Merry Crisis
Well-Known Member
Silly old Moomin!! She reported me to TFC!!!
Gutted - really disappointing first day with new pony
- Thread starter Caznay
- Start date
Silly old Moomin!! She reported me to TFC!!!
FionaM12
Well-Known Member
Have you had a ticking off?
Merry Crisis
Well-Known Member
Yip! But he was so SWEET. I fancy him!
FionaM12
Well-Known Member
Merry Crisis
Well-Known Member
He's probably scared of you. Most of us are.
Dont be a nit, I am a pussy cat, silly billy!
FionaM12
Well-Known Member
Merry Crisis
Well-Known Member
Syrah
Well-Known Member
Well, whilst some of you pat each other on the back for your 1000 years of knowledge and how right you are, the OP hasn't been back.
So yes, rock on, well done, someone needed help and you helped by scaring them off.
Being obnoxious, rude, right (questionable) doesn't change the fact that the OP has the pony, posted for advice and got told to buy some ballet shoes.
OP I hope you solve the problem and pick out the useful advice.
So yes, rock on, well done, someone needed help and you helped by scaring them off.
Being obnoxious, rude, right (questionable) doesn't change the fact that the OP has the pony, posted for advice and got told to buy some ballet shoes.
OP I hope you solve the problem and pick out the useful advice.
henryhorn
Well-Known Member
I doubt he's suffering from anything more than new home syndrome.
We find it takes any horse several weeks (some months) to feel calm and safe in their new place.
You have to think what it is like for him, new home, new people he doesn't know or trust, new field mates (think new day at school with possible bullying) even the water and hay taste differently to what he's been used to.
The routine is also likely to have changed.
Bucking during canter could be a variety of reasons, he could be feeling fresh if on more food, he could be trying her out to see just how far he can get away with naughtiness, or he could have felt the wind under his tail!
Get your tack checked before you ride him again, then lunge him for at least 40 mind before you or anyone else gets on. By that time he should be well and truly wanting to stop.. The gate problem must be solved but not by your daughter, either you or an experienced rider needs to get on, make sure he's going off their leg (use a schooling whip) then insist he does as he's told.
For now allow your daughter to ride him only on the lunge with you in the middle, but her giving all the aids. You're there as back up.
Can you hack out with her on a lead rein from another horse? It takes a while for any child to send the message through that she is in charge, and they need their confidence boosting to be able to do it.
If you can sort him out when she isn't around, but provided the saddle fits, he's just playing silly beggars because he's in new surroundings by the sound of it...
We find it takes any horse several weeks (some months) to feel calm and safe in their new place.
You have to think what it is like for him, new home, new people he doesn't know or trust, new field mates (think new day at school with possible bullying) even the water and hay taste differently to what he's been used to.
The routine is also likely to have changed.
Bucking during canter could be a variety of reasons, he could be feeling fresh if on more food, he could be trying her out to see just how far he can get away with naughtiness, or he could have felt the wind under his tail!
Get your tack checked before you ride him again, then lunge him for at least 40 mind before you or anyone else gets on. By that time he should be well and truly wanting to stop.. The gate problem must be solved but not by your daughter, either you or an experienced rider needs to get on, make sure he's going off their leg (use a schooling whip) then insist he does as he's told.
For now allow your daughter to ride him only on the lunge with you in the middle, but her giving all the aids. You're there as back up.
Can you hack out with her on a lead rein from another horse? It takes a while for any child to send the message through that she is in charge, and they need their confidence boosting to be able to do it.
If you can sort him out when she isn't around, but provided the saddle fits, he's just playing silly beggars because he's in new surroundings by the sound of it...
jeeve
Well-Known Member
I think that this comment is a bit harsh, when it was mentioned that the saddle may be a possibility.
I would certainly get the saddle checked , but far more likely that the pony is testing his new rider, she is nervous, he has found that he can get away with things and that is it. An instructor should be able to help, or you can send pony back. I have found with each new pony that the kids have had (we now have 7 horses of which 5 are the kids ponies), that they all tested out the kids and it took a while for the kids to grow into them..say a minimum 6 months on average.
If you have an instructor come out they can look at saddle fit, the pony and the child and advise if worth pursuing. There are easier ponies out there, so if the instructor cannot give the child a few strategies to work on that start making a difference within the first few lessons I would think hard about how much time you want to put into it, vs how the child is coping, and how the pony is progressing.
