Welfare concern of new pony on yard

[X.ex_racer.X123]

Hi all,

A new pony has bought to the yard for young girl. The pony is 14.1 and skinny as in can see all ribs. The girl and her family have only been around horses for one year, and seem slightly clueless. For example when the pony arrived, they asked what to do next with the horse. The girl is tall and quite large. I am concerned because this pony was advertised as a competion pony, the girl does not want to compete and has only been riding for a year. I am worried as they don't know what to feed or how to keep the pony fit as well. I have heard a rumor that there is signs of arthritis in a 9yr old pony, and she is only interested in SJ and hacking. I know that there is not much I can do but any suggestions on how to help the pony stay happy and healthy? Not trying to offend anyone! Just wondering if there is any suggestions on what to do.

Thanks

 

[AmyMay]

If they’re open to help, then that’s a first step. What’s the opinion of the YO?

 

[X.ex_racer.X123]

I haven't spoken to her yet but will later today hopefully will catch her, i don't want to come across as the rude judgemental person on the yard but approaching them directly

 

[AmyMay]

I haven't spoken to her yet but will later today hopefully will catch her, i don't want to come across as the rude judgemental person on the yard but approaching them directly

A simple ‘hello’ and friendly curiosity (with a ‘if I can help with anything’) can often be enough to open the flood gates.

 

[X.ex_racer.X123]

Thank i will try to catch her eye and have a welcoming chat!

 

[sassandbells]

We had a similar situation on our yard, but with an extremely overweight pony. It’s great that they’ve asked “what next” as it sounds like they’re open to help.

If I were you I’d start by asking how they’re getting on with the pony and see what they say, they might bring up the concerns you have, and if not you can say you’re there to help if they do need anything, most people will have a think and then come back to you if they’re not sure!

If it becomes a welfare case then hopefully YO would step in. Good luck!

 

[Melody Grey]

One hopes there will be an instructor involved that might help to address some of their questions/ noviceyness?

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

One hopes there will be an instructor involved that might help to address some of their questions/ noviceyness?

And a yard manager.

We've all been first time owners and I was grateful to a lovely YM who helped me figure it all out. She found suitable buddies to help me find my feet and she arranged lessons etc.

 

[dottylottie]

definitely a good sign that they’ve asked for advice! i’d maybe just be friendly, and say something along the lines of “if you need any advice on feeding and whatnot, feel free to ask, it’s a minefield!” - not suggesting they’re outright doing something wrong, but maybe planting the seed for weight/feed advice without outright saying pony looks a bit thin

 

[Kaylum]

When you see in the dodgy dealer pages people buy ponies unseen and are sent a very poor unhealthy animal could be one of those. At least its in a good place for help.

 

[Orangehorse]

You could ask if they need a book with advice?

 

[Katieg123]

Did they just buy the pony? If so then its condition isnt their fault. Hopefully the YO will help them feed it up and give it the TLC it deserves! Is the owner in charge of feeding at your yard?

 

[blitznbobs]

Tbh a competition pony thats been there and seen it all but is now looking for a quieter life may be perfect… if they ask suggest a worm count and direct at one of the large number of worming / counting programs available on line. I have no idea of your set up but we are just coming out of winter so all it may need is to be turned out on decent grass and given a vitamin supplement/ balancer… maybe its always been a poor doer maybe it has just had a rough few months with poor turnout. Id not be too judgy at present as thats bound to make them run away.

 

[splashgirl45]

It may be nice and quiet as it’s so poor and may not be the pony for them when it feels stronger , maybe suggest it has ad lib hay to start with. Hopefully they will take advice and YO will keep an eye on it

 

[Nasicus]

Sometimes it's worth just asking.
Case in point, I visited a (ex) friend on an old yard I used to be one, and she was muttering about one of the horses there being neglected because it was so skinny.
I just wandered over and struck up a conversation in a lighthearted way, and asked about it. Turns out the horse was just really old and having some liver problems which the vets were involved with. No neglect to be seen and the owner said it was nice that someone asked for once instead of assuming the worst.

So maybe just be friendly and ask, and gauge the response from there.

 

[Love]

I agree with others - introduce yourself and in a general way offer your help for "if ever they need it". If its anything like my yard this will probably lead to you all chatting casually whenever you bump into each other. I think advice (however well meaning) always seems to be better received when you know the people, even just a little bit, rather than totally out of the blue from someone you never talk to. (obvs if its a safety issue or something serious that can't wait then I would ignore this. But you know what I mean)

 

[gallopingby]

I think this is one for the YO. Good to be friendly but not really your responsibility. You don’t sound very old?

 

[AmyMay]

I think this is one for the YO. Good to be friendly but not really your responsibility. You don’t sound very old?

I agree that ultimately it’s probably one for the YO. But what on earth has the OP’s age got to do with it??

 

[stormox]

TBH, I would let the pony settle in, and leave them alone and see how they get on.
Your worries may be totally unfounded.

 

[w1bbler]

You can see ribs on all 3 of mine, all natives & I'm happy, it's how I like them to come out of winter. My vet is happy with their condition.

 

[mustardsmum]

You can see ribs on all 3 of mine, all natives & I'm happy, it's how I like them to come out of winter. My vet is happy with their condition.

totally agree - my vet always wants to just see the back three ribs. I think I would have more concerns if a massively obese pony turned up, but even then I would be very careful what I said. I think would let your YO advise them if they are new owners, and just be friendly towards them. If you are still worried you could have a quiet word with your YO about your concerns.