Really worried - please help!!

[Charla]

I sold my 20 month old NF filly to a lovely family at the beginning of the month. I have kept in regular contact with the lady since she left and went to visit her new home. Everything seemed fine. Recently however, she's been telling me that her 2 daughters have been riding the pony!! Said they are led on her bare back up and down the road. The girls are small, aged 6 and 7 and probably weigh no more than 5 stone each. I really don't agree with this but am worried if I voice my opinion in the wrong way then she may get funny and cut my contact off completely. I then see the lady's facebook status....'never knew riding a pony could be sooooooo much fun.' I am praying to god she doesn't mean she has ridden the pony as she is about 5ft7 and of a decent build. The pony is about 13hh at present.

I feel sick with worry. I could have got it completely wrong and she's not talking about my former pony but if she is then this is very serious. How do I approach this without upsetting her and risking being cut off completely???

 

[ISHmad]

The problem is Charla that although this is hideously wrong and the filly should be enjoying time growing up, being handled but nothing more than that once you sell a horse you sadly have no control over their future.

Are these inexperienced owners do you know? And are they the kind of people who would listen to the importance of youngsters growing correctly, the fact their growth plates will not be settled yet and the like?

If not I think you are on a hiding to nowhere. So sorry.

 

[Honey08]

Its sad, but when you sell a pony its not yours anymore.

Could you just call in, and see how the pony is, and gently bring up riding into the conversation, and mention that you're worried?

 

[Charla]

She has another horse, a 17 year old, and seemed fairly experienced in my eyes. However I don't know if she has much experience of youngsters. I think that is my best option, to just go and see her and ask about this riding malarky and then voice my opinion as subtley as possible?

I wanted the best home for that little pony, I'd had her since she was a 5 month old wild thing. I was rather picky and this family seemed perfect. I now worry that I've let the pony down dreadfully. How can someone think it's ok for a grown woman to ride a 20 month old pony? She's not even 2 yet!! I just hope I'm mistaken by assuming her status is my former pony and not someone else's.

What damage exactly would a 5ft7 woman (guessing about 11 stone) do to a 13hh 20 month old by riding her?

 

[ISHmad]

Charla I think you probably know that there would be serious strain on the joints of a 20 month old pony by having a rider of that size on her.

You've done the best you can finding what you thought was the right home for the pony. Let's hope that she will listen to your subtle suggestions and opinions. If she won't you are a bit stuck I'm afraid. Not nice though I know.