Riding school says pony is just stiff

[Jennifer_2017]

My son has half livery on a school pony who is fantastic but prone to laminitis. Most recently he has developed a problem his left front foot. He lifts it off the ground in his stable and limps in walk and trot. We rested him for two weeks and the riding school said it was okay to ride him again. They thought it was a muscle strain as farrier saw him and didn't notice any issues with foot. However my son rode on Thursday and while the pony seemed a little better, limp was still obvious. Riding school say he's just stiff. What should I do? He's being shared with another child and they are having the same experience.

 

[ycbm]

You should stop riding him and ask them to get a vet to look at him. The pony is lame, not stiff, it should not be working. A muscle strain is a much reason to rest the pony as any other. You are right to be concerned.
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[twiggy2]

The pony should not be worked, limping is lame not stiff.

 

[AmyMay]

He needs a vet. I’m assuming you’re not in the UK.

 

[Jennifer_2017]

Thank you so much everyone. My view is also that he needs to be assessed by a vet. I will follow up with the school.

 

[shamrock2021]

Before I got my horse I want to a riding school most of the horse were lame . They Were bought cheap with issues. To be honest op You can tell them but chances are it will fall on deaf ears Because they probably now what wrong with the horse.

 

[Shay]

Sadly it isn't uncommon. They already have you and another family paying for the upkeep of a pony they can't (or shouldn't) use for the school. To them he is free meat and they know you can't leave. The only way you have to object is to stop the share and leave. They bargain on two factors - that the child loves the pony, and that you don't know enough about the local riding scene to be able to easily decamp.

It is really hard with the first. But doubly so when the child isn't used to seeing ponies move from owner to owner. As a parent you feel like cruella de ville!

Try to focus your son forward rather than back. Find your local pony club. You may have a centre locally but really you need to link in with the branch and find a privately owned pony to share. It is only at that point that you realise what a massive and wide arena is open to you. It is looking forward - rather than back - that will allow your son to move forward.