Moomin1
Well-Known Member
Haha!! I don't even know what TFC is?!!! It wasn't me that has reported anyone, I've just been out of the house for the last 3 and a half hours on a work call out. So it's obviously someone else who has spotted your not so pleasant attitude towards others! Unless it was my baby corn snake that typed away whilst I was out....
jeeve
Well-Known Member
every one is a novice at one point in time or another, does that mean no one should ever try anything new ever?
you would have been a novice, most ponies survive being ridden by novice riders - my kids were novice at one point in time, as they progress, their ponies adapt and improve, they certainly have not been spoilt by my kids inexperience.
I have seen plenty of adult novices become extremely competent competitive riders, but for a comment something like this maybe they would have decided that horses and horse people are not for them.
i do think the comment is rude, ponies are something that people from all walks of life and levels of experience should be able to enjoy, should they so desire. It certainly should not be for the privileged few.
Moomin1
Well-Known Member
Fully agree. What was basically said is that she should give up riding just because she is nervous and her mother isn't prepared to potentially throw hundreds of pounds away on a new saddle despite the numerous other reasons that the behaviour of the pony could be down to! My old pony had to put up with me being nervous and inexperienced to start with - but once we clicked and had lessons we ended up the perfect match!
Nosey
Well-Known Member
Well there do seem to be a few people on here who make a 12yo girl look v mature by comparison. Henry horn what sensible advice tho. Agree with syrah & Mariam's posts. My horse is out on loan complete wiv my newish £1500 saddle, quality English tack & ditto rugs. I don't think its fair that this owner hasn't Supplied the essentials here .. well at least for first couple of months...esp as this is a lease arrangement. My horse is hard to fit saddle wise so my feelings were that main priority was when he went on loan he was equally comfortable & didn't think or expect loaner to shell out loads of £s on new tack. Hope OP manages to sort wheat from chaff with the advice given & that she's not scared off HHO for life as that wld be a shame...there is usually a lot of v helpful knowledgeable & supportive people on here!
EAST KENT
Well-Known Member
Simple really..if the saddle is suspect ride bareback with a neck strap.Firstly on a lunge rein in a school/round pen..and progress from there.All children should go bareback sometime anyway ,and if it gets rid of a possible cause ,then why not?
Caznay
Active Member
Wow. Thank you for all those who gave sensible advice. I am aware that internet forums attract many people suffering from Know All Syndrome but had yet to find it here until today.
What a shame. I'll find other sources of help in future, but before I go I'd like to say thanks again to all the people who took the time to post thoughtful, helpful advice.
What a shame. I'll find other sources of help in future, but before I go I'd like to say thanks again to all the people who took the time to post thoughtful, helpful advice.
Honey08
Waffled a lot!
Always a good idea to see help elsewhere than here, but you can get some very useful advice on here - and a lot of rubbish too. You seem perfectly capable of working out which is which, which is the main thing! You've just got to ignore those opinions that are not worth getting into a squabble with, otherwise they just go on and on inflating themselves! As they frequently say, its an open forum and they can post what they think, but it doesn't make them right, or mean that you have to pay any attention!! Best of luck.
FionaM12
Well-Known Member
As a nervous, rather novice owner and rider, I've found this forum really helpful despite a few harsh reactions. I wouldn't give up on it, if I were you.
It would be a shame to throw such a resource because of the tactlessness of a few people. I've learnt to (mostly) just not take it personally. My mare is still settling in her new home, 5 months on
so I'll bet you and your daughter are doing better than me!Good luck and I hope it works out.
SouthWestWhippet
Well-Known Member
I would just like to say to the OP that personally, if I took a pony on loan as a confidence giver for my nervous child I would most definitely NOT think it reasonable to have to spend x hundreds of pounds on saddle-fitting and osteopath treatments BEFORE the pony was then suitable to ride for my daughter.
If the pony has been ridden long term in an ill fitting saddle leading to him misbehaving (as some posters are suggesting may be the case here) then send him back and let the OWNER sort the problem out. It is not your responsibility as a loanee to be fixing her pony for her.
If the problem had occured after you had had the pony 6 months, it would be a different story but TBH I think the loaner is either taking the piss, thinking she will get the pony she has ruined with bad fitting tack fixed up for free, or there is another problem at work here.
