More pony problems - long!

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Smallhorses

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Morning.

I think I might have a problem now guys.

Very quick summary:

He has been living with same owner for 6 yrs. He hacked out in forest most days. He was available to share so I rode him, several times, on the forest. I liked him so much, he was very calm to mount and such a sweetie so I bought him to boost my confidence.

I then moved him to my old yard. The third time I rode him, when I mounted, he bucked me off. I put it down to getting on awkwardly and him spooking.

Three weeks later I moved him to my current yard.

He has now acquired this habit of shooting off when I mount and getting all fidgety even if someone holds him or if I stand him facing a wall when I get on.

Last week he broke through several fields of electric fencing and attacked one 17h horse (Pony is 13h3ish). We think he wanted to be by the mare who was in season. His old yard only had geldings.

YO then moved him away from the mares into an isolated field where he could hear but not see the others.

I went to see him Sunday and he appeared lonely and bored on his own. I didn't have time to ride so I put him in the sand school and free schooled him – he ran straight over to corner where the other horses’ field is so he could see them. He was obviously missing his herd so yesterday my YO divided Pony's field in half and put another horse, who he gets on with, next to him. I went to see him last night with my very very confident friend and he seemed better. We got him out of the field and tacked up.

I told my friend about him shooting off and the fact I had free schooled him in the sand school yesterday and regretted it as this is not the best example to lead if I want him to behave in a place where he has just ran round in!

She mounted in that sand school, he stood still for a moment then shot forward and did an almighty rear and buck and literally threw her off. She went flying and he buckaroo’d round the school. He headed for the corner but didn’t stay there as he trotted back up to her. he was fine. So was he. I was white with shock!

We spent the next 2 hours in the indoor school working out what was wrong. We lent over him bare back, with and without his bit in, we rode leaning over him in a head collar. Eventually we rode him with all tack on and he was fine towards the end. I mounted and dismounted allot and gave him treats when he stood still. By the end he was calm and fine.

- saddler came and fitted his new saddle last weekend.
- the bit appeared to be fine in his mouth although I will get the dentist out. He has a wilkie bit.
- the fact he was riding well by the end, in an enclosed area, away from his field buddies might suggest he just wanted to be with them in the other school and thought he could run off as he did previously.
- I ran my fingers all over his back and he didn't flinch but now thinking I should get the physio out.

I now need your advice. Was he being naughty? was I stupid to think I could trust him in the same place where I free schooled him the night before? Should I leave him to properly settle in?

I am seriously stressed over this and, I hate to say, regretting the whole thing. My confidence has just reduced significantly and I keep tripping over myself with mistakes. I would really appreciate some advice on what you think this is all about. PLEASE don’t crucify me!
 
does he shoot off if you get on bareback? It sounds like a mixture of things - Personally I would get the saddler back out, vet and get the teeth checked properly. He could be so frustrated that he isnt allowed to mingle with the herd that he is getting bad tempered.
 
Your confident friend sounds like they know what they're doing regarding taking him away from the others and working on the issue. You succeeded in the end, and he will remember that. It sounds like he's just really, really unsettled. He was with his old friends, in that one place for so long and now the world is different, and scary (and a bit exciting with mares around). It can take months for them to really settle, especially if the new owner isn't a confident enough person to give them assurance and make them feel it's all ok.

Can your friend come up with you regularly just for a week or two once you've had him checked over so that this can be ironed out? It is worth getting everything checked, but it is also worth re-establishing that it's just not acceptable to dump your rider, and that standing still for mounting is good manners.
 
I should think the poor chap is lonely and bored and not getting anything like the amount of exercise he's used to.

How many times a week do you ride him? But he's used to going out in the forest most days.

What is he being fed, if the answer is anything but grass and minimal hay if he's in at night then cut it down to just grass (and hay if in at night).

As for his habit of shooting off, haul him up fast and as hard as is necessary to achieve an immediate halt, get off him, bring him back to the mounting block and get on again and repeat being very certain that as soon as he waits the slightest amount you pat and praise. Timing is everything.

If he's being really awkward to ride then get some lessons on how to lunge properly and lunge him as many times a week as you can before you get on him to ride him.
 
