Silly pony!

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iCandy

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After loosing my reliable 13 year old, I now have a youngster who is generally sensible for his age. I am resting him over winter with just the occasional hack to keep him ticking over. Today, I took him out with my friends schoolmaster and his behaviour embarrassed me. He was trotting on the spot, dancing about, shaking his head and kicking his front feet out (as though he was having a tantrum!) I felt like a passenger as he was not listening to me. Is this down to the change in temp, his age or an indication of what's to come!!
 
You dont say how old he is but many younger horses will not benefit from being ridden only once in a while, I would probably either turn away properly or keep in more regular work otherwise this may be what you have to look forward to all winter.
The drop in work, temperature and his age will all contribute, the other thing to bear in mind is that loss of muscle or gain in weight may mean that the saddle does not fit quite the same once out of full work.
 
Thanks 'be positive' He is only 3 and a half (was sold as 4 and a half but that's another story) I hack him twice a week at the moment and have considered giving him a full break to mature but have been advised to keep hacking by my instructor. I have his saddle checked every three months if this helps. Today was the first time he's been ridden in a week.
 
I think you are expecting a lot of a very young pony. He or she has not be ridden for a week, that's quite a while for them. It's easy to forget what riding a baby is like as we get comfortable on a older one.

I am sorry you have lost a beloved friend but that one had 10 years experience on the baby. They are like toddlers. Maybe it's best to turn away and then slowly re educate .
 
I would go with the full break if I were you as he is only 3.

We got Jay just before his 3rd birthday, he was backed and hacked lightly for 8 wks before being turned away for 5 months over the winter, I did nothing more to him than check his rug and give him a carrot. Then this summer, he has been schooled, hacked, a few small SJ shows and one HT, now he's gone for his winter holiday again and He won't do anything now til the end of Feb, he will be 5 next June.

If you have facilities to completely turn him away 24/7 then I would definately say do this, and then restart him in the spring.

Good luck!
 
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