Welsh Ponies and Kids, your advice sought...

[AnnieD]

I have an 11 yr old daughter who has been riding for several years and is mad keen. We recently took on a pony to loan with a view to buying. The pony is 14.1hh, Welsh sec C cross E, and has reportedly done a lot of jumping in the past.

The pony is the sweetest, kindest little thing on the ground, and generally a real darling when being ridden, however he has a habit of tanking off with her and bucking on the odd occasion (with no real warning given). He's always worse if he's not been out in the field prior to riding.

He has decked her a couple of times, because when he goes, he does it properly and it has shaken her up slightly, although she still gets back on every time and tries again.

I'm looking for your advice on whether I should invest in the pony (which we both adore), and whether you think she'll grow into him and get a handle on him. Or whether I should find something else?

She wants to compete, but at the moment I wouldn't trust taking him to a show in case he plays up, which in that environment he probably would.

I have ridden him when he's playing up with my daughter and he's fine with me on, so he really is just taking the mick.

He is currently ridden in a full cheek french link snaffle with a flash and martingale. We have had his back checked and it's fine.

Might a stronger bit be a better solution? If so what would you recommend? I'm thinking cherry roller, but not really sure.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[Kokopelli]

No don't invest, she will eventually lose her nerve and you will be left with a horse that is not being ridden and off to find another horse.

I would highly recommend giving him back, and a lot of people will knock me down for this but welshies are very head strong, if they want to do something they will and its hard to stop. I would carry on having a look around because if she wants to compete he is not going to do that, perhaps look at some less opinionated breeds

 

[zoelouisem]

I got a pony for my daughter thinking she would grow into it, it had a cheeky streak would occasionly buck, and tank off. At first my daughter seemed to cope but in the end it grated her down and her riding went backwards and it dumped her quite badly and stamped on her not on purpose but if she didnt have her back protecter it could have turned out bad. She was on loan and in the end i sent her back it was heartbreaking but she was doing my daughter more damage than good. I went back a step and now my daughter is doing so much better the little pony taking her to places shes never been before, ie- first time XC first time on the beach!!! He is a bit lazy BUT shes seems to be learning and acheiving so much more been slightly under ponied than over ponied, and shes having fun which is after all the main thing. Also as a mummy i think you need to be able to trust the pony to look after your child.
So what im saying is you might love her but she may not be the right pony as heartbreaking as it is, my daughter was devestated when i had to send the other pony back but shes soooo much happier now.
Might not be the answer you were after but hope it helps.

 

[cream-honeysuckle]

You don't say how old the pony is. I had a similar experience with my daughter and a 5 yr old cob pony who, we were told, had been to pony club events and shows. The first time we took him, he got so excited, my daughter just wasn't able to control him and he was put in a stable and the organiser very kindly offered her a 'schoolmistress' for her and she finished the rest of the event on her. We 'struggled' with the pony for 2-3 years after that. I could manage him OK but he just took the mick with my daughter and she certainly couldn't take him to shows. I doubt if he had ever done them before, certainly not with a child, so before buying your loan pony I would suggest you see evidence that he has been well-behaved at shows in the past. We then decided that life was just too short and bought a 15 yr old 14.2 for my daughter. She has been brilliant, although sharp enough to improve her riding skills. We still have both of them and my daughter (who is now 24) will ring me up and say 'get the ponies tacked up, I'm coming home for a ride'. She now lives 3 hours away and I can't put a price on that. I think what I am trying to say is don't risk losing her confidence and even worse, injuring herself. We have enjoyed our ponies together for may years but I wish I had got the 14.2 earlier so she could have joined in pony clubs and gymkhanas rather than having to leave her pony at home because he couldn't be trusted to behave. Hope this helps,

 

[seadog]

I would honestly say no no no no no!
I have had 3 welsh ponies and currently have a D.
I think welsh ponies are the little girl with the little curl - when they're good they are very very good and when they're bad they're horrid!