Hi you do seem to be having a rough time:(
I remember your posts from earlier and thought at the time your saddle looked rather big,I know it has to suit you but !
This could be part of the problem.
There was plenty of advice re.turnout yesterday and I am sure keeping him in company will help.
He is a little Welsh pony they are generally very bright and will pick up on your nerves which I am sure you now have,not surprisingly .
Your friend sounds very sensible I would keep her involvement if you can,get the saddler back and a physio [properly qualified] would also be a good idea.
Good luck it will get better:)
 
I think you are right on the excersie part. He doesn't get as much as he did. They didn't work at all so rode him for a couple of hours each day. He now gets ridden twice during the week for about 30 mins in the school, 1 hour hack on saturday and jumping on Sunday.

I can't do anymore than that as I get exhausted.

***** :(
 
Hi, I'm not an expert by any means but I think your boy is unsettled, and this presents in many different forms in horses.
If you look at things from his point of view he has had his world turned upside down. If you were taken away from everyone and moved to a new town where you knew noone, and not aloud to make new friends, you would not act the same as you do now.
I would try to understand his behaviour but not make excuses for naughty behaviour.
I would probably stick to ground work and lunging to build your and his relationship and confidance.
The first 2 to 3 months of getting a new horse are the toughest, but they also allow for you to set the standards that you expect from him. You need to get out your best pair of brave pants and be the leader, quiet, confidant and firm if needed. Don't put yourself in a position that will frighten you. Remember why you liked him, he will be that pony again.
I'm sure things will settle down and try not to beat yourself up about everything.
You will look back at these tough times with him and laugh about what a little s**t he was being.
I got a new horse 2 weeks ago and he is in the process of trying every trick in the book at the minute, I think they all try it on with new owners to find out what is acceptable.
If you can afford to I'd get an instructor in once a week to help you, once you know what you are supposed to do to correct the behaviour you will be much more confidant.
Good luck.
 
Don't panic, see if you can organise a sharer several times a week. Don't be precious with him, he's been used to several hours a day so it won't matter if they've done an hour and you want to do an hour as well - provided the hours don't clash!

Being blunt, is there a medical reason why you are exhausted or is it workload or is it just that you're not used to it? If either the first or the last then provided you build up slowly and regularly, not big chunks of time that knacker you out and make you stiff and sore, you should find that you will become fitter and can do more.

Chin up, you'll get there.

One other thing, "didn't have time to ride". tbh your confidence needs you to get on and ride. If it means he only gets his saddle patch brushed and his bed isn't perfectly straight because you've had to pinch time to ride then so be it, you need to get on him, in fact you probably need to catch him, brush off the worst of the filth, bung a lunge line on, give him five minutes in each direction and then hop on him.
 
I don't have any medical issues just high volume workload and commuting :(
Do you think that by mostly riding between the two schools (as opposed to the forest) that he is bored!? There's nothing I can do about that during the week though.

Getting a sharer is something I have considered but I am concerned that as he is a pony it will attract children and with his behaviour at the moment I don't know whether I can trust him with a child!
 
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Totally agree with Swampdonkey. It took my mare a good few months to settle with me after she'd lived in the same home for 3 years, ever since she was weaned. Now she will go anywhere and stay overnight without any fuss, as long as I'm there she knows we'll eventually be going home. The difficult days at the beginning were definitely worth it but at the time I did wonder!

Hang on in there and don't blame yourself, stay positive and confident and try not to worry as it only makes things worse. You've done the right thing seeking help :)
 
Suziq77 said:
Totally agree with Swampdonkey. It took my mare a good few months to settle with me after she'd lived in the same home for 3 years, ever since she was weaned. Now she will go anywhere and stay overnight without any fuss, as long as I'm there she knows we'll eventually be going home. The difficult days at the beginning were definitely worth it but at the time I did wonder!

Hang on in there and don't blame yourself, stay positive and confident and try not to worry as it only makes things worse. You've done the right thing seeking help :)
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Thank you thank you thank you. I do feel a total twit at the moment - its as if I am missing something. I have a tendancy to get very worried very quickly!
 
