Looking for an old plod to hack can you help?!!

[pearcider]

After seeing a few posts on here not sure if you peeps can help...

I have a client who is in her 60s and has just taken up riding. She adores horses but is very nervous due to starting a little later in life. She is a lovely lady and just wants a horse she can cuddle, groom and learn to ride on. Her ambition is to be able to walk out (and a bit of trot) with friends.
She will be the first to admit that she is a novice and a nervous rider there for she is currently only riding with tuition or help from more experienced liveries.
She had brought what she was lead to believe was a very quiet first horse but sadly this horse is not suitable and would be better in a PC type home.

I now have the task of finding a true saint for this lovely lady (who is currently very upset after the realisation that the other horse is not suitable)

So in short does anyone know of a 14.1-15hh ish weight carrier type for this lady. Must be a real plod/ kick along. Age/ looks the odd health problem not an issue.

The yard is a lovely relaxed farm type yard with lots of hacking/ grazing and company. And experienced hand on yard managers.
The horse will never want for a thing (each time Ive been to teach current horse has a new item of clothing!)

Limited budget could possibly part ex if someone wanted something a little more sporty!...this will be a home for life

Please no ear bashing this is a nice post as Ive been trawling the adds looking for something and hit a bit of a wall

Any help (pm if you would rather) would be appreciated

We are bast Surrey way and as I have limited time would rather not have to travel miles to the right horse but will if needed!

 

[*hic*]

Well this just might be a lucky day for a lovely lady and a total gent.

Have a look at the link in "Free Polo Pony" below.

 

[*hic*]

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/classifieds/details.aspx?pu=BPmXvHOJFapxpHa6zlSgMw&cu=975&kw=horses&ca=&st=&at=3&ag=975*0.11855*HHO:291873&pg=1&si=CAT*1**0&sr=h&cr=1&kwe=horses&ref=http%3a%2f%2fwww.google.co.uk%2furl_f2_sa=t_f1_rct=j_f1_q=horse%20and%20hound_f1_source=web_f1_cd=2_f1_ved=0CDAQjBAwAQ_f1_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horseandhound.co.uk%2Fforums%2F_f1_ei=SCzdTpnuEcuJhQe-pejOAg_f1_usg=AFQjCNEU-YZ9qA4ZU&cc=1

actually here is the link and he's in surrey. I suppose he might not be up to enough weight BUT polo ponies are expected to carry adult male riders. The ones I know are big lads (well over 6 foot) and are no lightweights so I think I'd go into this with an open mind.

 

[pearcider]

yes that post spurred me to write this one! Ive left a message on the persons phone...just depends on how 'polo' the horse still is...and if they call me back!

 

[pearcider]

the rider is not extra heavy just not fit. Current pony is welsh x type and that carries her fine its just a little fizzy (and getting bored I think) it would be more suited to a fun hack home rather than a plod hack home

 

[*hic*]

Oh Oh Oh I do hope they ring back and it's a perfect match. He looks such a sweetie and I do sympathise greatly with your lady's issues.

 

[FionaM12]

This lady sounds like me! I'm a bit younger (mid 50s) was horsey when I was young but after over 30 years away from horses, I'm a novice again. And have a bought a mare who turns out to not be very suitable!

My sympathy to your client. If I have to part with my Mollie (it might come to that) I know I'll be heartbroken.

It's lucky she has you to advise and help find a suitable horse (I'm very alone with my dilema). Good luck in your search!

 

[pearcider]

sorry to hear your in the same situation :-(

I felt so mean having 'the chat' on Saturday but luckily my client (through the tears) knew I was saying it for the best and admitted her current horse does frighten her.

I just find it sad as she so wants to enjoy it and I believe will just not with this horse. Also current horse (who is not nasty in any way just a little forward) would enjoy life having the odd canter

I explained to my client we want an automatic she currently has the sports model...that cheered her up a bit

I would advise getting an instructor to help if your on your own. You may just be pressing the wrong buttons and be ok with your current horse if not they will help advise you with want to do..best of luck

 

[SophieLouBee]

was just about to post 'free polo pony' Glad someone had the same thought, hope he can get a lovely home!

