Unsellable pony? What to do?

I have also found the ad and think you are advertising ineffectively and that is why you are struggling to sell.

Your first post describes the pony as sharp and twitchy..... gets her knickers in a twist when jumping...., and is very strong and forward hacking. When she is having a bad day she is unrideable, gets herself into a muck sweat just doing a bit of trot work in the school.... so unpredictable .... tricky and frustrating.

The ad says 'forward and fun'... sweet natured.... Hacks out alone and in company, good in traffic..... currently ridden by a competent 12 year old but not suitable for a novice or nervous rider.

Those are not the same ponies! So people will ring up expecting a totally different type of pony to the one you are actually selling and then not pursue it.

I also think your pricing is problematic. The pony is too expensive for a quirky project and too cheap for a genuine and proven PC all-rounder. The photos could be improved too. I never see the point personally in the cute lying down pictures.

I hope you are finding the responses helpful not critical - if you want advice on rewording the ad I am sure people will oblige. And the offer of sales livery on a commission basis sounds fantastic. I'd jump at that offer if I were you. Good luck x
 
After having time wasted going to see horses that were mis-described, i would not be happy if i was the buyer expecting to go and try the horse in your advert...and arriving to find the horse you have posted about here!!

Agree with others - advert needs to be more honest. You're saying on here that she's essentially a project but advert and price don't reflect that at all.
 
OP - first of all I just wanted to say that I'm sure there are many of us on this forum, at some stage in our life, have had a horse that for whatever reason we want nothing more to do with. I know I have. It's not an unnatural way to feel. That said, when we have an animal in our care we need to put those feelings aside and look at what is best for that animals future life.

Financially with horses you win some and loose some. So yes you will loose out financially this time. Accept it.

Now this particular horse could easily just be very 'welsh' and just not the right one for your daughter. I hope this is the case. But there is a very real possibility there is an underlying problem and do you really think it's fair to pass that potential problem onto someone else? You say that you don't want this pony ending up in the meat chain yet you then say you have no intention of investigating any vet issues - so you say one thing and then intend to act in another way.

If you care about this pony my suggestion would be to get a full vet MOT. If you get the all clear then you sell the pony as a project, at a much lower price, and with a more honest advert than you currently have.

Good luck. I know it must be stressful, but do we not owe it to animals in our care to do what we can for them, within reason?
 
callisto said:
We have had the pony for a year, it is absolutely not that I can't be arsed with her. I am not looking for an excuse to have her pts and I have spent huge amounts to try and get her right.
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Where are you spending this money if she hasn't even had a vet check? Though I agree with Ffion there could also well be nothing wrong but if I liked a pony as you have said you do, I'd want to know. Ponies aren't cheap.


callisto said:
Thank you for any positive comments, vet is looking more likely but as I say, I have had enough and my daughter needs a pony she can ride now not in six months when I may possibly have sold the pony.
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Your daughter does not in anyway NEED a pony she can ride now, she might want one but life doesn't work like that and it isn't a bad life lesson to learn

So essentially you want to sell this pony for as much money as you can, so you can buy your daughter a new pony as soon as possible, because in your mind she needs one..... I think it is quite random to have expected to have sold a horse in a month in October and declare it unsellable, but if that is your advert you should be relieved that no one has been to see her as that seems a one way road to a legal situation.
 
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ihatework said:
OP - first of all I just wanted to say that I'm sure there are many of us on this forum, at some stage in our life, have had a horse that for whatever reason we want nothing more to do with. I know I have. It's not an unnatural way to feel. That said, when we have an animal in our care we need to put those feelings aside and look at what is best for that animals future life.

Financially with horses you win some and loose some. So yes you will loose out financially this time. Accept it.
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IHW is right, a lesson I learned with a horse this year and I lost thousands in diagnostics and training and was left without a riding horse, or purchase price for another one at the end of it. It sucks, its not fair but thats horses.

I think she looks smart-get her an MOT, market her more realistically or cut your losses and send her to a sales livery-can't believe some feisty teen or small adult wouldnt want to have her for whizzing round the countryside on her if she's healthy.
 
far too expensive!

