Have i made a big mistake??

[First pony G]

Very sorry this is long. Please help...... I bought my first pony nearly three months ago shes a 14.1 cob. I was always mad about horses when I was younger and my 14 year old daughter is just the same. I decided after thinking about getting one on and off for a year or so but only seriously for a month before I got her. She was described as a bombproof hacker completely safe around heavy traffic. The owner said she was also great around children and very safe.
First week we got her she went silly in the school and got my daughter off the next day she did the same with me. I'm lucky I'm in a yard with very experienced people one rode her she said she was a great pony and everyone else agrees I couldn't have got a better one for us. My daughter went on a hack a few weeks after with someone else and had no problems. i took her the next day, ok i cut into a slightly busy road, she got scared and i found it hard to hold her but managed to park us somewhere safe then got home safely, know how!! After that first few weeks I've gradually built my confidence up with her and started carrying a crop, but don't use it, she's very slow without one. Now on the last two hacks she's just being silly and jumping around near road areas even though she was fine the two treks I went on, same path. I get really scared cause I don't know what to do and what she'll do, I was with someone though and they helped. In the school at the weekend she tried to bolt at the corners but I managed to control her. It just terrifies me, what have I done!!! I was so in love with her last week everything was brilliant now I just don't know what to think I feel terrible. My only experience of riding before was in the riding school and I definitely now would say I'm a novice. Riding her is not what I expected it to be. Apart from the riding she really is 100 percent to look after. Please please help I'm just so worried I don't know what to do.

 

[Elsiecat]

Everyone thinks 'cob' for a first horse/pony but they're strong horses. She may very well be normally 'bombproof' but it sounds to be like you've become a bundle of nerves and she'll be picking up on that, which won't help her settle in. We've ALL gone through these teething stages with new horses. I hated my horse for a while. She's now the best thing that ever happened to me.

Can you get an instructor to come down once or twice a week and explain you need some help building up your confidence?

Good luck, it'll be worth the effort in the end

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Lessons with a good instructor would really help you.

 

[HaffiesRock]

Dont panic!

Your horse can more than likely sense your nerves and that you are a novice and is taking advantage of this. Get yourself a good instructor and you and your daughter have regular lessons. It will get easier as you all get to know each other.

Best of luck xx

 

[Adopter]

I think its always a good idea to book a series of lessons when you first get a new horse or pony, an instructor on the ground can see what you can not and help you get the best from a pony.

I would stay on safe ground and not go into traffic until you are confident that you can control the pony, accidents can happen too easily.

Are you using the same sort of bit etc that the previous owner did?

 

[mandwhy]

Hmm, I think you may be affecting her with your nervousness unfortunately. I am sure people will have suggestions such as getting an instructor or other experienced person to ride her but I think maybe she is not as much of a novice ride as first thought and you may need to cut your losses, think about selling and getting another horse who is more suitable. This happens all the time to people of varying levels of experience, and luckily you have other people around to advise.

The previous owner may not have been embellishing either, and the pony may still be a bit unsettled and need to get to know you, she might even be 'testing' you and if you worked on your confidence more you may be able to push her through it. It's a vicious circle!

 

[Twinkley Lights]

Sorry if I've missed it but how old is she it can make a difference. I'm with the others that feel she may be picking up on your nerves - some lessons are a good next step before you both get into habits.

 

[JingleTingle]

How old is she? Some cobs can go through a bit of a stroppy stage when they are younger and it might be this combined with her settling in to her new home.

If it is a case of her picking up on your nerves get some of this stuff...absolutely marvellous and it REALLY works if it is you unsettling the horse.

http://www.paxhorse.co.uk/

Is she being fed appropriately for her work load with you, does she get enough turnout every day. There could be several reasons for her behaviour and I certainly wouldn't give up on her too quickly.

 

[BillyBob-Sleigh]

If you're worried then you can bet your bottom dollar that she will be too! As others have said, get a good instructor and sort out the basics before you take her out and about on your own. Also, what's her routine and feeding regime?

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I'm lucky I'm in a yard with very experienced people one rode her she said she was a great pony and everyone else agrees I couldn't have got a better one for us.

Mandwhy - because of this^ I still think that lessons are the way to go (OK, I haven't seen the pony in the flesh, but going by the OP's post, it seems to be the best way forwards).

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I agree that a good instructor will be able to help you.
I also wonder what you are feeding your horse. Is it the same as she was having in her previous home? Do you feel sorry for her when it's cold and rainy and so give her a bit extra?
Try cutting her food back to plenty of good quality hay, no hard feed or chaff of any kind, and I'll be that her behaviour improves.

 

[OWLIE185]

I believe that it can take about 2 years to get used to a new horse. Many horses become extremely unsettled when they are moved to a new home.
Unfortunately people are not always honest when they are selling a horse. What they state is a safe horse may not be a safe horse to someone else.
May I ask if you had the horse vetted as if so get the bloods checked just in case the horse was doped?
Did you see the horse hacked alone along a nice busy road when you saw it?
Getting an instructor is an excellent idea but you and your daughter must feel safe when riding the horse.

