I'm giving up..anyone fancy a bolshy cob?

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missieh

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Huge decision, but going to have to sell the cob that I bought as I just can't cope with him. I am absolutely distraught as this was the horse I'd been saving up for for ages - years literally - and spent ages looking for the 'right' one. I have spoken to all his previous owners and the problem is clearly me, so before it gets out of control and his bolshiness develops into a worse behavioural problem I am going to sell him to someone that has more confidence than me. I feel the biggest failure but I suppose the lack of confidence has come from so many years out of the saddle, which I hadn't really taken into account, having spent so long waiting for family/circumstances to be right before I took the plunge again. Also had a pretty bad fall towards the end of my teenage riding days.

Just feel bad, guilty, terribly sad as he is a true schoolmaster who has seen a weakness in me and is taking advantage. Having been ridden and handled by children in the past by ego has taken quite the knock! Hacking out is a joy as he is fine when I am riding him and as he hacks alone with no problems he should be fairly sellable, it is just the leading around.

A sad day.
 
Is there anyone you can turn to for help before you make this decision. You are not on your own with regards to losing confidence so don't feel you are a failure. I found owning my own horse at the age of 46 a huge emotional rollercoaster. My horse is a sweetie on the ground but has turned out not to be as described on the box. I am nervous but have a friend who is prepared to help whenever she can.
 
Well bless your heart, YOU ARE NOT, NOT, NOT ALONE, are you SURE this is what you want to do???

I am in exactly the same position and have now owned by balshy cob for nearly a year. He is a total arse and I bought him as a first horse happy hacker. We don't have a bond yet because of me, all me.

I do like him, he's a nice 'person' but he drags me everywhere and, when I ride him, he really tests me. A friend of mine started to help me out as she bought a horse off some gypsies that was totally wild and the horse is now the most well behaved, school, ridden and driven horse you could ever meet.

I tried to do some join up with my boy and he wasn't having any of it - he turned his bum at me and bucked and then he backed up towards me further and bucked again!!!!!!!

It is SO SO difficult to keep your head with these little buggers - I think cobs are possibly not the best first horse after what I'm going through! HOWEVER, there are ways.

I have learned that if he decides he's going to trot and go in front of me so he can get to the grass, I move into his way, face him and look straight in his eyes and push him backwards, really puff yourself up and shout NO!! and growl at him. I make him then go backwards a few steps and then make him stand and yank hard down on the lead rope.

These horses are very very intelligent and they know exactly what they can get away with and where your weaknesses and strengths are - when he goes, I can't hold him so I get in his way and then show him and tell him to back off!! and get away from me.

I can now walk him from his field to his stable (5-8 mins walk) without him going for the grass. He seems to respect me and knows he will get in trouble if he tries it.

I go to Norfolk every other weekend (near Yarmouth/Broads), if you want me to come help you I really wouldn't mind if it meant you didn't have to sell your horse.

Can you give us more info as to what problems you are having on the ground with him? Do you ride out without any problems?
 
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If it is just the leading a round can you not get a pressure halter or one of the Monty Roberts headcollars? Haven't used one myself, but have heard lots of positives about them, and used the correct way can be very effective. Seems sad to give up when it is a leading thing rather than a ridden, it is usually the other way around!
 
Ditto the above, can anyone help you? My boy was a complete tw@t when i first got him and wouldn't lead up or down the feild, but with lots of help from a very experianced lady at my yard he's alot better now and leads perfectly. Might save you from needing to make that hard decision? But good luck whatever you decide! x
 
it's a brave decision and if it's the right thing for you and your horse then fair enough.

However, do think about alternatives first - there are a lot of good trainers out there that may be able to help you?

One thing, tho - while pressure/ duality halters may work, please don't go and use one unless you know what you're doing with one.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
Ditto what others have said - if it is just leading, I am sure that this can be fixed. If you have found a horse that suits you in other ways then I think it's worth trying to sort it out before you give up as they are hard to find :)

Have you been having lessons with him? What have you tried so far?
 
I too own a cob who has had her bolshy moments and has dragged me around and generally been a git!!:eek::rolleyes::D

The best solution for mine was investing in a Dually headcollar and a session with the local Monty Roberts RA - cost me about £100 but it was the best money I have ever spent:) - she is now a dream to handle and on the odd occaision she thinks about bogging off I know how to stop her without it getting out of control or dangerous. Would also recommend always wearing gloves, a long lead rope and steel toe caps!

If you want to know more just ask!:)

Should also say that it has been about 4 or 5 years since she dragged me anywhere.:D
 
hey if its just the leading that's the problem can you not lead him in a bit? Sister's cob is very rarely led anywhere in a headcollar as he can just decide to go over there and off he goes! Used to him now so lead him in a bit with sliphead and he's fine.
 
Not very constructive but Winston used to be liek this, and he really hurt someones shoulder by trotting off to a bucket. He very really does this too me me. It sounds really mean but one day I lost my cool and yelld loads of rude and nasty things to him and made him walk backwards to where he came from (dunno why I always make them start again, or correct where they went wrong) and since then I have never really had too much of a problem with him. He did look in a bit of shock tbh
 
I have a 3 year old cob, that so fits the description!! he wasnt always like this, but is objecting to being put to work. He had too nice a life beforehand. from some of the replies, it take it ye are into Monty Roberts. me too, flew to kent last year to see him, just wish he'd come here and work his magic on my horses.
I wouldnt sell him just yet, would try to get help in which ever form you can, and see how that goes. If not, then sell, as sad as it is, if you have tried everything, then sell him on, and hope for the best next time round!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Agree with wowser. I have a cob mare who was a total Git to lead and load. I used a stallion chain on her after I had had enough of water skiing acorss a muddy field in the dark. It sorted her attitude. I now use a controller headcollar from Eskadron which has the chain built in to it, but very rarely hve to use the chain attachment. It's just a reminder now.
 
Maybe....(re swap, and having a son who is a decent rider) I have a lovely TB P2Per looking for a quieter life because his legs will not stand up to racing any more (V sound - rode him out last week-end) Thinks he is a cob (I don't like cobs much - so have always hated riding him, but I do love him and want a five star loan home / terribly cheap horse deal (but with conditions) for him.....PM if intersted - SW
 
Totally agree with the others, try and find someone to help you that you trust Garry Bosworth one of Kelly Marks RA will really help you get back on track and to be honest he is cheap at the price.

It is just learning how to deal with him, once you have all the tools in your tool kit nothing will seem a problem.
 
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