I (well my mother, for me, I was 12 at the time) bought a 14hh quirky pure bred connemara with proven results in the showring and results up to medium level dressage but loads and loads of quirks around jumping for the equivalent of around £1500. however mine was genuinely good to hack out always and could be taken off the lorry and straight into the show ring or dressage arena regardless of day/time/year and regardless of level of work before hand. Just couldnt jump him unless he chose to jump.

Welshies are known to be tricky, i've riden lots of them and if you dont know what you are doing then the will take the p! One welshie I rode was an enormous 15hh bruiser, on a good day he would win everything, go anywhere, do anything, hack past anything etc, on a bad day he would have a melt down just getting him out the stable door. It was all about managing him when he had his melt downs, not getting squashed when he decided that the safest place to hide from the world was under your arm, and then getting on with what you wanted to do and insisting that he did it anyway.

Sell the pony, plenty of older teens/adults are looking for ponies and project ones at that.

I think you would be very very wrong to have this horse PTS simply because you cannot be bothered to take the time to sell her and because you cant cope with what sounds like a typical welshie!
 
Leo Walker said:
First thing I saw, so thats two of us noticed it and been put off. I wonder how many other people feel the same? Bearing in mind that this is a project pony so the people you want to buy it will have a good eye.
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Me three.

She sounds fabulous in the advert........ 😏
 
If I was in your situation I would send her off for a few weeks handling and training, I know you said she doesn't like change ect but change to a kind and helping environment might be what she needs to feel braver, safer and more secure.
In my area a lot of horses go to jemma myers step by step horse training (I think they have a fb page) and honestly the reviews, then go in with deep routed issues and come out much happier with a good ground level to work up from.

Obviously this wouldn't be free so you and your daughter would need to really want to work with this pony and keep her for this to be an option.

I wouldn't think about the PTS option as she is fit and well and just needs love, attention and training. She doesn't sound like a lost cause she might just need a lot more a lot more experienced handler to set her on the right path which could be with you after some training :)
good luck!
 
ihatework said:
OP - first of all I just wanted to say that I'm sure there are many of us on this forum, at some stage in our life, have had a horse that for whatever reason we want nothing more to do with. I know I have. It's not an unnatural way to feel. That said, when we have an animal in our care we need to put those feelings aside and look at what is best for that animals future life.

Financially with horses you win some and loose some. So yes you will loose out financially this time. Accept it.

Now this particular horse could easily just be very 'welsh' and just not the right one for your daughter. I hope this is the case. But there is a very real possibility there is an underlying problem and do you really think it's fair to pass that potential problem onto someone else? You say that you don't want this pony ending up in the meat chain yet you then say you have no intention of investigating any vet issues - so you say one thing and then intend to act in another way.

If you care about this pony my suggestion would be to get a full vet MOT. If you get the all clear then you sell the pony as a project, at a much lower price, and with a more honest advert than you currently have.

Good luck. I know it must be stressful, but do we not owe it to animals in our care to do what we can for them, within reason?
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I like most of us on here am not a dealer I am not working professionally with horses so I view horses as the vast majority of us do as a life consuming hobby .
When I buy a horse the money to me is written off on the day pay I don't expect to get it back .Why some one who has bought a child a pony that's completely wrong for them would expect to get out of it without a loss is beyond me if you buy your child the wrong horse you get out as quick as possible and you write off the loss I also view horses like holidays you don't buy and enjoy a holiday ( mainly because for most of my life I had horses instead of holidays )and get any money back later .
When you get it wrong you get out as quick as possible while putting the horse in as good situation to go on with its life as you can .
Not very horse works out in every home .
If this horse has not got an issue that needs Veterinary Attention then I think a dealer is the person to get it away to if it's physiacally ok it's a good looking pony and a useful size that would go into the small adult market .
On the ad why on earth pick and picture with the ponies back looking that shape and it's eye looking back like that it's just nuts that will get an pony weeded out of a search straight away because buyers need to narrow down the numbers they are interested in , and then there's the price which is just silly .
 
Her jump is the copy of my sister's old pony who would either jump at speed or have a meltdown and go backwards, spin and plunge. He was a tricky ride as if he anticipated anything he would do his evasive thing.