 

[star]

Section E is just the generic section for geldings, so he's a section C.

And no, I dont think you should buy him - there's nothing like being bucked off repeatedly for ruining any fun that riding brings.

 

[Serenity087]

I have struggled to bring a welshie round in the past, and although we had a lot of fun together, some things were not fun, like shows.

I won't ever say I'm glad she's gone. Because I'm absolutely not. But I was pleased to have the oppertunity to own a horse I could have fun with.

I'd politely decline and find another horse. I don't doubt for one minute you love him, but riding is supposed to be fun!!

 

[eahotson]

No this pony is not suitable, as everyone else says, it will ruin her confidence and pleasure and may even injure her.Send it back and look for something else.If you have an instructor involve them in the search and purchase.Speaking from personal experience, confidence, once lost, is very hard to regain.
Wouldn't agree about the Welsh though!! I had a Highland, a breed that is suposed to be very docile.He was sharp and spooky.My Welsh is a total joy! I think its all down to the individuals really.

 

[nativetyponies]

You can't have a welsh C cross E.....

if it says Section C (E)..Then you pony is a gelded Section C...

In answer to the OP.....no, the pony isn't suitable

 

[Clodagh]

As others say, no such thing as an E except for it being a gelding.
I don't think you can generalise about Welshies, my boys have had all welshies, A, B and now C and they have all been saints. They are clever but mine are all angels.
I would say, though, that your pony isn't right. Theres lots out there at the moment!

 

[Tiarella]

get a newforest instead Theyre perfect for kiddies....

 

[nativetyponies]

I'd agree with this 100%!!!

 

[1life]

No don't invest, she will eventually lose her nerve and you will be left with a horse that is not being ridden and off to find another horse.

I would highly recommend giving him back, and a lot of people will knock me down for this but welshies are very head strong, if they want to do something they will and its hard to stop. I would carry on having a look around because if she wants to compete he is not going to do that, perhaps look at some less opinionated breeds

Agree with this. I have seen a lot of Welshies and if they have the right mind-set and the right rider for them they are stunning. But I have also had experience with those with a naughty streak and they are very strong animals to control (and yes, I realise the same could be said for any breed).
My daughter rides and while I realise she is going to have scarey moments I wouldn't want her getting on feeling scared. It is very easy to have your confidence knocked completely and, at the end of the day, this is supposed to be a fun hobby for most of us.

 

[Starzaan]

No pony is worth your daughter losing her confidence.... get rid and find something she can have fun on without the constant worry!

 

[ponypops]

We love welsh ponies .They tend to be smart,jolly active ponies often with a sense of humour!!! They teach the kids so much although i sometimes wonder if its the child that owns the pony or the pony owns the child!! I would say if you need a pony to do a job then welsh ponies are fantastic. One of my daughters jumps a section c, hacks, hunts,crosscountry does everything and he is fab. Yes he has a little buck occasionally and most often if she smacks him but dont they all. Other daughter has top top games ponies~~~~brave,willing,quick and guess what welsh!!!!!!

I would say the decision to buy any pony ~~~not just welsh~~~~rests on wether child is confident and happy and likely to stay that way. I have one daughter who would lose confidence if she were bucked off too often and doesnt want to get on a pony with view to having to work hard and get her riding up to a level to cope with the pony Ie she wants to be immediately happy on a pony knowing it will go out and do the job she asks~~thats the lovely section C can do anything Welsh pony!!! While my other daughter does fast and dangerous. She got to grips with a sect b games pony over last winter by riding her every day and in those first couple of weeks coming off her up to 30 times each week. yes there were tears ~~mainly because pony was impossible to catch when she fell off but there was never any doubt that this was going to be a class pony once she got to grips with it.

To conclude I would say go with your daughters personality,determination and confidence and with what the child truly wants.

