New pony worries

[MaisyEric]

Hi, I just wanted some advice about our new pony who we collected this week for my daughter.

They've been at a well regarded dealers for a few weeks and been handled, groomed, bathed, hoof picked and ridden by their children, including taken to shows. Passed a 5 stage vetting.

Since being at our livery yard, pony seems very nervy and has done a lot of trying to bite and spinning to kick. She's not happy about anyone near her back end, belly or hoof picking which I understand is about her feeling anxious.

Managed to pick back hooves today after she's tried to kick me the past couple of days and she has bad thrush in the backs.

She tried to spin and kick my daughter while she was calmly grooming her neck. She doesn't give much warning and quickly puts her ears flat back and immediately spins. It doesn't feel like she is a safe pony on the ground at the moment.

We've got very good, knowledgeable grooms and riding instructors supporting.

I have been given a contract with two weeks to return the pony to the dealer. I would feel awful about that though and my daughters worried about where she'll end up.

Any advice appreciated. How long would you keep trying?

 

[SO1]

How old is the pony? If the dealers had only had her a couple of weeks did they say that it took a bit of time to settle with them?

 

[Landcruiser]

It is very, very early days. Hopefully she just needs some time to settle. I wouldn't try to do too much for a week or so but go with your gut re the return cut-off.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

What do the grooms and instructor think about the pony? I would want to get the thrush sorted out, although that probably won't endear you to the pony.
The discomfort from her feet will be adding to the trigger stacking which is making her reactive. I think I would say adults only to deal with her for the first week, for safety

 

[MaisyEric]

Thank you for the replies.

Pony is 8.

The dealer had her for around 6 weeks in total and said that although pony was a bit nervous and green with schooling, there were no issues with handling and she loved being groomed and bathed by children from the start. Dealer suggested pony might be trying her luck but I don't think that's it.

The trainer has been proceeding with sensitivity to her fear response but sge made a few comments about being able to send the pony back and she might not be the right fit, which made me think she has doubts. One of the grooms has asked if she can do some groundwork and desensitisation for her coursework as she sees her as a good case study. She's done similar with her own daughters pony, and it took about a year to get to a good place with her.

I'll keep my daughter out of the stable for now and see how we go for the next week.

I'd just read a few threads on here with people saying they'd fully expect to be riding and doing everything as normal from day 1 of horse arriving, so it left me feeling a bit negative.

 

[Bellaboo18]

I wouldn't expect this from a kids pony at all and think it's an extreme reaction to having her neck groomed!
On the information you've provided, I'd be looking at returning her while you easily can.

 

[Bellaboo18]

Also, if you can I'd post your question in the tack room section of the forum you'll get lots of replies/opinions in there.
This part of the forum doesn't get alot of traffic x

 

[Orangehorse]

I know that people will say "oh, give them time to settle" but although it is OK to make some allowances, a child's pony should be safe and quiet to handle from the off.

It sounds as though the person selling it had doubts too.

 

[Upthecreek]

I wouldn’t expect a pony that is truly suitable for a child to behave like that, even allowing for it being unsettled in a new home. I’ve had lots of ponies for my kids and all but one remained polite and safe to handle even when unsettled. I would send the pony back.

 

[thatsnotmyname]

Return it while you can.

A kids pony should be fine from the off. Not a project in terms of behaviour.
A bit missold.

 

[Gloi]

I would send the pony back too and look for one with more experience. This one probably hasn't seen much. I would have hoped a responsible dealer would have treated the thrush too.
A child's confidence can easily be destroyed and take a long time to rebuild so take care to get the right pony for her.

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

I’m another return if you can ..8 is young and if pony is green it ll take time to make a secure confident child’s pony.

 

[Roxylola]

Send her back, she's not a fit and won't benefit from being handled by a child who's very soon going to be scared of her. Better sooner than later for all involved

 

[Gloi]

8 is not necessarily an unsuitable age if the pony had been ridden by children already for a couple of years. However it sounds like this one has had very little experience and has probably been recently broken to sell. This doesn't make for a good first pony.