In hindsight he probably had ks or similar, but he was perfectly happy hacking and would have probably done endurance very well as he would go all day. We never sold him as couldn't face what might happen in the wrong hands (he was a fantastic jumper on a good day) but lucky enough to have our own land and he died aged 28 having been with us 20 years

Be realistic about the discipline and price and someone will love her.
 
bonny said:
Why on earth would you kill her simply for being too forward going for your daughter ? If she isn't suitable then find a home who want a pony like her, or loaner if you are so concerned about her future. Too many people in my opinion think they are the best or only option when reality is far from that
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Exactly. Why would PTS even cross your mind in this situation? There's nothing wrong with the pony bar the fact it sounds like she's too much for your daughter - dont believe she deserves to die for that!

I also dont really get why you cant sell her. Why do people always assume the absolute worst when selling - that any difficult animal will always end up in a horrific home when quite simply that shouldnt be the case if you vet the person and the home very well before agreeing to the sale? Theres plenty of brave teenagers / adults out there who would be willing to take something like this on. I doubt anyone would want to loan her though, to put loads of effort in and then you either taking her back for your daughter if she becomes sensible or selling her. Advertise her, be honest and see what people you get? You dont have to sell to anyone if nobody is suitable!
 
Reading the advert I would not have any idea of the problems this lovely looking pony has. Its like buying a car that is advertised as reliable and you find out later it has had frequent breakdowns !! I know that this is an animal that is being sold and therefore is very different to a machine but the same things apply. It would be very disappointing to learn of these problems after buying such a horse. After reading through these replies it seems to me that there are plenty of people that this pony would be ideal for but at the right price. We all make mistakes and taking the financial hit is nothing compared to the prospect of pts for this lovely pony (I know this is a last resort for you). I am an novice, but as a very mature individual see this as 'buyer beware' situation, I prefer to read adverts that disclose all the 'behavior/potential physical probs that a horse/pony has and then you can make an informed decision from the start. A loving experienced home is by far the future for this pony. I wish you good luck and hope this pony finds a super home.
 
Ive just seen the advert too and wow I dont get it. You freely admit this ponies faults yet the advert reads like it pretty much has no issues at all and is a push button joy to ride! Its a blatant lie to be honest looking at what you've stated on here compared to that advert. Of course you will attract the wrong people with that and probably scare the hell out of several of them trying her. The price is ridiculous, Ive bought several project ponies in the past but they cost all of £500 each - I would never pay anything remotely like this for what you've described and it doesnt sound like anyone else would either. It looks like a perfectly nice enough pony that just doesnt suit your daughter and needs someone who does suit it and understand Welshies etc. so price accordingly and be honest in your advert (or at least hint heavily the pony is being sold as a project so you can discuss truthfully those issues on the phone with anyone who phones about it).

Also if she really did tackle TREC "willingly and calmly" then aim her at that market, perhaps thats her thing!
 
OP, selling her cheaply doesn't mean she will automatically go to a bad home.

You're probably not that far from me (within an hour or two) and I know someone who would probably take this mare on either on sales livery or who would buy her - but for probably a third of what you're advertising her - put a lot of work into her and find her the right home. Yes, she does it for a living and will want to profit out of her or at least cover her costs but she is entirely scrupulous and takes great pride in turning difficult ponies around and finding them good homes. She's about 5'2" and 7 stone soaking wet so specialises in ponies. She has a waiting list as long as your arm for schooling and ponies she puts up for sale sell - usually locally - within days as she has such a good reputation for producing lovely ponies. PM me if you want me to put you in touch with her.
 
This has become a bit of a car crash. OP, if this is your advert then it's almost completely untruthful and could put another ambitious parent in the same predicament. As others have said, you need to drop her price and be truthful with yourself about your own child's abilities. This pony has a market, but that market won't give you pots of money for her.
 
VRIN said:
You only need one buyer. Have you tried to sell her yet? If not why not put an ad on somewhere like preloved and see if there is any interest?
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Please don't do this.Loan her as she sounds a bit quirky and lots of 'horsey' people haven't got the patience you have.Thank goodness she has you.
 