 

[eahotson]

Agree with you to a point Ponypops but I think this pony is suposed to be a first one for a novice rider.Perhaps as a second or third for a more experienced child it might be perfect.My main concern is that the child will say But I love it and get caught in an emotional trap which is where an older and cooler head has to take over.I have seen this trap a few times now and its very destructive.One girl I know has a horse.She has had it for several years.She has managed to jump it TWICE and she wants to jump! BUT guess what? Won't sell because etc.

 

[ponypops]

Agree with you to a point Ponypops but I think this pony is suposed to be a first one for a novice rider.Perhaps as a second or third for a more experienced child it might be perfect.My main concern is that the child will say But I love it and get caught in an emotional trap which is where an older and cooler head has to take over.I have seen this trap a few times now and its very destructive.One girl I know has a horse.She has had it for several years.She has managed to jump it TWICE and she wants to jump! BUT guess what? Won't sell because etc.

yes I can see what you mean~~~had not really thought of that mainly because i felt focus was on welsh ponies being bad kids ponies.Also we are experienced horsey family who made sure our kids first ponies were perfect to develop them as riders and give them the so important confidence.Both my kids were very lucky in that respect although i do remember marvelling how some parents would plonk their babies on some real little devils.I think the posting has flagged up 2 issues. How to find a child the right pony and the merits of welsh ponies as a breed.

 

[Crackerz]

At 14.1hh it also is over height for a Sec C & can be regraded as a Sec D too.

Get the right welsh pony & you have a friend for life. I had a lovely Section B, 12.2hh when i was 10. He was a swine for his smaller old owner and tried it on for a few months with me but mum kept plonking me back on. I got the measure of him eventually but then he's alot smaller than what your boy!

I think any pony, regardless of breed can be like that. One of my New Forests i wouldn't dream of being a kids pony, he's very quirky.

I wouldn't invest though, there's a suitable pony out there that will build your daughters confidence instead of knock it i'm sure

 

[Aoibhin]

i am so lucky with my little sec A lad as he is the total opposite, a total saint with the kids (4yo,2yo & a 7 month that sits on him) yet i get on & he is a sod! its not anything physical as its all been checked & at only just 7 stone im far from too heavy for him he just loves to bugger about with adults.

id be giving it back & looking for a pony more suited to her, welsh or not they all have their own mindsets & you just need to find a pony/child combo that are the same.

 

[Pipkin]

I had a welshie when I was 11, he nearly put me off riding for good...when he was good he was the best pony ever when he was napping, bucking, taking off down Bankings he was the devil pony (no back problems etc just a little git and riggy) He was and still is as strong as a ox...I sold him to a family friend and he`s still the same old welshie!
I wouldnt invest, this pony is not right for your daughter.

 

[eahotson]

Ponypops I agree 100% about your second post.Finding that elusive 1st pony or horse, especially if you are not experienced and don't come from a horsey background, is very very difficult.Better to be a bit underhorsed I personally think, with the idea that you can move on in time.A genuine horse or pony will always sell well and get a good home.
I agree about the Welsh too.Met some awful ones but mine is very nearly a saint, literally anyones ride.A friend of mine, who has had a fair few Welsh in her time,says that if you get a good one, they are good!My NH instructor says the same too.

 

[Snickers]

I know SO many naughty welshies, after my experiences, would never get one for my kid! They are so headstrong, and although they are talented and very pretty, they are not a good first pony!

Go for a newfie instead They're superstars!

 

[eahotson]

See Snickers I would argue with that.A good childs pony is a good childs pony regardless of breed.As I say, I had a Highland.Everyone says this is a docile breed but mine was definately not, and since I have met a few wayward Highlands.