 

[FanyDuChamp]

Have a look at Ardennes(trait Ardennais) , they are small around 14-3hh usually they are very willing gentle and kind and are weight carriers. Mine would be ideal for you as she is bombproof and hates hard work.
FDC

 

[FionaM12]

sorry to hear your in the same situation :-(

I felt so mean having 'the chat' on Saturday but luckily my client (through the tears) knew I was saying it for the best and admitted her current horse does frighten her.

I just find it sad as she so wants to enjoy it and I believe will just not with this horse. Also current horse (who is not nasty in any way just a little forward) would enjoy life having the odd canter

I explained to my client we want an automatic she currently has the sports model...that cheered her up a bit

I would advise getting an instructor to help if your on your own. You may just be pressing the wrong buttons and be ok with your current horse if not they will help advise you with want to do..best of luck

It's complicated at the farm I keep Mollie at at the mo. With no winter turnout and nowhere off road to ride, I'm a bit stuck. Too scared to ride on the roads! I'm trying to find somewhere to move Mollie to: at least some turnout, a menage to ride in and have lessons in!

She's nervous, spooky and an awkward nature. Strong willed and stubborn. She's also 17 and a summer head-shaker so I do worry that if I had to part, I'd have trouble finding her a good home.

Ah well, sorry to hijack the thread. Hope it all works out for your client.

 

[charlie76]

We Have an older ex Polo pony looking for a quieter life.
She adores hacking and is used for novices to do woodland rides. She also would suit a limited budget! Feel free to message me
X

 

[Rudey]

I know of the perfect horse for your friend! Unfortunately we are not a stone throw away distance. We are up in North Lincolnshire.

There is a very sensible and quiet ride 14hh+ pony for sale at our place. He is worth his weight in gold - a really cracking chap! He is 100% on the road, and has the kindest nature ever. His owner is 14, and she has just outgrown him - not in size - but in level - as he never puts a foot wrong - he is so laid back and foot perfect all of the time! All of her friends have fiesty fast ponies, and she wants one with a bit more spark! Maybe a swap/part ex may be possible?

This is her ponies advert.... http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/104596663/gorgeous-pony.html

 

[cobmum]

Jane might have a comtois but probably quite pricey

 

[Tickles]

I know there are super-quiet horses out there but your client might progress a little if she has only been riding for a short time in less-than-ideal circs. Might she be better off going to a RS for a while and then buying something when she has 'found her level'/plateaued a bit more?

Most riders will want to progress beyond walk/trot at some stage (no shame if they don't although always best if they can sit something a little more exciting for those 'just in case' times) and it would be a shame if she had to end up selling again for the opposite reason.

 

[pearcider]

Tickles thank you but I know the rider/ yard well enough to say this will be a very quiet hacking horses home for life.

Everyone else thank you for your PMs shame so many of you live so far away!!

 

[Fellewell]

Who advised her on the suitability of her current purchase

IME horses usually signal their intentions pretty early on in the relationship. Call me old fashioned but I would expect at least one ride in an ambulance before pushing up the ramp and bidding a fond farewell.

Horse was described as quiet and owner is still in one piece. What do previous owners say? Air vest and time in the saddle may improve things.

If it is a bad case of nerves ALL horses will pick up on this and 'old plods' have a lot of tricks up their sleeves/feather

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

have sent you a PM, we are not close but do have a saint available, who will not pick up on nerves (spent 5 years looking after a very nervous mum).

 

[Spotsrock]

Have a look at Ardennes(trait Ardennais) , they are small around 14-3hh usually they are very willing gentle and kind and are weight carriers. Mine would be ideal for you as she is bombproof and hates hard work.
FDC

why is mine a nutter?? lol

I was just about to suggest the free polo pony, could be perfect, please let us know!

 

[legaldancer]

Why does she have to wait for an accident to happen? Maybe there have been some close shaves and the lady would rather not have a ride in an ambulance before selling.

I had several falls over the summer and although having had to have other people drive me home, I made the decision to sell before I really did do some damage to myself.

This attitude is ok when you're young, but in later years one breaks very easily!

 

[rhino]

Call me old fashioned but I would expect at least one ride in an ambulance before pushing up the ramp and bidding a fond farewell.