What are you feeding him? Sounds like he doesn't need any hard feed at all.

I would suggest finding someone else to ride him a few times a week even if you have to pay them, as he is probably excitable having been stood around not doing a lot on his own in the field and then just ridden in the school mostly.

Also agree about getting someone to check his saddle (again) and back.

Good luck, sure you will get there in the end.
 
Right plan of action has commenced:

I have left a message with the Dentist to book an appointment. I use Westrow - they're brilliant.

Got an advert out for a sharer and asked the YO's daughter to start riding Pony a couple of times during the week. She's happy with that.

Got a lesson booked for Sunday. I am supposed to be doing a clear round jumping competition on Saturday! God help me!

Saddler happened to be down the yard earlier and has now checked his saddle with YO's daughter on him - all appears fine.

Now I need a back specialist. Any recommendations? East Sussex please.
 
DiablosGold said:
What are you feeding him? Sounds like he doesn't need any hard feed at all.

I would suggest finding someone else to ride him a few times a week even if you have to pay them, as he is probably excitable having been stood around not doing a lot on his own in the field and then just ridden in the school mostly.

Also agree about getting someone to check his saddle (again) and back.

Good luck, sure you will get there in the end.
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He lives on grass only. Would excitability show itself to that extreme?! :confused:
 
Obviously rule out all things such as saddle back etc which looks like you are well on the way to doing.

If all is ok, and he is just trying it on, then I would draw up your next plan of action, regarding exercise. If you are confident to lunge properly, then I would lunge him several times a week if you don;t feel able to ride, by that I mean not loose schooling or whizzing round on the end of a rope, but proper WORK on the lunge!! I often have to lunge my boy before riding him if he has not done a lot - just helps settle him and use a bit of excess energy.Get a couple of lessons if you are not sure what you are looking for with the lunging.

I use bribery for mounting with one of mine - he has a treat every time I get on, it has solved all mounting issues, and yes he does ask for it once I am on, but stands beautifully for me to get on whereever I am and whatever is happening, he waits for the treat then off we go. If you can get a friend to help obviously it would be easier, so they can hold him and stuff treats into him while he stands - some people so not agree with treats but I am all for whatever works.

From what I remember you had a grand time tryinghim and were not bothered by him shooting off then as he gave you confidence. Try to mentally regain that confidence and go with him a bit if that makes any sense. One of mine (not the other two....) makes me quite nervous and I spend a lot of time doing mind over matter thoughts that I am not nervous and nothing bad will happen - he really picks up on nerves and it helps a lot.

Good luck I know how you feel.
 
Brandy said:
Obviously rule out all things such as saddle back etc which looks like you are well on the way to doing.

If all is ok, and he is just trying it on, then I would draw up your next plan of action, regarding exercise. If you are confident to lunge properly, then I would lunge him several times a week if you don;t feel able to ride, by that I mean not loose schooling or whizzing round on the end of a rope, but proper WORK on the lunge!! I often have to lunge my boy before riding him if he has not done a lot - just helps settle him and use a bit of excess energy.Get a couple of lessons if you are not sure what you are looking for with the lunging.

I use bribery for mounting with one of mine - he has a treat every time I get on, it has solved all mounting issues, and yes he does ask for it once I am on, but stands beautifully for me to get on whereever I am and whatever is happening, he waits for the treat then off we go. If you can get a friend to help obviously it would be easier, so they can hold him and stuff treats into him while he stands - some people so not agree with treats but I am all for whatever works.

From what I remember you had a grand time tryinghim and were not bothered by him shooting off then as he gave you confidence. Try to mentally regain that confidence and go with him a bit if that makes any sense. One of mine (not the other two....) makes me quite nervous and I spend a lot of time doing mind over matter thoughts that I am not nervous and nothing bad will happen - he really picks up on nerves and it helps a lot.