 

[irishdraft]

Havent read all the posts but I have a welsh sec c mare I am trying to sell for the owner, this mare will buck in canter and also is a bit sharp, shes fine with me but i am 5'8" and 10.5 stone ( mare is 13.2hh) but the owner will now not ride the pony,having completly lost her confidence on the mare, having said that she is a tiny lady who only weighs 6 stone and is fairly novice. But we have battled with this pony for two years and got no further forward with her to be a suitable ride for the owner. So my thoughts are dont go there, if anyone wants a cheap pony excellent in all other ways let me know, adults only !!

 

[zoelouisem]

I posted on last night and totaly agree that thos pony isnt suited to the ops daughter.

But totaly disagree with what some people sat about welshies not been good ponies for kids i have one for my six year old and he is a superstar he took her XC yeterday her first time and was jumping out of water cantering across open fields with 4 others, she went to the beach on him last week she was in the sea cantering up a down with another girl. Hes taken her from nervous lead to competing off the lead in showing and showjumping and low key dressage and this is all since May and shes only just turned 6. the pony i had previous was a welshie and i had to send her back as she was horrid on one accasion she dumped her and stamped on her.

I think its like any breed theres the good and bad they can make perfect kids ponys or awfull ones its just finding the right one!!!

 

[MyBoyChe]

I havent read through all the posts but was hooked by the title. Am no expert on either kids or ponies but would just like to say that my friends assorted varieties of welsh pony cause more hassle individually than my TB ex racehorse!! I would describe them as "full of character" but certainly not suitable for anyone other than a very capable and confident handler/rider.

 

[Lolo]

A good welshie is worth it's weight in gold, however finding them is so hard!

My sister, when she was 11, loaned a 14hh welsh cob. He was a total nightmare in many respects- he was bargey in the stable, had to be lead in a chifney at all times, and was normally ridden in a cheltenham gag because he was very strong and very opinionated. She was very skinny and he did use his strength against her at first. She stuck with him and after a year they were jumping round 3'3 tracks confidently, and also did some 3'9 courses (XC and SJ). HOWEVER, he never bucked (occasionally did rear though) and A was very confident to start with. He never set out to scare her or unbalance her.

Listen to your child- if she is occasionally feeling scared or nervy, just don't go there. Clever ponies who learn that they are bigger and stronger than their jockeys tend to use it, and it becomes a vicious circle...

 

[MagicMelon]

He's always worse if he's not been out in the field prior to riding.

Why not keep him out 24/7? See if that improves his behaviour? Could just be pent up energy from keeping him in which any horse will get.

Welshes can be difficult though, they aren't a breed to be taken lightly! I had a Welsh Cob who I had to work damn hard on to sort out his horrendous behaviour. When I bought him, he had no manners at all on the ground and was very agressive with me (and other horses) over feed. He destroyed my trailer and stable doors (barging through them). Was very nappy under saddle to begin with, BUT I worked hard on him and in the end he improved greatly. I had to work VERY hard at building a relationship with him and we still did have arguements, but under saddle he was fantastic. I've heard of plenty of people who cant cope with Welshies though (especially D's), and if you look on Project Horses - there's a lot of them on there...! I think the last thing you want to do is scare your daughter so can you not ride the horse regularily to try and break the habit?

 

[Roberta Andrews]

We had a Sec C who was perfect when he was in a good but could buck when he wasn't. His mood could change within the same day. He needed more work than we could give him. I have now found him a lovely home where he is winning competitions for them. We said we'd never have another Welsh however have seen one for sale who sounds perfect. Owner says she has never bucked. We are going to see her.

 

[Roberta Andrews]

We had a Sec C who was perfect when he was in a good but could buck when he wasn't. His mood could change within the same day. He needed more work than we could give him. I have now found him a lovely home where he is winning competitions for them. We said we'd never have another Welsh however have seen one for sale who sounds perfect. Owner says she has never bucked. We are going to see her.
It was a really hard decision to re-home him as we were attached to him despite him sending his jockey to A&E twice. It was the right decision though to re-home. Take a deep breath and find the best home for your pony, it's fairer all round. Good luck.