 

[CobsaGooden]

I agree with the return option. You would expect a but or nervousness or other behaviour whilst settling in but any pony (especially for kids) who is threatening to kick would be an absolute no with no questions.

I hope you can find a suitable pony soon.

 

[Peglo]

I agree I don’t think she’s trying it on. I think she is obviously very stressed but I’m not sure she’s suitable right now as a child’s first pony.

If you want to keep her for the trial period then see how the groom gets on with the ground work but I’d expect she will still be going back. It is a shame for the pony but your child’s safety is more important.

 

[MissTyc]

Another who agrees with the "return" options. I've coordinated the purchase of many childrens' ponies and the only one that behaved like that in the new home ended up having months of treatment for ulcers and was then put down for kissing spine. Not saying this will happen to you. Not at all. But right now she's not the right pony for a young person. First loss is best loss and if you send her back now, you'll both soon forget she ever existed. It is sad, but it doesn't have to be sad on your dime.

 

[splashgirl45]

I would return the pony and look for something older that has had more done to it. This pony sounds like it’s not suitable for a child

 

[Breather]

Hello! I've been in your situation, and have seen many others in the same. Things going wrong early on seem even more disappointing because everything is meant to be so lovely when a new pony arrives. It's a disconcerting contrast to what you and your daughter had been looking forward to.
Don't despair!
You say that..
'They've been at a well regarded dealers for a few weeks and been handled, groomed, bathed, hoof picked and ridden by their children, including taken to shows..'
If a pony has been sold from its home to a dealer, it's been at a new home (the dealer's) for a few weeks, taken to shows, then moved to a new home with even more new people (and has none of it's horsey friends it has had over the last few months) then it's not surprising when a new owner strikes a few problems early on.
If your current instructor(s) haven't flagged this up as the key underlying issue, then I would encourage you to seek other sources to glean information and knowledge from.

As a new owner of a currently unsettled equine, you have the option to accept that change takes time, that every moment with any horse is a learning opportunity, that really positive changes are achievable when you're dedicated to the physical and mental wellbeing of your pony. Read up on horse handling skills - Kelly Marks is a good easy read for starters.
Don't just send your pony back to the dealer's, or at least don't consider it as an option just yet.
Would a child or dog be expected to be behaving reasonably if they'd been moved from home to home in such quick succession?

You say that 'One of the grooms has asked if she can do some groundwork and desensitisation for her coursework as she sees her as a good case study.'
I suggest approaching her to ask one of her tutors would come talk with you, advise and do a couple of sessions with you all. Obviously, the groom ought to be part of this as well, and then you'd have some ongoing support, while in the knowledge that you and your daughter are learning new skills, as well as helping a keen student progress in her studies. It may well be enlightening, reassuring and lead you all to happiness.

If there's thrush in the back feet, then I would guess that while at the dealer's they haven't managed to pick her back feet out. You never know, but this might be why she ended up at the dealer's in the first place.
Refusal to pick up back feet can stem from discomfort and/or poor handling.

If the feet are uncomfortable to balance on, she's probably been defensive about picking them up in the past and has made people wary of her, she will then have been, unintentionally, dealt with as being 'naughty'.
A pony that is scared of those she doesn't know and trust, as well as being in pain makes for a justifiably panicky, worried pony. The chances of her quietly offering up her sore bits to strangers to help her with, while being in a new and daunting environment, are pretty slim.

You're most likely to get hurt in a stable as there's not enough space for either you or the pony to get out of each others way when you want to.
Don't put pressure on yourself, your daughter or the pony by trying to improve the relationships in the stable. Just accept that at this point, it's not worth pushing the issue, and that very soon, by both of you mastering the right skills to help your pony, going into the stable for a loving hello, will be just as it ought to be.
But it takes time. But, I promise it will be worth the effort, and will set a brilliant example for your daughter and those around you.

