I think I know the answer to this...

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margaretb

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I rang up about a 15yr old 15.2 cob type gelding. The owner was honest with me - he is excellent under the saddle, safe and bombproof, and in those respects would be ideal for me, but has issues in that in the stable he will barge out, and when being led to the field will sometimes take off but only head for the field as if to say hurry up. She says that being led in a bridle (and she did mention something else which I had heard of but can't remember it's name) he is ok, just a headcollar and leadrope would not be advisable. She is working on these issues with him and he has improved. He had been out on loan up until the end of the summer and has been ridden intermitantly since, but with no hang ups about not being ridden regulary. My head says no.... but take away these issues he sounds what I am looking for, and a third party has said he is a safe horse to ride. It would be my first horse in many years.
 
Me either
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It's probably more common a "problem," than you think.
 
If you haven't seen him for yourself yet then it would be best to go and look at him and see what he is like and how you feel then. If he's not what you want, you will only have lost time and petrol.
 
I have helped with bargy horses in the past. And although incredibly frustrating at times they can change. It is those that can't that are the problem. Fortunately, you said the owner has been working on the problems and that they are improving which is a good sign!

It might be that if he comes to you and is thrown off balance for a few weeks, he will act nicely for you and you can establish the "big boss" role then.

Otherwise lessons on groundwork might help?

If he has been on loan in the past could you suggest that they loan him to you for a few weeks to see how you cope? (Fully contracted to ensure happiness of the owner and you).
 
Wouldn't put me off at all. Would continue using the chiffney or bridle for a while until you and the horse both know each other and you feel more confident, then you could possibly change to a pressure halter later if you wanted.
 
Why, when there are so many bombproof, wonderful horses out there, who have no issues whatsoever, would you want to buy one who could, potentially, hurt you.

There are equally honest people out there and horses who are all of the above good points plus as good as gold on the points the above horse isn't.

Only you know what you are prepared to put up with. I guess I like an easy life with no complications so wonder why you would want to buy something that you have been told has issues. OK, to many they are not worth worrying about but you do say it is your first horse in many years so I would have thought a real confidence giver, ridden and on the ground would be more suitable for you.

Having seen a friend, whose horse sounds very similar, being dragged from one end of a field to the other, its not very nice. Nor is him trying to take off to get to the field in ice and snow. Also, its surprising how many times, when your horse is in for any reason, you want to go into the stable so a horse who tries to barge out can, I am sure, become a complete and utter nightmare.

Good luck in your search xxx
 
would not put me off in the slightest-we have the most amazing cob to ride-total confidence giver-amazing jumper etc but he has a very annoying habit of twisting his neck when led and running off!!he goes no where when loose and i find wrapping the rope round his nose stops him but sometimes im complacent and think he has not done for a while and he shown me up by doing it again!!
 
I don't think he would be the right first horse, so I think I will probably thank the owner but won't proceed any further. I just don't have the experience to be able to deal with such a thing just yet!
 
I can understand why this would put you off. As you say this is your first horse in many years and i can totally understand why you wouldn't want a horse that barges you out of the stable and drags you out to the field! I know it would put me off, just not something i would enjoy dealing with on a daily basis.
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My thoughts are that if he is 15 and bargy and drags you out to the field then it may be that he will always be like that.... i know some can change but do you really want to spend your time trying?

I am sure there is a lovey horse out there for you, just take your time and find one that is right for you.
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Good luck
 
Interestingly, the coloured cob in my siggy came with exactly this health warning. I was told to lead him in a bridle - which I did but wondered why when he was such a sweetie. So took it off and went back to a headcollar. Changed back very quickly!

I had a mare a few years ago also behaved smilarly - seems to be a pychological thing where the mere prescence of the bridle seemed to do the trick?

But if he barges with a bridle wouldn't touch him without being confident on the ground
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Im lookng at a loan horse at the mo with pretty much the same problem, As long as there is no dawdling while taking out/bringing in he is fine (apparently!) It certainly doesnt put me off him but if i was having problems with confidence it might.

I knew a horse same as Gleeful Imp was describing. Was fine in bridle but seriously took the mick in headcollar.

I personally would go see him anyway, you may see his bargyness in action and it may not be as bad as you think. The owner may give you help and advice too. Definatly agree that a trial period is in order though if you do go for him.
 
Wouldn't put me off...they can change with work.
I knew a horse who had to be lead in a chiffney (I hate them) or a bridle with a lunge line incase he tried to bolt (which he did ALOT)...and have a whip held in front of his chest.....it has taken his owner a lot of work but now a toddler could lead him around holding onto the end of the lead rope!
 
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