Pony tryout trauma ends at casualty

Frehman - its not the fact that the instructor put a coat over the jump, but that she used the method with a child. I just wouldn't do it, even with a child that had more experience, i think your asking for trouble. If you insist on using something like this to make the jump more 'spooky' i would of asked the owner/rider to hop back on and do it. Not only is this showing a combination that has been together for a while (- which gives a better impression of what the pony will be like once they are working together.) but it is also much safer!

Regardless of all this - i still would not put a coat over a jump. I have a mare than has jumped up to fox by a professional, but i am *sure* had i done this when i went to try her she wouldnt of jumped. I just think its irresponsible with a child, and pointless in another instance. I think time would be better spent asking the questions you would come across in BSJA. Fillers, watertrays, swedish oxers - anything a bit different... to something a bit technical...

And if these were not available and i was seriously interested, i'd ask if i could see it at competition , or jump it myself- after all, surely this is the best test for a competition pony?

In the end we all have our own way of doing things, this just isn't one of mine.
 
Ooh poor Abby, glad to hear she's not too badly hurt and I'm sure she'll be up and at 'em again soon! Wish I was still that age and bounced back like that - I'd be needing at least a week in bed!!
Shame about pony - that was the one I preferred - but still I told you I wasn't an expert!! Will keep beak out in future!! Wishing Abby a speedy recovery and Good luck with the rest of your search!!
 
Ooh a perfect heart shaped graze! That's clever. If it's any consolation Nuala I am sure you will have far more nightmares about this event then Abby will! I hope you find the perfect pony for you soon, shame this one wasn't it but there are lots out there. Gentle hugs to Abby.
 
Hope she feels better soon! re the coat on the fence, I often do it and have no problems using it to try out a horse, but I have been to shows in the past where there is something spooky in a course and so in the practise arena parents/coaches hang coats or rugs on the practice fence, and as a result there have been some nasty falls in the warm up so it is now banned by some organisations to hang anything on the warm up jumps. Don't know if any of the equestrian organisations in UK have done the same thing?
 
Sounds like a mother's worst nightmare, but I'm so glad to hear your daughter is ok.
smile.gif


Better luck next time as they say...
 
Glad she is OK and has no lasting damage
laugh.gif


Personally I wasn't at all sure about the pony in the first place - I asked, as did Boss, why there was a placing jump for the pony to jump the bigger fence. As for the coat, absolutely why NOT, I have done that many a time and would again - you have to take a horse out of its comfort zone sometimes to see how it reacts.

I do like that grey above
laugh.gif
 
I have spoken to the owner of the grey - she is in Cambridge. I am going to give her another ring tomorrow for a chat. Expect further updates!!!

As to the coat - to be honest - I would do it again - it showed us what we needed to know!
 
I'm glad you said that Freshman, I was reading the post getting myself confused.
I always hang a coat over a fence when trying out a horse. If the horse has a bit of a spook and a stop then I don't mind as long as it jumps it 2nd/3rd time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top