Here endeth the lesson. I really hope that what I've said has given you some food for good thought.

 

[94lunagem]

From what you describe I would also return the pony. I’m one who will have commented on previous threads about cracking on from the start, but nothing is always black and white and you need to be careful where children are involved.

You’d expect some nervousness and settling into new surroundings, but this sounds more than that and the last thing you want is said pony to destroy her confidence and put her off completely. It’s sad for the pony but also an important life lesson for your daughter if she’s going to have a horsey future - horses often equal heartache!

The fact you’ve asked the question on here perhaps tells you something. I’d also ask trainer and groom outright too. You might find they have a stronger opinion than the odd comment they’ve made but don’t want to overstep.

 

[94lunagem]

Also to add, it may help to explain to your daughter that there are homes out there for ponies who aren’t necessarily children’s ponies. I have two! A Sec A and a Native. Both I’ve put a lot of work into (for different reasons, one is scared of life and the other bolshy) and are fine being handled by a competent adult. Neither are at all nasty but I still wouldn’t trust them with a child.

 

[Gloi]

Hello! I've been in your situation, and have seen many others in the same. Things going wrong early on seem even more disappointing because everything is meant to be so lovely when a new pony arrives. It's a disconcerting contrast to what you and your daughter had been looking forward to.
Don't despair!
You say that..
'They've been at a well regarded dealers for a few weeks and been handled, groomed, bathed, hoof picked and ridden by their children, including taken to shows..'
If a pony has been sold from its home to a dealer, it's been at a new home (the dealer's) for a few weeks, taken to shows, then moved to a new home with even more new people (and has none of it's horsey friends it has had over the last few months) then it's not surprising when a new owner strikes a few problems early on.
If your current instructor(s) haven't flagged this up as the key underlying issue, then I would encourage you to seek other sources to glean information and knowledge from.

As a new owner of a currently unsettled equine, you have the option to accept that change takes time, that every moment with any horse is a learning opportunity, that really positive changes are achievable when you're dedicated to the physical and mental wellbeing of your pony. Read up on horse handling skills - Kelly Marks is a good easy read for starters.
Don't just send your pony back to the dealer's, or at least don't consider it as an option just yet.
Would a child or dog be expected to be behaving reasonably if they'd been moved from home to home in such quick succession?

You say that 'One of the grooms has asked if she can do some groundwork and desensitisation for her coursework as she sees her as a good case study.'
I suggest approaching her to ask one of her tutors would come talk with you, advise and do a couple of sessions with you all. Obviously, the groom ought to be part of this as well, and then you'd have some ongoing support, while in the knowledge that you and your daughter are learning new skills, as well as helping a keen student progress in her studies. It may well be enlightening, reassuring and lead you all to happiness.

If there's thrush in the back feet, then I would guess that while at the dealer's they haven't managed to pick her back feet out. You never know, but this might be why she ended up at the dealer's in the first place.
Refusal to pick up back feet can stem from discomfort and/or poor handling.

If the feet are uncomfortable to balance on, she's probably been defensive about picking them up in the past and has made people wary of her, she will then have been, unintentionally, dealt with as being 'naughty'.
A pony that is scared of those she doesn't know and trust, as well as being in pain makes for a justifiably panicky, worried pony. The chances of her quietly offering up her sore bits to strangers to help her with, while being in a new and daunting environment, are pretty slim.

You're most likely to get hurt in a stable as there's not enough space for either you or the pony to get out of each others way when you want to.
Don't put pressure on yourself, your daughter or the pony by trying to improve the relationships in the stable. Just accept that at this point, it's not worth pushing the issue, and that very soon, by both of you mastering the right skills to help your pony, going into the stable for a loving hello, will be just as it ought to be.
But it takes time. But, I promise it will be worth the effort, and will set a brilliant example for your daughter and those around you.

Here endeth the lesson. I really hope that what I've said has given you some food for good thought.

The OP isn't looking for a project pony though. She needs a safe first pont for a child.