 

[First pony G]

Thank you all sooo much for your replies. She is 6 years old and apparently ridden by novice children before. From the first week she dumped us the yard owner insisted I got an instructor before I got on her again. I think I might have had about 4 lessons since, would have been more but life happens! On Friday she thought I looked a lot more confident which was good. She did see her when she was rushing around the corners which was later in the lesson. She said after seeing her a few times she had thought she was just a sweet thing before but now she recons she's a little devious as she's trying to figure a way to get back to her stable where she always finds her hay and carrots!, She said she isn't acting like a typical cob? On Saturday it was again after I'd been riding her for a bit that she started being silly. She is kept in I would say 22/23 hours during the week and out more at weekends as she can't go in the field and she's used to being out 24/7 so yes that would make another reason why she has changed. She only gets fed hay and carrots, maybe about 8-10 a day and that's it, mmm maybe its the carrots? Her previous owner only had her 6 months and sold her because her marriage broke up, she was for her step daughter. I did have her vetted and bloods taken i don't think she was dopped as she is really the same pony we first met, off the saddle that is I didn't see her hack out, I did want to but I was really pressured into buying her as she insisted It wouldn't be easy to find one like her and someone else was really interested, yes I know! but I did really like her and the vet seemed fine with her too. The people at the stables say she is looking much happier now they thought she was a bit depressed for the first month. Two weeks before i got her she had just been moved to another area. i think shes been through a lot. Thanks again, you all have really helped loads. I bought her for keeps and don't want to give her up.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

No there's no need to give her up. Take the carrots out of her diet - they can make some horses really silly. Then you need to find a yard where she can have MUCH more turnout than she is getting now. Very few horses are suited to the life-style yours is having to put up with. Get that sorted and I'm sure she'll be fine.

 

[BillyBob-Sleigh]

Thank you all sooo much for your replies. She is 6 years old and apparently ridden by novice children before. From the first week she dumped us the yard owner insisted I got an instructor before I got on her again. I think I might have had about 4 lessons since, would have been more but life happens! On Friday she thought I looked a lot more confident which was good. She did see her when she was rushing around the corners which was later in the lesson. She said after seeing her a few times she had thought she was just a sweet thing before but now she recons she's a little devious as she's trying to figure a way to get back to her stable where she always finds her hay and carrots!, She said she isn't acting like a typical cob? On Saturday it was again after I'd been riding her for a bit that she started being silly. She is kept in I would say 22/23 hours during the week and out more at weekends as she can't go in the field and she's used to being out 24/7 so yes that would make another reason why she has changed. She only gets fed hay and carrots, maybe about 8-10 a day and that's it, mmm maybe its the carrots? Her previous owner only had her 6 months and sold her because her marriage broke up, she was for her step daughter. I did have her vetted and bloods taken i don't think she was dopped as she is really the same pony we first met, off the saddle that is I didn't see her hack out, I did want to but I was really pressured into buying her as she insisted It wouldn't be easy to find one like her and someone else was really interested, yes I know! but I did really like her and the vet seemed fine with her too. The people at the stables say she is looking much happier now they thought she was a bit depressed for the first month. Two weeks before i got her she had just been moved to another area. i think shes been through a lot. Thanks again, you all have really helped loads. I bought her for keeps and don't want to give her up.

she's being fed 8-10 carrots a day??!!! they are ridiculously high in sugar, I'm surprised she hasn't got the squits! I wouldn't give her anymore than one chopped up in her feed (don't chop into circles, they can choke). She ideally needs much more turnout too.

Well done though on getting an instructor, I'm sure you'll grow together nicely.

PS what feed is she getting apart from hay and carrots...

 

[pinklilly]

Stopfeeding the carrots they are full of sugar! Are you able to turn out for longer? If not can you lunge her and do more work?

 

[FfionWinnie]

Instructor. Hack in quiet competent company and you and your daughter have as many lessons as you can afford. Chances are she is just taking the mick and she isn't really a bad sort.

Also just feed her hay/grass with plenty of turnout.

 

[Cortez]

Six is really very young and she will need continuing schooling and education to help her become balanced, obedient and settled. If you are concientous and dilligent with your lessons, as well as sensible in what you do with her, there is no reason why in time you will not have a cob you can feel safe and happy riding. But you won't be there for a while yet, and you will need to avail of all the structured, professional help you can. You have joined a very large club of first-time horse owners who perhaps bit off more than they could chew.

 

[9tails]

Is this pony in the stable 22-23 hours a day during the week? If so, no wonder she's unsettled. GET HER OUT.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

My guess (without seeing her) is that she is young, unsettled in a new home, and not having chance to spend time in the field getting to know the other horses as a herd member and to let off steam. The carrots are not good for her, although I bet she loves them.
Horses can often mirror their owners, a nervous, unbalanced rider = nervous, unbalanced horse.
Her future depends on you, give her a fair chance and read everything you can and invest in lessons as a priority. If she is not ridden and not getting much turnout, get her out of stable and walk her in hand.

