green pony rearing once saddled up

[Mary Bee]

we have taken on a loan pony in the full knowledge that he has got an issue.
he is a 13.2 cob, 5 years old. broken in. ridden very little..
he has good ground manners, picks up feet etc
he is a little scared and jumpy, but doing well with a gentle approach
we know that he has been rearing once saddled up - once a rider got on and he reared after one step of walk, and once he reared whilst standing saddled up in the yard, before the rider mounted
his back has been checked and nothing was found other than he is short backed and a little stiff
we feel the sensitivity is in the girth area/belly

he is principally a companion for our riding horse, but we would like to investigate the issue he has and bring him on if we can
what steps can we take to investigate?
which kind of professional might help?
I guess we start with the vet.
Thanks very much

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Definitely start with the vet, I would suspect ulcers, which might be as a response to pain but could be as a result of stress during the backing process.

 

[Irish Sally]

The people that were backing him. Were they experienced? He could easily have reared if they rushed the backing process. Definitely get a vet to look at him first though.

 

[millikins]

If you are suggesting starting with the vet, who "checked" his back?
Is a 5 year old who's a little stiff, actually a 5 year old who's sore?
Has anyone tried laying across his back without a saddle to see if he still reacts?
It may be ulcers but sounds at first reading that he is objecting to the saddle.

 

[AandK]

Sounds like either the backing process went wrong/wasn’t done properly, or he has a physical issue.
I’d rule out ulcers and back issues by scoping and xraying the back and if okay, look at re-backing him. Poor chap.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

If you are suggesting starting with the vet, who "checked" his back?
Is a 5 year old who's a little stiff, actually a 5 year old who's sore?
Has anyone tried laying across his back without a saddle to see if he still reacts?
It may be ulcers but sounds at first reading that he is objecting to the saddle.

This is my thought too. I would want to know how he reacts to weight on his back without a girth that should give a guide to whether or not it is the girth bothering him.

 

[Mary Bee]

The people that were backing him. Were they experienced? He could easily have reared if they rushed the backing process. Definitely get a vet to look at him first tho

Thanks.

The people that were backing him. Were they experienced? He could easily have reared if they rushed the backing process. Definitely get a vet to look at him first though.

I don't know. He came from a riding stables. From someone they use regularly I think

 

[Mary Bee]

If you are suggesting starting with the vet, who "checked" his back?
Is a 5 year old who's a little stiff, actually a 5 year old who's sore?
Has anyone tried laying across his back without a saddle to see if he still reacts?
It may be ulcers but sounds at first reading that he is objecting to the saddle.

Thanks. Again at the riding stables he was checked by whoever 'checks backs'. I have someone I have used on other occasions so I may get a second opinion on this. But yes, we have been laying across his back, putting weight on him, and it doesn't seem to bother him at all. He seems sensitive when a girth is done up.

 

[malwhit]

As he's a loan pony, wouldn't the owners be paying to have him tested/checked?

Otherwise, you may spend £100s, sort his problems and be out of pocket if the owners decide to end the loan

 

[J&S]

Do the owners, who have loaned him to you as a "companion for your riding horse" know that you are attempting to use him as a ridden horse/pony? The " known issue" that you mention may mean he is not suitable to ride for some reason but makes a good companion. On the other hand i have known some ponies who were very tricky to start for one reason or another and who have gone on to make great riding ponies. Just make sure you get the full gen from the owners before you spend money, as mentioned above.

 

[blitznbobs]

Stiffness in a 5 year old needs investigating - a 5 yesr old shouldnt be stiff - vet

 

[bubsqueaks]

"we know that he has been rearing once saddled up - once a rider got on and he reared after one step of walk, and once he reared whilst standing saddled up in the yard, before the rider mounted"

you say that youve laid across him putting weight on him but have you lead him round doing that to test if its the rider/weight or the saddle ?
I would try this but also get the vet out then the physio then the saddler - its such a critical time that I wouldnt mess too much with wondering are they right but also if you cannot establish who/how he was backed I would be starting the whole process from the beginning with lots of groundwork.