CeeBee
Well-Known Member
I lost my beloved horse, owned for almost 20 years since a 2 year old last October. He was super-safe and I could let my totally novice daughters take him out for hacks etc. knowing he would look after them.
Although devastated by his death, I was immediately on a mission to find another horse for us and after seeing 11 horses whos description ticked all the boxes, but on viewing clearly didnt, I found the one who I thought would be my new friend for life.
16h Irish type cob gelding. 100% in traffic, shoe etc. loads without hesitation, perfect all rounder, will jump anything you point him at. Enjoys schooling in the ménage. The most laid back, loving and affectionate temperament (although the constant licking can get a bit messy), easy to catch, lovely stable manners. Has the most gorgeous black shiny coat and very kind eyes.
This would be my description of him and probably isnt far off the one in his original advert.
So now comes the but! The first time my daughter rode him, we were going through a field and I suggested she try a canter. She couldnt get him to canter, so I suggested she turn him round and try again. Then from a seemingly quiet walk, he just suddenly went into a major bucking fit literally a rodeo impression. My daughter fell off and he bucked and bucked down the field (luckily she wasnt hurt). None of us were prepared to get back on, so I led him home.
I then had his back checked, his saddle replaced and 2 wolf teeth removed. I took him out a couple of times with company, then tried to hack alone again. On asking for canter, he started to buck, but I shouted at him and pushed him on and he stopped. We went on to have a lovely hack.
Thinking I had turned a corner with him, my confidence grew, until I went out with a friend about 6 weeks later. I popped over a small log and he did a little buck on landing. My friend said I should do it again, so I turned round and jumped back again. On landing, he did a massive buck and sort of twisted, so I was catapulted out of the saddle. I was totally winded and unable to speak for a minute or two, but managed to get up and back on. I discovered afterwards that I had fractured 2 ribs (very painful!).
After 4 weeks and no riding, I got back on again and everything seemed fine. Lots of lovely rides out with no problems. I even did a sponsored ride with 50 jumps and probably jumped 75% of them. It was a fantastic day and I was elated!
Spurred on by my new confidence in the both of us, we went to a cross country training day two weeks later.
He was like a coiled spring from the moment we got there (and usually he is so chilled), so I was a bit nervous. However, off I went . First jump on landing, a buck with a twist and off I come and horse canters off, bucking down the field. Me bad knock on back of head resulting in concussion.
So another week off riding and the decision that cross country is not for me and to stick to the hacking and pleasure rides.
2 or three weeks of lovely rides, then last night went out with friend I regularly hack with and he was again like a coiled spring. Started to buck when I asked for canter, so just pulled up and made him trot. Fine for about another 15 mins, then he starts being spooky (not usually spooky). He spooks at some horse poo, so I push him on. A few strides of normal walk, then a massive spook at nothing and off I come into the biggest pile of nettles and prickles possible. Almost as if chosen specially! Not really hurt, other than badly stung all over (didnt realise you could get so badly stung through your jods!).
This morning I woke to an extremely painful shoulder and cant raise my arm.
So . What next? Wait for the next incident? Or throw in the towel on the lovely horse I have very quickly fallen in love with?
I am in my mid 40s and dont bounce any more!!!
I have had horses for about 30 years, but still consider myself a novice. He is only young, just turning 6. Will he grow out of it, or will I get seriously hurt waiting to find out?
I know this is a very long rant, but just dont know what to do. I would really appreciate hearing what do others think?
Although devastated by his death, I was immediately on a mission to find another horse for us and after seeing 11 horses whos description ticked all the boxes, but on viewing clearly didnt, I found the one who I thought would be my new friend for life.
16h Irish type cob gelding. 100% in traffic, shoe etc. loads without hesitation, perfect all rounder, will jump anything you point him at. Enjoys schooling in the ménage. The most laid back, loving and affectionate temperament (although the constant licking can get a bit messy), easy to catch, lovely stable manners. Has the most gorgeous black shiny coat and very kind eyes.
This would be my description of him and probably isnt far off the one in his original advert.
So now comes the but! The first time my daughter rode him, we were going through a field and I suggested she try a canter. She couldnt get him to canter, so I suggested she turn him round and try again. Then from a seemingly quiet walk, he just suddenly went into a major bucking fit literally a rodeo impression. My daughter fell off and he bucked and bucked down the field (luckily she wasnt hurt). None of us were prepared to get back on, so I led him home.
I then had his back checked, his saddle replaced and 2 wolf teeth removed. I took him out a couple of times with company, then tried to hack alone again. On asking for canter, he started to buck, but I shouted at him and pushed him on and he stopped. We went on to have a lovely hack.
Thinking I had turned a corner with him, my confidence grew, until I went out with a friend about 6 weeks later. I popped over a small log and he did a little buck on landing. My friend said I should do it again, so I turned round and jumped back again. On landing, he did a massive buck and sort of twisted, so I was catapulted out of the saddle. I was totally winded and unable to speak for a minute or two, but managed to get up and back on. I discovered afterwards that I had fractured 2 ribs (very painful!).
After 4 weeks and no riding, I got back on again and everything seemed fine. Lots of lovely rides out with no problems. I even did a sponsored ride with 50 jumps and probably jumped 75% of them. It was a fantastic day and I was elated!
Spurred on by my new confidence in the both of us, we went to a cross country training day two weeks later.
He was like a coiled spring from the moment we got there (and usually he is so chilled), so I was a bit nervous. However, off I went . First jump on landing, a buck with a twist and off I come and horse canters off, bucking down the field. Me bad knock on back of head resulting in concussion.
So another week off riding and the decision that cross country is not for me and to stick to the hacking and pleasure rides.
2 or three weeks of lovely rides, then last night went out with friend I regularly hack with and he was again like a coiled spring. Started to buck when I asked for canter, so just pulled up and made him trot. Fine for about another 15 mins, then he starts being spooky (not usually spooky). He spooks at some horse poo, so I push him on. A few strides of normal walk, then a massive spook at nothing and off I come into the biggest pile of nettles and prickles possible. Almost as if chosen specially! Not really hurt, other than badly stung all over (didnt realise you could get so badly stung through your jods!).
This morning I woke to an extremely painful shoulder and cant raise my arm.
So . What next? Wait for the next incident? Or throw in the towel on the lovely horse I have very quickly fallen in love with?
I am in my mid 40s and dont bounce any more!!!
I have had horses for about 30 years, but still consider myself a novice. He is only young, just turning 6. Will he grow out of it, or will I get seriously hurt waiting to find out?
I know this is a very long rant, but just dont know what to do. I would really appreciate hearing what do others think?