All the best, nice ponies are out there, just keep looking. xxx
If the pony has been ridden long term in an ill fitting saddle leading to him misbehaving (as some posters are suggesting may be the case here) then send him back and let the OWNER sort the problem out. It is not your responsibility as a loanee to be fixing her pony for her.
If the problem had occured after you had had the pony 6 months, it would be a different story but TBH I think the loaner is either taking the piss, thinking she will get the pony she has ruined with bad fitting tack fixed up for free, or there is another problem at work here.
All the best, nice ponies are out there, just keep looking. xxx
Ibblebibble
Well-Known Member
well said
don't give up on the forum OP, there is some great advice on here from some very helpful people, of course you'll always get the odd few who like to be sarcastic and rude and try to claim they're just 'forthright'i hope your daughter and her pony can start to build their trust in eachother like mine has done, it's not instant and some days we have wobbles but hey, they're kids
maree t
Well-Known Member
Please dont give up on all of the forum. There can be some really good advice.
As far as the pony goes I wouldnt give up on him yet either. I have a 12 year old who although I think she is very competent she is also very nervous. If it takes me starting a session leading her around to help her relax then thats what I would do. Just lead her around bareback for a couple of minutes and then leave it at that for the day. My sons pony is only 6 but has to give a lead to daughters 14 year old sometimes so dont worry too much about his age just take it slowly for now. I would talk to the owner about the saddle issue if the pony is leased then you have paid to have him ? Then surely he should have tack fitted to him , what does it say in your agreement.
Good luck
As far as the pony goes I wouldnt give up on him yet either. I have a 12 year old who although I think she is very competent she is also very nervous. If it takes me starting a session leading her around to help her relax then thats what I would do. Just lead her around bareback for a couple of minutes and then leave it at that for the day. My sons pony is only 6 but has to give a lead to daughters 14 year old sometimes so dont worry too much about his age just take it slowly for now. I would talk to the owner about the saddle issue if the pony is leased then you have paid to have him ? Then surely he should have tack fitted to him , what does it say in your agreement.
Good luck
Moomin1
Well-Known Member
OP I apologise for my squabbles on your thread. It just makes me so angry that someone like yourself comes on here to ask for constructive advice or share your experiences and you get such a rude and sarcastic response from someone who, searching through their previous history of posting, makes a habit of doing so.
I really hope that you get your situation sorted, and that you haven't been put off from coming on here for advice. I very rarely visit the forums but when I do I like to think I can post a genuine thread asking for constructive advice back, not insensitive and pointless comments.
Good luck!!
I really hope that you get your situation sorted, and that you haven't been put off from coming on here for advice. I very rarely visit the forums but when I do I like to think I can post a genuine thread asking for constructive advice back, not insensitive and pointless comments.
Good luck!!
BeesKnees
Well-Known Member
Hi OP if you're still reading.
Just wanted to add that if your daughter is already nervous then you may need to re- think this loan if things don't settle fairly quickly. My confidence out hacking was destroyed by my first pony at 13 (I'm now 42!) who turned out to be very spooky and would bolt. When I returned to riding as an adult I discovered I was still very nervous out hacking! And there is no doubt that all horses however perfect they may be for one rider, can pick up on nerves and become a bit edgy when a new rider is on board.
As many have said, It may be that the pony just needs to settle and needs to know that nonsense won't be tolerated. BUT the saddle IS potentially an issue, even if it isnt a big problem now then at some point in the future a poorly fitting saddle will cause problems surely?
If I were you I would be asking the owner to sort this asap.
Just wanted to add that if your daughter is already nervous then you may need to re- think this loan if things don't settle fairly quickly. My confidence out hacking was destroyed by my first pony at 13 (I'm now 42!) who turned out to be very spooky and would bolt. When I returned to riding as an adult I discovered I was still very nervous out hacking! And there is no doubt that all horses however perfect they may be for one rider, can pick up on nerves and become a bit edgy when a new rider is on board.
As many have said, It may be that the pony just needs to settle and needs to know that nonsense won't be tolerated. BUT the saddle IS potentially an issue, even if it isnt a big problem now then at some point in the future a poorly fitting saddle will cause problems surely?
If I were you I would be asking the owner to sort this asap.
