pony bought for 11 yo last week now rearing...

[jeeve]

You know what I haven't bothered reading all the replies as I am gobsmacked with the amount of people here who think a child's pony that kicks out at the child in the field and then rears under saddle is acceptable. Because I don't. The OP has clearly stated (several times) that the pony is not hers but her sisters and they are both well aware of the need for a settling in period. She also stated that the child is competent if not always confident - 7 is not a baby, it would have had 3 years under saddle at least and past all the "teenage tantrum phases".
Also hacking past a gate that leads home - people never do this?? I do and I always expect a horse/pony to do as I ask in a quiet, no fuss manner.

OP I would get the instructor to keep riding the pony for a while to see if it settles down, in the meantime contact the PC to see if there is anyone there who remembers the pony.

Certainly not okay for a childs pony to rear and nap - and if the OP is willing to seek resolution from the vendor - all wll & good, but it may not be easy. Consideration should be given as to cause - my pony that I bought for my kids did so becase she was anxious -but I did not allow the kids to ride until the issue was resolved.

 

[ester]

Thank you for all of your thoughts on this, the pony is going back home today which seems the best for all concerned, including the pony.

 

[Pigeon]

Firstly, get pony's front feet checked. I know a horse that suddenly became very nappy and rearing, everyone presumed it was just misbehaviour, turned out he had navicular disease!!

Secondly, I doubt you will get anywhere legally So I would recommend you try and work through this. Maybe ask previous owner to come out and ride and see if pony rears with her?

 

[Ibblebibble]

Thank you for all of your thoughts on this, the pony is going back home today which seems the best for all concerned, including the pony.

a good result Ester.

while i understand that we all want perfectly well behaved ponies for our kids, or horses for us for that matter, i do find it sad that people seem unwillingly to accept that some do need a settling in period, they aren't machines they are live animals with personalities and insecurities.

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

Thank you for all of your thoughts on this, the pony is going back home today which seems the best for all concerned, including the pony.

Well done that seller, since legally they wouldnt have to take it back/refund unless it was proven to rear prior to the sale (which unless there were witnesses would be very very hard to prove).

Moral of the story, if you need the ability to return a horse as unsuitable, you need to buy from someone who is classed clearly as a dealer, as you have much stronger legal rights. Or get on loan with view to buy. Private sale prices are cheaper not only because of the lower overheads but also because of the less risk of the purchase being reversed due to the lower rights of the purchaser than there would be in a trade situation.

Glad it has all been sorted amicably.

 

[redriverrock]

I think you have been extremly fortunate in having a seller who is clearly decent and you have been able to come to a amicable solution.

 

[muff747]

a good result Ester.

while i understand that we all want perfectly well behaved ponies for our kids, or horses for us for that matter, i do find it sad that people seem unwillingly to accept that some do need a settling in period, they aren't machines they are live animals with personalities and insecurities.

Agree with all this /\/\/\
I think not allowing time - if needed - shows a lack of understanding and empathy of horse/herd behaviour, the instructor pehaps should have known this.
Obviously, if it's an established behaviour and a clever pony that knows all the tricks, that's a totally different matter and I would not keep a pony like that for an unconfident child to ride.
OP - best resolution for all concerned.