Good luck, it can be daunting in the beginning but everyone is the same, I laugh at some of the things I did with my first, very forgiving, pony.

 

[NeverSayNever]

get her on 24/7 turnout asap and cut all feed bar hay... bet you have a different horse on your hands inside 48 hours.

 

[First pony G]

she's being fed 8-10 carrots a day??!!! they are ridiculously high in sugar, I'm surprised she hasn't got the squits! I wouldn't give her anymore than one chopped up in her feed (don't chop into circles, they can choke). She ideally needs much more turnout too.

Well done though on getting an instructor, I'm sure you'll grow together nicely.

PS what feed is she getting apart from hay and carrots...

Ha ha, yes I was thinking that was maybe not such a good idea. She doesn't get anything else, only hay. I bought her a packet of 3 large Lickets last week and she ate them all my daughter put the last one I think even two was too much.

 

[smellsofhorse]

Were you really ready for a horse of your own?
Its totally different from a riding school.

What is her routine like?
Does she get enough turnout, what feed is she on and is her routine different now than it was with her previous owner?

Maybe try schooling livery.
They can help sort her issues plus give you lessons her to help build your relationship.

 

[NeverSayNever]

Ha ha, yes I was thinking that was maybe not such a good idea. She doesn't get anything else, only hay. I bought her a packet of 3 large Lickets last week and she ate them all my daughter put the last one I think even two was too much.

even 1 lickit is a lickit too much!! honestly, stop feeding her stuff full of sugar and you will find a big difference

 

[Clodagh]

NO sugar at all, I have a lovely horse who is a complete pillock on any sugar. And turnout is essential, at least all daylight hours, living out is best. Turnout is as essential as water to a horses mind and well being - IMO.

 

[ridefast]

Ha ha, yes I was thinking that was maybe not such a good idea. She doesn't get anything else, only hay. I bought her a packet of 3 large Lickets last week and she ate them all my daughter put the last one I think even two was too much.

Lickets can be full of molasses too. She's a cob, all she needs is grass and hay. She's also a young cob so she's going to be going through her teenage stage. An experienced rider wouldn't have much trouble. You're going to have to keep on with the instructor. Had she been schooled at all before you got her or just hacked?

 

[BillyBob-Sleigh]

Ha ha, yes I was thinking that was maybe not such a good idea. She doesn't get anything else, only hay. I bought her a packet of 3 large Lickets last week and she ate them all my daughter put the last one I think even two was too much.

Just be careful with her sugar intake, it can cause physical as well as psychological repercussions. 1 likit lasts Billy about 2 weeks, I hold it and let him have a few licks after work as a reward, he would eat the whole thing if I put it in his stable and 1 is way too much to have in 1 go nevermind 3.

 

[mandwhy]

Hmm it does sound like this is about lifestyle change. So she is only getting 1 or two hours turnout in the week and slightly more at weekends? I am afraid that is not enough and her energy will be building up and coming out the wrong ways, turnout is very important for them to maintain a relaxed mental state in my opinion. I know things can be difficult with the land getting trashed but if a yard can't cover this basic need it probably doesn't have enough land to support the number of horses... Which is a shame as the people on the yard sound great and supportive! Is there anything that can be done to improve this (it is just the exceptionally wet weather and will pass) or can you/someone else exercise her more? Do you lunge her? That might be helpful to build up her respect for you and also get out some of that excess energy out, have some lessons in that too if you're not sure.

There are a few feeds you can give her if you want to, like an unmolassed chopped straw chaff or fast fibre is popular and you could try a magnesium calmer in that, anything is worth a try, but as many have said cut out all that sugar, get her more turnout or at the very least more exercise and I bet you will find her nice as pie again in no time! Handling wise be firm and resist the urge to treat and fuss her all the time, or she might become naughty then too... And find something healthy and boring instead of lickits they are awfully unhealthy!

 

[First pony G]

Ok thanks definitely only one small carrot then I was thinking of changing yards and for more reasons than what I've been talking about. Thing is we have a massive indoor school so I'm able to ride her and exercise her in the evenings for a long period if I want to. Also the experience on the yard is massive they are all willing to help me, I might not get that somewhere else.
There is a small turnout area but when I want to use it during the week the owners daughter puts her two horses in one after the other and for long periods. There is an outdoor school of sorts but the last time I left her there she got out into the field so that wasn't good but she had a big smile on her face that day!! I'm really not sure what's best.

 

[NeverSayNever]

Ok thanks definitely only one small carrot then I was thinking of changing yards and for more reasons than what I've been talking about. Thing is we have a massive indoor school so I'm able to ride her and exercise her in the evenings for a long period if I want to. Also the experience on the yard is massive they are all willing to help me, I might not get that somewhere else.
There is a small turnout area but when I want to use it during the week the owners daughter puts her two horses in one after the other and for long periods. There is an outdoor school of sorts but the last time I left her there she got out into the field so that wasn't good but she had a big smile on her face that day!! I'm really not sure what's best.

so she currently gets no turnout ?

honestly. move. being cooped up 24/7 will be blowing her brains