Good luck I know how you feel.
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I use Josie Waters (based in East Sussex) for my horse http://josiewaters.vpweb.co.uk/

She'll also cheer you up that you're not the only one who's been through this

Suziq77 and Brandy, thank you both. I will lunge him tonight and then hop on and see what happens. I think I might lie on him first to see what he does. Deep down I think he is being a git but I need to make sure! The treat idea is what I will do - just hope he behaves and gives me a chance to give it to him before he races off. Grrrr!
 
Sounds like a good plan :). Dont give up I had similar issues with my boy when I first got him. He would do similar to yours although he never got me off he came close, then he would start to refuse to go near the mounting block so I would get on from the wrong side and this totally confused him the first few times. Its worth trying things like that as a tempory measure, I can now get on from any where holding my reins at the buckle and then do my girth up before he moves off so it is possible just keep going. I would lunge him before you get on for your own piece of mind untill you are confident and as another poster said get on him as often as you can even if you just do 10 mins with him.

Other than that it sounds like he is cleaver and trying out his new owner, they all do it so just give him time and be consistent with him and he will soon settle. If you want an ear to listen send me a PM. Chin up :)
 
A change of yard can have a huge effect on a horse.

The first yard that my mare was at, she was very quiet and withdrawn and always 100% with me to handle and ride. She was bottom of the pecking order in the field and wasn't fond of the stable girls (wouldn't let them catch her).

I then moved her to livery at a farm (with cows!) and she changed totally. I can honestly see how people think that horses have been drugged even when it's definately not the case. She was top mare at this new yard and became opinionated and often napped at the gate in a 'go on, make me leave the yard' kind of way. I also suddenly had to deal with her rearing, whipping round and if she didn't nap, the rides were all done at a million miles an hour (well it felt like it ;) ) and I didn't feel fully in contol.

She did settle down again but it did take time. She is not as withdrawn as she was at the first yard (I don't think that she was very happy there) but she became calmer and willing to work with me rather than against me. I had also of help from a brilliant instructor and regular lessons with her really worked wonders.

I then moved her again and I was worried that I would have a bit of a nightmare transition again, but apart from her newly discovered mistrust of alpacas (which we can now walk by intead of rushing) she has been fine. I do think that the difference between the moves is that this time her fieldmates came too.

Please don't give up. Time and the right help and support will work wonders.
 
I can tell you nothing more to help you, as you have already been given very excellent and sensible advice by very experienced posters on here.:)

All I can to add, is a good luck wish.

Oh! and try to enjoy the journey and learn lots from him.;)
 
Ellsbells and Faracat - thank you. Really helpful and supportive advice.

I really really hope its just down to yard moves and being shifted from field to field recently. I can handle that.

All these dark thoughts enter my mind and I just have this fear that he has some awful injury and he is doomed :(
 
The best advice that I was given during the difficult time, was to set things up so that it is guaranteed to go well (therefore you start building confidence rather than chip away at it).

So, have your brilliant friend there and set a simple task that you know that you can achieve, eg, lay over him, then if this goes well mount him and have a walk on both reins with a calm change of rein and he then stands for you to dismount.

What can you do to stack the cards on your side?

*Brilliant friend there to help.
*Ride in the school that he behaves best in.
*Breathe and relax so that he doesn't catch your nerves/worries.
*Walk him in-hand around the school in both directions before you do anything with a rider on board so that you know that he can do the task without a rider.
*Anything else that you can think of. :)

Once something (however small) has gone well, you then have something to build on and a memory of something going well (this is how you build trust and confidence).
 
Faracat said:
The best advice that I was given during the difficult time, was to set things up so that it is guaranteed to go well (therefore you start building confidence rather than chip away at it).

So, have your brilliant friend there and set a simple task that you know that you can achieve, eg, lay over him, then if this goes well mount him and have a walk on both reins with a calm change of rein and he then stands for you to dismount.

What can you do to stack the cards on your side?

*Brilliant friend there to help.
*Ride in the school that he behaves best in.
*Breathe and relax so that he doesn't catch your nerves/worries.
*Walk him in-hand around the school in both directions before you do anything with a rider on board so that you know that he can do the task without a rider.
*Anything else that you can think of. :)

Once something (however small) has gone well, you then have something to build on and a memory of something going well (this is how you build trust and confidence).
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:D :D :D xxx
 
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