Too heavy for new pony?

[Scot123]

Hi. Well, she's not exactly a new pony but I'm enough of a novice to think this would be the best forum to ask for advice...

We bought this pony about 2 years ago - she's a 'middle-aged' 12.2hh Welsh cross who'd not done any work for a few years. She's neither very heavy nor very lightweight (a bit over 300kg). I was hoping to do a little riding (due to poor health it was to be nothing strenuous) and aiming for a 1/2 hour walk/trot hack a few times a week.

However, she has been diagnosed with mild arthritis and doesn't seem too keen when she's out (to say the least). Now, it may just be a general lack of enthusiasm! But do you think that at 8st I may be just making things worse for her. I would so hate that and would rather just resign myself to taking her out in-hand etc. Any thoughts? Thank you.

 

[hnmisty]

Personally, I would take her out for a few walks in hand to see if she's more enthusiastic without you on board. I wouldn't say you are too heavy for a 12.2, so either in her specific case, combined with the arthritis you are a bit much for her (would surprise me, my 13.1 would still take off with me at 35 and I was between 9-9.5 stone but they are all different), or there's some other issue as well. Has she had any treatment for the arthritis? Does she have decent turnout? Do you take her straight out from the stable or does she get some time in the field to loosen up first?

 

[Scot123]

Thanks for the reply. When I initially got her, we just walked out in-hand as I wasn't up to any riding at all. She was happy to go, though regularly tripping. Then gradually I got onboard! Definitely less enthusiastic with me riding - though not noticeably any more lame - no increased tripping etc. She's turned out year round, just with good shelter and rugged when needed. On an anti-inflammatory when needed too. Just can't decide what the issue(s) is!

 

[catroo]

It sounds like she's not happy if she's lost enthusiasm, maybe the tripping is denting her confidence with the added weight of a rider.

I'd just lead her out inhand for a while, gentle exercise will build her fitness up as well

 

[ropa]

Sorry to hear your tale of woe. I have been there and desperately wanted my boy to be able to go on adventures with me but can't as he is lame. I know he feels it when I am on him more then when I am not so I had to do the best thing for him. We have formed an unbelievable relationship and I have learnt more from being on the ground with him and listening to him then I had ever thought I would. I know it is hard being in the ground and watching other people go out and career around. I have had a few years like this and now am in a position to buy number 2. Hang on in there and take your vets advice and get a second opinion if you need to and listen and try to hear as you are doing what is best for your horse. I am sure there will be tears and frustration and sadness over his pain but feel the joy of doing what is best for your loved one. You won't go far wrong if you do what is best for him and it may mean a few years out the saddle picking up a ride here and there on other horses or taking on a share horse, but you will be light hearted and know you have done your best for your pal, this horse. We are a long time on this earth and it won't be long before you have another horse to ride. I am in this position now but I wouldn't take away for a moment the joy of taking my old boy for walks in hand, grooming him for hours, making him happy with treats and unselfish love and wanders around the yard and local roads and bridle ways whilst he picked at grass. Best of luck to you on this chapter. Hang on in there. He is very very lucky to have such a loving and selfless owner. I applaud you. Xx

 

[hnmisty]

It might be worth investigating the tripping to find out what's causing that.

Good luck

 

[JLD]

hello, whilst I wouldnt think 8 stone would be too heavy usuallu it may be that being unfit + arthritis is a bit much, I am in a similar situation in that my pony is 13.2 and I am too heavy to ride him even though I would love to. I would like to lose enough weight to ride him but realize this may never happen but in the meantime I am having a great time doing in hand work with him, having had a massive loss of confidence riding with my old boy it has done wonders for me spending time with him in hand as i dont worry about spooks and looking at things that would terrify me ridden and we have built a fantastic bond, he has really given me back my love of horses something I dont think would have happened if I had been able to ride him. I think it is worth looking into the tripping , I also know as my boy had been out of work for 4 years when I got him that re motivating them is hard and they cn be quite stroppy about it !

edited to add - dont be pressured into riding him if you think something is wrong or you are too heavy just because other people say it is fine - I am fed up with people telling me to just jump it will be ok - I know I am too heavy and I will not hurt him just to please them !

 

[Scot123]

Thank you so much. Yes, it's really hard! I actually have enjoyed this last 2 years or so just doing ground work. As you say, I think probably the bond you build is kind of special. I'm sure it's more my problem than the pony's... at my grand old age she was meant to be my first pony to live the dream with! So I guess I feel a bit cheated. But I love her to bits and would rather have her as a 'pet' than not at all. I was considering getting a back specialist/chiropractor out to her who was really good on another pony, as you say, for a second opinion.

Really appreciate the support

 

[hnmisty]

Try her on blue chip. I put my old girl on it for the last little bit of weight she needed on her. She was pretty supple for her age, but we noticed an improvement in her going. I used to fork out for it out of my student loan lol