 

[Cloball]

My pony has a few issues with feet and feathers which lead to a few issues that I've put a lot of work into. The difference being I'm an adult that knowingly took on a green pony. I too would return.

I do notice a lot of people try and do a lot loose with new horses in stables I'm not saying that this shouldn't be possible but I found leaving the stable as a safe space to decompress early on and doing all my grooming tied somewhere safely where I can't get squished the safest option until you know where you are at together.

 

[Puzzled]

Is it worth asking the dealer if they’d extend the warranty period? If yes,make sure you get it in writing.

 

[Bellaboo18]

Hello! I've been in your situation, and have seen many others in the same. Things going wrong early on seem even more disappointing because everything is meant to be so lovely when a new pony arrives. It's a disconcerting contrast to what you and your daughter had been looking forward to.
Don't despair!
You say that..
'They've been at a well regarded dealers for a few weeks and been handled, groomed, bathed, hoof picked and ridden by their children, including taken to shows..'
If a pony has been sold from its home to a dealer, it's been at a new home (the dealer's) for a few weeks, taken to shows, then moved to a new home with even more new people (and has none of it's horsey friends it has had over the last few months) then it's not surprising when a new owner strikes a few problems early on.
If your current instructor(s) haven't flagged this up as the key underlying issue, then I would encourage you to seek other sources to glean information and knowledge from.

As a new owner of a currently unsettled equine, you have the option to accept that change takes time, that every moment with any horse is a learning opportunity, that really positive changes are achievable when you're dedicated to the physical and mental wellbeing of your pony. Read up on horse handling skills - Kelly Marks is a good easy read for starters.
Don't just send your pony back to the dealer's, or at least don't consider it as an option just yet.
Would a child or dog be expected to be behaving reasonably if they'd been moved from home to home in such quick succession?

You say that 'One of the grooms has asked if she can do some groundwork and desensitisation for her coursework as she sees her as a good case study.'
I suggest approaching her to ask one of her tutors would come talk with you, advise and do a couple of sessions with you all. Obviously, the groom ought to be part of this as well, and then you'd have some ongoing support, while in the knowledge that you and your daughter are learning new skills, as well as helping a keen student progress in her studies. It may well be enlightening, reassuring and lead you all to happiness.

If there's thrush in the back feet, then I would guess that while at the dealer's they haven't managed to pick her back feet out. You never know, but this might be why she ended up at the dealer's in the first place.
Refusal to pick up back feet can stem from discomfort and/or poor handling.

If the feet are uncomfortable to balance on, she's probably been defensive about picking them up in the past and has made people wary of her, she will then have been, unintentionally, dealt with as being 'naughty'.
A pony that is scared of those she doesn't know and trust, as well as being in pain makes for a justifiably panicky, worried pony. The chances of her quietly offering up her sore bits to strangers to help her with, while being in a new and daunting environment, are pretty slim.

You're most likely to get hurt in a stable as there's not enough space for either you or the pony to get out of each others way when you want to.
Don't put pressure on yourself, your daughter or the pony by trying to improve the relationships in the stable. Just accept that at this point, it's not worth pushing the issue, and that very soon, by both of you mastering the right skills to help your pony, going into the stable for a loving hello, will be just as it ought to be.
But it takes time. But, I promise it will be worth the effort, and will set a brilliant example for your daughter and those around you.

Here endeth the lesson. I really hope that what I've said has given you some food for good thought.

This is a pony for a child. Spinning to kick while being groomed isn't a slightly unsettled pony. Honestly OP, you could pick up any of my 3 and I'd be confident they wouldn't react like that. A bit bolshy maybe from the move but threaten to kick(?), I'd be mortified!

 

[I'm Dun]

I wouldn't expect this from a kids pony at all and think it's an extreme reaction to having her neck groomed!
On the information you've provided, I'd be looking at returning her while you easily can.

This. Kids ponies dont double barrel them no matter the provocation. Send the pony back.