FfionWinnie said:
My GOD I DESPAIR.

Op you came over badly in this thread. Add that advert in and as a parent, you are my worst nightmare of a seller. Unbelievable and unforgivable frankly. I just cannot believe what I am reading here.
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I thought the same but decided to try constructive! Maybe the pony will have a chance if OP gets real.
 
Also people locally will know this pony and they will know how difficult you have found her. The first thing I do when buying a pony is ask someone local if they know it. That is why you’ve had no viewings.

If I were you I’d get that down straight away, for the sake of your reputation if nothing else.
 
OP, you will waste so much of your own time and other peoples, when people come to view her and see she isn't as described. There are ways to code into an advert more realistic info about her. Her issue isn't that she is forward, you need to describe her more realistically.

An honest advert will find you the right seller. I've bought horses based on very unattractive but realistic adverts because you knew exactly what was on the table with the horse.
 
What a shame. Sorry to hear your daughter has lost confidence. IMO forget the £, and find a good, permanent home for this pony. She sounds like, in a well matched and carefully thought out sale with total honesty, she could be a cracker. Easy to say from afar but make the decision on the pony not yourself. She could go on to have a fun, busy, and suited partnership.
 
Havent read all the replies but my two pence worth; the pony is 14.1hh. We're hardly talking about a 12hh lightweight pony. She sounds like a cracking pony for a confident smaller adult or older teenager.
 
9tails said:
I thought the same but decided to try constructive! Maybe the pony will have a chance if OP gets real.
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I’ve already been constructive and having seen the advert, I’m afraid it needs said.

On one hand the OP is considering shooting it because her “competent 12yr old” is scared to ride it and on the other is blatantly lying in an advert selling it at exactly the sort of price range parents with horse mad girls who know nothing themselves, are looking at. It’s a car crash. So disappointing that people can do this.
 
respectedpony said:
Please don't do this.Loan her as she sounds a bit quirky and lots of 'horsey' people haven't got the patience you have.Thank goodness she has you.
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No one in their right mind is going to loan this pony over the winter, turn it around for the owner to sell. That sort of thing is like the ads you see on the fb thread on here. No one is going to put in their time and money to just lose the pony in the spring.

As others have said either send the pony to sales livery where i am sure they will get on with the pony and sell it as a good teens/small adult competition pony or sell as a project.

I cant believe as a parent you are advertising the pony as if it would be suitable for someone else's child to go and do things tomorrow.
 
9tails said:
I thought the same but decided to try constructive! Maybe the pony will have a chance if OP gets real.
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I hope so.

OP, my current ride (who I've had for about 13 months) was purchased at well under a quarter of her advertised price. Owner was advertising similarly to you, not disclosing any details of any negative behaviour.
She actually had someone try the pony and they ended up in hospital for nearly 3 weeks.

I heard about pony via a friend of a friend, went to see her, offered cash to take away, and have worked slowly to try to overcome the (many!) issues. I know the breeders (which helped in my decision to pick up pony), also have had vast experience of this breed. I took pony knowing that if I couldn't turn her around, then she'd return to her breeder to be bred from, as all of her issues were man made by these owners. I'm not saying you have created the problems, but I went down the route of full vet check once I got her home (after settling in) to ensure there wasn't anything medical.
She won't ever be a novice ride off lead, but is on the whole, a delightful pony now, willing to please most of the time... as long as I do not produce any form of whip, not to raise my voice, otherwise a car crash of things could happen.

Hopefully, you can take something constructive away from this thread & do something to help the pony on its way. Sadly, I don't have the inclination to work on another at present.
 
Could it be a case of the child's skill if you were to step back and look objectively op? There are two kids of kid riders - ones who get around a metre course nicely on a sweet jumping pony, but are ok rider, they do enough and have a helpful pony. And then there's the really tough kids who can sit anything and get any pony going. I've a little kid that comes and rides some of mine and she is a proper little jockey, you can throw anything at her and she enjoys the challenge. Usually it's the kids in riding schools that don't get their own pony and are just happy to sit up on anything they can. The kids that riding schools stick up on ponies when they are being bold. Is there any kid you can find through word of mouth? That's how i found mine!
 
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