Professional to Re-back/bring on sympathetically?! SE

[mega spoilt ponies]

My 4year old 17.1 KWPN is currently turned away for winter after having treatment on some physical issues that arose shortly after backing (kissing spine/hock & stifle effusion/pain and bilateral hind psd).

He will be ready to bring back into work in the new year and im considering utilising the services of a pro/semi-pro, perhaps event rider.

My issue is i have very clear ideas on the approach that i would like taken (no gadgets/ no taped shut mouth, turn out etc). I want it done slowly and sympathetically because he's my baby and im a softie!

Would love to hear anybodies recommendations for pro's that they know take a kind approach rather than the 'stick em in draw reins' and ignore what the horse is telling you approach which i see alot of and isnt my thing. (No im not a NH hippie either )

Based north london/south east

 

[D66]

Jason Newbold is very good, he is based near Buckingham, and has a website.

 

[I.M.N.]

...
My issue is i have very clear ideas on the approach that i would like taken (no gadgets/ no taped shut mouth, turn out etc). I want it done slowly and sympathetically because he's my baby and im a softie!
...

I can't help you on recommendations, sorry. I just wanted to say that the above bit doesn't make you a softie, it means you have understanding of true horsemanship and the fact you felt like you had to explain/justify yourself is a very sad indictment of how far current equestrianism is from where it should be. Your boy is lucky to have you.

 

[BethH]

Mark Boxall is might be worth a look. He is based in the South East/Kent. Has his own yard in Fawkham and runs the full livery yard at Speedgate. He seems to have a sympathetic approach and his yard always seems to have a waiting list, I have friends who are liveried there and they seem very happy with the help he has given them, although I think he probably charges quite a full price.

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Ash farm in burcott in Buckinghamshire is fab.they backed my boy and wouldn't hesitate to send more to them.

http://www.ashfarmlivery.co.uk

 

[mega spoilt ponies]

I can't help you on recommendations, sorry. I just wanted to say that the above bit doesn't make you a softie, it means you have understanding of true horsemanship and the fact you felt like you had to explain/justify yourself is a very sad indictment of how far current equestrianism is from where it should be. Your boy is lucky to have you.

Thanks. I am just finding it very hard to come by professionals who are that way inclined in the SJ/eventing world. I would ideally like him bought back into work and got going again by a more talented rider than myself but one who understands the way I like to have him treated and handled and would respect that.

All that I am aware of in my surroundings are very traditional, after quick fixes and in some cases really quite horrid to the horses. I don't want him endlessly lunged or put on a walker in side reins, ridden in draw reins etc. Perhaps I am just far too jaded and seen too much to trust anybody!

 

[Bernster]

I can't help you on recommendations, sorry. I just wanted to say that the above bit doesn't make you a softie, it means you have understanding of true horsemanship and the fact you felt like you had to explain/justify yourself is a very sad indictment of how far current equestrianism is from where it should be. Your boy is lucky to have you.

Quite! Might be too far and I dont know him personally but have a look at shady horsemanship in Herts. Terrible name ! but I know a couple who have used him, def seems like a slower and more sympathetic approach.

 

[irishdraft]

Jason Webb in goudhurst has a good reputation

 

[Nicnac]

Sam Dempsey and Julia Longorini at D&L Performance Horses. http://www.dlphorses.com/sam-and-julia/

Near Swindon. Sam is an eventer and Julia a showjumper - not fluffy but very kind understanding approach.

Mark Boxall and Jason Webb are also excellent but maybe a bit too far if you want to be involved.

 

[Oscar]

Will & Ginnie Turnbull

 

[TGM]

Jason Webb in goudhurst has a good reputation

I have heard mixed things about Jason - some people I know who have used him sing his praises, but some people who I know and respect have been less than complimentary and claim to have witnessed him being less than sympathethic to the horses in some cases. But I suppose there are good and bad opinions about most trainers!

I do know a couple of people who have horses trained with Mark Boxall who is mentioned above, and they are very pleased with his approach. But have no personal knowledge of his methods.

 

[Farma]

There is a girl called Paris Gainsford (PG eventing) who I know, I have seen her with loads of difficult horses and she is so calm and kind, I would definitely recommend her, based in Brentwood, Essex x

 

[Lulup]

I can completely relate to your concerns and ended up taking my horse 200 miles away for schooling with a trusted friend as I am too suspicious about what goes on 'behind closed doors' in many yards. Just wanted to say that after many physical issues with young horse in recent years I have reached the conclusion (a little late maybe!) that the best thing for these young horses is a return to more traditional methods with a good few months of hacking before any work in the school is undertaken. Even after a few months holiday we start older horses with 4-6 weeks hacking yet these completely soft untouched babies are straight in the school on the lunge and then schooling. I was rather apprehensive about starting hacking on my just backed 4 year olds but with a sensible approach and suitable 'nanny' horse I am sold on it and I am hopeful it will lead to happier and sounder horses who will be more prepared in mind and body to start schooling in a few months time. Depends on your situation but with the physical issues your youngster has already had to overcome it could be a very worthwhile approach x

 

[rextherobber]

Have you considered having the rider come to you, rather than sending the horse away?