 

[I'm Dun]

You're most likely to get hurt in a stable as there's not enough space for either you or the pony to get out of each others way when you want to.
Don't put pressure on yourself, your daughter or the pony by trying to improve the relationships in the stable. Just accept that at this point, it's not worth pushing the issue, and that very soon, by both of you mastering the right skills to help your pony, going into the stable for a loving hello, will be just as it ought to be.
But it takes time. But, I promise it will be worth the effort, and will set a brilliant example for your daughter and those around you.

Here endeth the lesson. I really hope that what I've said has given you some food for good thought.

Your discussing the serious risk of being hurt while in a stable talking about a child pony. Thats not ok. It wont be worth the effort when the child is terrified and gives up riding, or worse, gets hurt, because like it or not, children new to owning ponies are not the ones who should be working through issues with kicking. And anything that kicks always has that as a go to. So if the pony gets a sore muscle, or is tired that day and cant be bothered with being ridden, the kicking is the go to for it.

This is a pony who when being gently brushed on the neck, is spinning with the intention to kick. Nothing I have ever owned would do that. Its nothing something a child pony should ever do without really extreme provocation.

 

[misst]

There's a difference between an unsettled or even a bolshy pony needing firm handling (we had one of those) and a pony behaving dangerously. I am guessing the child is around 8 to 12 years old so not experienced enough to deal with this. There's no fun in it and it should be fun at this age.

A friend of my daughters was doubled barrelled by her event pony (seriously good pony for a seriously good teenage rider). Child was experienced and mum was very very experienced. Pony was bought to get onto young rider teams - child (she was about 13 or 14) had a ruptured spleen and a lacerated liver. She could have died. Pony was moved on immediately. Not sure how much transparency there was in the sale though!

 

[southerncomfort]

Your discussing the serious risk of being hurt while in a stable talking about a child pony. Thats not ok. It wont be worth the effort when the child is terrified and gives up riding, or worse, gets hurt, because like it or not, children new to owning ponies are not the ones who should be working through issues with kicking. And anything that kicks always has that as a go to. So if the pony gets a sore muscle, or is tired that day and cant be bothered with being ridden, the kicking is the go to for it.

This is a pony who when being gently brushed on the neck, is spinning with the intention to kick. Nothing I have ever owned would do that. Its nothing something a child pony should ever do without really extreme provocation.

100% agree. If this had been my child, it would have gone straight back, no ifs no buts.

 

[Glitter's fun]

Hi, I just wanted some advice about our new pony who we collected this week for my daughter.

They've been at a well regarded dealers for a few weeks and been handled, groomed, bathed, hoof picked and ridden by their children, including taken to shows. Passed a 5 stage vetting.

Since being at our livery yard, pony seems very nervy and has done a lot of trying to bite and spinning to kick. She's not happy about anyone near her back end, belly or hoof picking which I understand is about her feeling anxious.

Managed to pick back hooves today after she's tried to kick me the past couple of days and she has bad thrush in the backs.

She tried to spin and kick my daughter while she was calmly grooming her neck. She doesn't give much warning and quickly puts her ears flat back and immediately spins. It doesn't feel like she is a safe pony on the ground at the moment.

We've got very good, knowledgeable grooms and riding instructors supporting.

I have been given a contract with two weeks to return the pony to the dealer. I would feel awful about that though and my daughters worried about where she'll end up.

Any advice appreciated. How long would you keep trying?

Please send the pony back now.
Your first responsibility is to make sure your daughter doesn't get badly hurt. She will soon stop worrying about this pony when she has one that she can run up to and hug, take in a fancy dress parade etc - that is what a first pony should be able to cope with.
This dealer shouldn't be well-regarded . No way they should have sold a pony with thrush to begin with, let alone sold this as a first pony. It wasn't as described .

I am presuming you didn't get the pony vetted before purchase?
Start looking again and do get a vetting, (which will include whether the temperament is suitable for your proposed use, as well as picking up health issues).