanwhile I had changed the shape of her section and she trotted very fast and indignantly around it to examine her new space. My brother took out remaining gelding from the rest of her paddock as I wondered whether the close proximity of boy was making her 'marish' (whatever that means) or whether she was in season?
It is not just daughter that is losing confidence, I constantly recall the words of the vendor for reassurance - "never be afraid of her, she is all hot air". So cantering off, injured daughter, thinking I'd poisoned her with wormer, actually 'poisoning' her with clover, in season, tantrums, I still can't get the bit in easily - is everybody OK with this? We are all a bit tired at the moment and I find myself regretting that we didn't go for the lovable slug.
Does anyone have any insight? Please don't say this is all in week's pony owning. (Did I mention I got my toe trodden on...)
 
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