Ah right, so she should continue riding a horse she does not feel safe on and has been advised is not suitable for her... That makes sense

Let's just hope the accident-requiring-an-ambulance is not serious/fatal for her, the horse or anyone else! An air jacket is not some sort of talisman which wards off evil fall-y off demons

Alternatively, she could find something well suited and actually enjoy her hobby, and perhaps the horse she has now will end up being the ideal horse for someone else.

 

[JFTDWS]

Alternatively, she could find something well suited and actually enjoy her hobby, and perhaps the horse she has now will end up being the ideal horse for someone else.

Heavens above, we don't have horses to enjoy them, rhino What are you thinking? We have horses to stress about, fall off, injure ourselves with and then feel guilty for being unable to work them due to injury and subsequent fear of getting back on. Enjoyment has nothing to do with it

 

[rhino]

Heavens above, we don't have horses to enjoy them, rhino What are you thinking? We have horses to stress about, fall off, injure ourselves with and then feel guilty for being unable to work them due to injury and subsequent fear of getting back on. Enjoyment has nothing to do with it

People seem to get a bit confused between accepting that riding is a 'risk' sport, and 'expecting' to be injured... Takes away the onus of rider responsibility too.

 

[JFTDWS]

People seem to get a bit confused between accepting that riding is a 'risk' sport, and 'expecting' to be injured... Takes away the onus of rider responsibility too.

Rider responsibility? You are coming out with some nonsense today

If there's a problem, clearly the tack doesn't fit or the poor beast's back is buggered. If you've checked those, the horse should be euthanased because it's a dangerous bugger and you're just a fluffy bunny for persisting. It's NEVER the rider's fault

 

[Fellewell]

Ah right, so she should continue riding a horse she does not feel safe on and has been advised is not suitable for her... That makes sense

Let's just hope the accident-requiring-an-ambulance is not serious/fatal for her, the horse or anyone else! An air jacket is not some sort of talisman which wards off evil fall-y off demons

Alternatively, she could find something well suited and actually enjoy her hobby, and perhaps the horse she has now will end up being the ideal horse for someone else.

Or the horse she has now will be passed on as a problem horse (which is not how it was sold) and gain a reputation it does not deserve simply because it was an impulse buy.
She's been advised the horse is unsuitable, it couldn't possibly be the other way round could it
An air jacket may give her confidence. If that is her problem.

 

[JFTDWS]

Or the horse she has now will be passed on as a problem horse (which is not how it was sold) and gain a reputation it does not deserve simply because it was an impulse buy.
She's been advised the horse is unsuitable, it couldn't possibly be the other way round could it

I think the OP stated the horse is being sold as a PC-type horse, suited for someone looking for a "fun" hack. Hardly a problem horse in my humble opinion.

Yes the current owner is just as unsuitable for the horse as the horse is for her, not that the distinction is particularly informative - if she is unsuited to ride the animal, it should surely be sold on to someone better suited!

 

[Fellewell]

People seem to get a bit confused between accepting that riding is a 'risk' sport, and 'expecting' to be injured... Takes away the onus of rider responsibility too.

Rider responsibility. Couldn't agree more.

 

[Fellewell]

I think the OP stated the horse is being sold as a PC-type horse, suited for someone looking for a "fun" hack. Hardly a problem horse in my humble opinion.

Yes the current owner is just as unsuitable for the horse as the horse is for her, not that the distinction is particularly informative - if she is unsuited to ride the animal, it should surely be sold on to someone better suited!

The people who buy this horse will want to know why a PC/hack is being sold as unsuitable for someone who actually bought/wants a PC/hack. In short it is already in the right home (on paper)

 

[smiggy]

but whole point is that this lady doesnt want a pc/hack type.
she wants a nice quiet safe half dead coblet that really cant be bothered to canter or jump, nowt wrong with that, sure she will give some lucky beast a fab home.

 

[JFTDWS]

The people who buy this horse will want to know why a PC/hack is being sold as unsuitable for someone who actually bought/wants a PC/hack. In short it is already in the right home (on paper)

The current owner wants a bombproof kick along hack - a very different thing to a PC pony, surely! If it's a fun loving, forward going pony, it is not in the right home, on paper or otherwise. Horses are sold as unsuitable all the time - if it is as good as it sounds, the worst it is likely to become is a very good bargain if it's sold as a cheap project!