Loss of confidence

[racmun]

We bought my daughter a pony 2 months ago and she's had a couple of falls and she has lost all confidence.

She went to pieces today and got off during her lesson. The pony had done nothing wrong but she couldn't hold it together.

Daughter is 11 and pony is 6.

Anyone ever had similar with a positive outcome?

I think we might have reached the point where we need to sell him

 

[Wizpop]

Sorry you’re going through this with your daughter. To me, what you do depends partly on the reason she came off. Was the pony ‘naughty’ or did your daughter lose her balance? The pony is still young and might possibly benefit from further schooling depending on how experienced and capeable your daughter is. Confidence is easily lost but can be re built in small steps- as long as she is still interested in riding….If she is still keen, then some lessons on a steady riding school pony might help to rebuild her confidence.

 

[Traks]

Very much has happened to us, my daughter was 9. Her pony would randomly take off in the arena with no warning whatsoever, she’s bolt flat out and my daughter would often come off, she persevered for about 6 months, had lots of lessons and even some confidence coaching with a counsellor (we really did try!!) but in the end she wasn’t able to sit on her so we did sell her. The pony didn’t do it at all with someone older, it was a competition pony though and very sharp. Sold her at sales livery.

The best thing we did was to stop her riding the pony immediately, she then went to the local riding school for about a month or so while we looked for something else, rebuilt her confidence and we found something more suitable for her. They are flying together now.

It does depend on what the cause is, but in my experience if they decide they don’t want to get back on the decision has been made really. It’s definitely worth lessons with someone experienced etc if you’ve not already tried that. And of course consider if there is any physical reason why the horse isn’t behaving (if that is why she’s fallen).

Good luck it’s so difficult with kids x

 

[Red-1]

Yes, I would sell that pony and let her go back to where she was riding before. For a new pony, I would aim at one that is 'lesser' than she needs so she can feel like she is pushing on. I have seen kids turn round in one day with a change in pony.

You don't need to know why. Your daughter simply isn't getting a good feel with this one and, IMO, that is reason enough. It is supposed to be fun and so many kids give up when they feel intimidated. It is supposed to make you feel good and be healthy. It doesn't look as if this pony is working out that way.

In addition, I find that some people (myself included in this) feel uneasy on a horse when there is discomfort somewhere, even if the pony appears sound. In my case, I feel a sort of electric abruptness and I dislike it. It is possible that she is picking up on something that isn't serious enough to show up yet. Either way, she isn't enjoying the thing that you are all investing in.