Cheryl&Donny
New User
I totally agree with this. If one has lots their confidence, then they are no longer competent rider as they are more likely to give off bad vibes, give up and get upset or scared when a green youngster is doing what green youngsters do.
Moggy in Manolos
Well-Known Member
It can be a tough one to call.
I sold my mares daughter very reluctantly some years back, she was 10years old, but i simply could not afford the two of them any longer.
Anyway, I had backed and brought on my mares daughter and she was a fantastic ride for me for many years.
I never had any issues whatsoever with her, but the girl who purchased her had her rear with her, a few times I think. Not sure what happened, said girl sold her on to a lovely lovely home where i believe she has been good as gold since. I think sometimes it may just be down to compatibility. I know this is not always the case, and I know some people do lie or stretch the truth but sometimes a new home and a new owner will change a horse.
As suggested, I would get an instructor out maybe as they could help see the whole picture and give you an outsiders view of this pony
I sold my mares daughter very reluctantly some years back, she was 10years old, but i simply could not afford the two of them any longer.
Anyway, I had backed and brought on my mares daughter and she was a fantastic ride for me for many years.
I never had any issues whatsoever with her, but the girl who purchased her had her rear with her, a few times I think. Not sure what happened, said girl sold her on to a lovely lovely home where i believe she has been good as gold since. I think sometimes it may just be down to compatibility. I know this is not always the case, and I know some people do lie or stretch the truth but sometimes a new home and a new owner will change a horse.
As suggested, I would get an instructor out maybe as they could help see the whole picture and give you an outsiders view of this pony
HazyXmas
Well-Known Member
Hang in there I had the same experience 4 yrs ago when i bought a 'schoolmaster' for my then 11 yr old daughter. We'd tried him twice including having a lesson on him but when we got him home he became a complete monster! He became really difficult to ride & tried to buck my daughter off at every opportunity, three weeks in she was losing confidence & not wanting to ride him, i was looking for a selling yard to send him to!
The turning point was when i paid a much older girl to take him hunting & my daughter went along on her old pony. Well the old pony was pulling like a train & slipped & fell on the road, the girls decided to swap ponies & daughter & the new one never looked back He turned into a total dream & did all PC teams with her including qualifying for Nationals Championships. One of the best ponies we've ever had & now enjoying a quieter life hacking with a friend of mine. I hope that your one works out as well in the end.
I had the same experience 4 yrs ago when i bought a 'schoolmaster' for my then 11 yr old daughter. We'd tried him twice including having a lesson on him but when we got him home he became a complete monster! He became really difficult to ride & tried to buck my daughter off at every opportunity, three weeks in she was losing confidence & not wanting to ride him, i was looking for a selling yard to send him to!The turning point was when i paid a much older girl to take him hunting & my daughter went along on her old pony. Well the old pony was pulling like a train & slipped & fell on the road, the girls decided to swap ponies & daughter & the new one never looked back
He turned into a total dream & did all PC teams with her including qualifying for Nationals Championships. One of the best ponies we've ever had & now enjoying a quieter life hacking with a friend of mine. I hope that your one works out as well in the end.Jazzy B
Well-Known Member
too right!!!!
OP sorry this is turning into such a nightmare for you. I would be a bit worried about taking on a six year old if your daughter has had a bit of a knock to her confidence but like one of the posts has already said, some six years old have done everything and are better than something ten years old. I would personally be a bit worried about the loaner saying the saddle is narrow? I loan my pony out, and wouldn't dream of loaning her out with a badly fitted saddle and really, if the saddle does not fit properly, I'm not sure its your job to rectify it - depends on what your loan agreement is?
Hollyberry
Well-Known Member
Sounds like saddle doesn't fit, please do not ride him with a saddle you think is too narrow!! Poor pony is only six, you must check if it is pain related before anything else, it is not easy to fit tack properly and I suspect if you think it is too narrow it probably is and is hurting him.
rhino
Well-Known Member
Just out of interest, does he know your last HHO login? The one that is that lovely dark red colour in old posts?
Guessing from your reaction to Enfys 'outing' you on the other thread, maybe not...
I really don't understand why you wear your tactless, rude, abrasive attitude as a badge of honour.
OP: some good advice on here. Just a shame you have to wade through the usual HHO nasties.
dressagelove
Well-Known Member
Well said Rhino