Recommendations for backing for sensitive youngster

MissTyc

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Looking for sympathetic backing livery near sussex area, i.e. the type who will take their time to get to understand the horse and take things at the horse's pace. For a leisure rider owner with no great ambitions other than to have "a nice horse". Youngster in question is very sensitive sports horse, about 16.2hh. He's established on the ground, very polite, but is worried by new things. Owner, a friend of mine, doesn't have the confidence to take the next step.

She's enquired at several yards but found one "too business-like" as they promised to get him walk, trot, canter, jump within 6 weeks. Which would be great but isn't needed. She'd rather he was reliable walking out in most circumstances in that time. She's a competent rider just not experienced with a young horse. So I said I'd ask the HHO hive mind!

Budget reasonable, but she baulked at £350/week that was quoted by one yard with way more facilities than any normal human or horse needs. Prices seem totally unpredictable from £150-£350/week! Would travel for the right yard but obviously ideally within reach for spot checks if not locally known!

She wants to preserve his good character and not overface him. No facilities at home so that makes getting a freelance tricky!
 

ihatework

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Bear in mind, most people who break horses in for a living have a ‘system’.
The good ones really can get them solid in WTC in 6-8 weeks and it’s not necessarily a bad thing, so don’t rule it out too quickly. Indeed, you need the buttons programmed before really exposing them to much. Nothing worse than them bumbling around in walk, getting a fright, and rider finding massive holes in the basics.
Personally I’d do the 6-8 weeks and then top up with a bit more gentle riding on (perhaps at a different yard) and exposing horse to new situations.

Expect to pay a minimum of £250 / week for anyone half decent.

A friend has used Tim Puddifoot, Royal Equine, Billinghurst and been pleased
 

MissTyc

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Thanks all - bumping in case anyone else has recommendations. She really likes the look of @ihatework 's recommendation, especially with all the work they do in their fields which is fantastic. Exactly what put her off the other place was that it all seemed arena based and drill, drill, drill. This Royal Equine might be exactly the sort of outfit she's looking for, so thanks.

Connie Colfoc looks like she's worth a look too, thanks @Connemara24 ! She's 3.5 hours from us, versus 40 minutes for Royal Equine so that comes into it a little as well in terms of ease of visitation etc.
 

teddy_

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I have just had my pony backed by a woman in East Sussex. PM me if you want details.

The pony in question is not silly, but sharp so I also needed someone quiet, tactful and sensitive.

I am thrilled with the result!

ETA: the rider is an accomplished show jumper.
 

MissTyc

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I have just had my pony backed by a woman in East Sussex. PM me if you want details.

The pony in question is not silly, but sharp so I also needed someone quiet, tactful and sensitive.

I am thrilled with the result!

ETA: the rider is an accomplished show jumper.

Will do thanks!
 

sport horse

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Will Plunkett is near Horsham - he has done several for me and a friend. They have all come back absolutley fine and ready to go. One only took 5 weeks the others a bit longer. Will also breaks most of the Billy Stud horses.
 

teapot

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Second Tim Puddifoot - only heard good things.

Clare Pointing would be my go to, but I'm not 100% sure she's doing backing livery anymore. I can certainly find out, she's not too far from Coombelands.
 

MissTyc

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Second Tim Puddifoot - only heard good things.

Clare Pointing would be my go to, but I'm not 100% sure she's doing backing livery anymore. I can certainly find out, she's not too far from Coombelands.


She's already been on the phone to Tim and is hoping to go visit him asap :eek:. Said she really liked what he had to say about how he envisaged the process for her horse. I hope to jump into the car with her for a nosey!!
 

MissTyc

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Just an update that my friend has just got her horse back from Tim after less than 4 weeks. He has matured so much and she is delighted. She said she would happily recommend Tim to anyone and thanked me for passing on your recommendation! She's now looking forward to having her young horse to play with rather than worry.
 
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