Hoping for some recommendations/ help/ advice.....

[lillie07]

I will start at the beginning... I have a gorgeous 5 year old 17.1hh ISH gelding by Master Imp who is an incredibly talented young horse, with scope to go all the way (eventing/ dressage/ showjumping or showing!!). The only down size to him really is his size and the fact he can be quite sharp. Back in June on the advice of my Vet and trainer we decided that with him growing so fast that it would be a good idea to turn him away for a bit to let him grow up (to help his brain as well as his body physically)- it was also a good time as we had got to a nice point in his training with a good established walk, trot and canter and had done the basics jumping.

Now... the bit where I need help... im not in a rush as I have no preferance as to when he comes back (whether it be soon or early next year). BUT I dont feel that I can bring him back into work (his size and my confidence being the issue) so I am looking for ideas or suggestions as to what I do with him. Ideally I would like to find a rider (doesnt have to stay with me) preferably with a good competition record who is looking for a youngster they can bring on a give a good rounded education to (I realise this could be very difficult to find but I am willing to pay a bit towards his keep if necessary) or somewhere I can send him on schooling livery with a good reputation, which wont cost the earth or just put any rider on him (he is better 1 to 1).

Sorry for such a long post, any ideas/ suggestions gratefully recieved.

This is my big man
http://s101.photobucket.com/albums/m42/l...mgAnch=imgAnch1

 

[MissDeMeena]

He is Lovely!!!
Where abouts do you live??
I'm North Devon, but something in that pic tells me you are miles away from Devon?

 

[Nickymac]

So what is it you want to do with him yourself? If you're interested in one particular sphere then it's probably better to send him to someone that does just that thing.

Where are you based?

 

[lillie07]

MissDeMeena- We are in Surrey. For the right rider I dont mind where he is.

Nickym- I eventually would like to event him, but I would be happy with him SJ or dressage too as once he has a bit of life experience under his belt I can take it form there. He is just such a big boy!!

 

[MissDeMeena]

Well the Master Imp's are doing very well eventing!!

Well i would love to help, but can't realy do anything till the spring, as am full up over the winter!!
But i'm sure there are 100s of good people round the Surrey area that'll be 'able' and willing to help!! (bit to far for me to know anyone to recomend tho)

Good Luck with him tho.. he looks top class

 

[Nickymac]

I know what you mean! My 4 yr old is 17.1hh and has a huge personality and lust for life! I've just turned him away till February/March to chill out.

I keep mine at College EC, Keysoe, Bedfordshire. It's brilliant for young horses as there are lots of things for them to do: showjumping, cross country, dressage, showing, clinics. That's the main reason why I moved there. Sarah Armstrong runs the livery there and I'm sure between her and me we could do something with your boy. PM me if you think this might be an option.

 

[viola]

Hi Your horsey looks gorgeous. I am a bit interested...Can't really show you my competition record as I competed abroad some years ago (although have a piece from an equestrian magazine where they mentioned me, in my scrap book

) but there will be people whose horses I has been schooling who could give recomendation.
We could have a chat if you are not set for a top rider...(how easy would it be to get to where you are from London? where would you be willing to relocate him?) Some of my pictures riding are in the link below the post...or you can email me and I send you some more. I used to work with young show jumping stallions and had two myself (one of which I backed and brought on myself).

 

[vic07]

know one person. an event rider. based in surrey. can pass on name if you are interested. You do need to know what you want from any arrangement though, otherwise you may feel unhappy.

 

[seza]

As he is five at the moment presumably 6 next year I would bring him back into work. I believe that if a horse's education is left too long they may not fulfill their potential. The other point you mention is your confidence. He is always going to be a big boy and once eventing fit he may be a handful. Is this something you feel able to cope with in the future? There are so many people that hand over their horses to unsuitable people to ' bring on' when really they are not experienced enough. The main reason for this is usually financial. If you don't want to send him somewhere with an experienced competition rider with facilities and transport then have you thought of selling him and getting something that you can have some fun with now. It seems such a shame as he looks a super horse but the one thing you must have when bringing on youngsters is confidence. Good luck

 

[LEC]

What a super looking horse. I would keep him with you and have lessons because if he is the horse of your dreams its probably better that you learn together. You will learn more as a rider and learn to cope with any difficulties. It might be very well sending him off to a pro but it will make it tougher for you to get back on. If you think he may be too big and you may lack the confidence then it might be a tough call but maybe think about selling. If he is sharp now he will still be sharp but stronger with it.

 

[sillygillyhorse]

What a super looking horse and yes he is big!

I think you need to look at what you want as the end result, be brutally honest with yourself and ask can you really see yourself eventing this horse? You have already mentioned your confidence is an issue.

If you decide the answer is no you then have the dilema of do you want to event/compete or are you happy to be an owner and have someone ride him for you?

I do think schooling/competition livery may be your best bet, it won't be cheap though but you should have a nicely produced horse who will go up in value.

If you do find someone to take him to bring on on a more informal basis what is actually in it for the rider (I know they get a super looking horse to ride) especially if they are paying to keep him and you decide he is experienced enough for you to take over. Personally I would never take a horse on on that basis.

These decisions are so hard to make. I'm sure you will think long and hard. You do have a very impressive looking horse.

 

[Saf]

Hi
He is a lovely sort

Where are you in surrey? There are many good trainers local to me but I don't know many who would be willing to take on most costs? Also when you say "sharp" in what way? Could you not just have extra help / lessons and keep him with you.

 

[SpruceRI]

Usually with this arrangement you either loan the horse - to an amateur/weekend rider or if you want a professional to ride and compete him (who effectively will be bringing him on) you usually have to pay his full livery costs plus schooling costs, hire of facilities and entry fees. At the end of all that, you probably won't manage the horse any more than you think you can now as often horses that are ridden by professionals for the long term aren't then suitable for nervous/novice riders.

If that's you on him in the picture, he doesn't look too big for you. Bite the bullet and have regular lessons on him, produce him yourself and then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour with a horse that goes the way you want him to go.