paddi22
Well-Known Member
Sorry for the epic story, but any advice appreciated. I got in a old rescue pony (26ish) a few months ago who had been starved for years and had very bad dental problem that meant it hadn't been able to eat properly for a decade probably, and had survived by sucking in food when it could as it was unable to chew or move its jaw correctly. The lady who found it originally, paid for me to mind it and to get the treatment needed, so vet and dentist got its jaw moving properly again and now it can eat normally. Vet said it would have been in serious pain for years with the way its teeth were. Lady who rescued it is unable to keep it, and the original idea was she just wanted it to be pts with dignity after having a few good months of care, as it literally looked like it wouldn't have long (was unable to get up unaided at start etc).
Pony is amazingly resiliant though and gradually put on weight and is now a pretty little thing in super condition, doesn't look old at all. It had a few months on grass and became boss of field, gallops round, jumps ditches in field and rolls and stands with no issues now. Pony has obviously been badly treated for years, and is amazingly wary and stressed with people - originally i thought pts was fairest idea as there was absolutely no joy in its life around people at all. I have a full house at the moment, so can't justify keeping and feeding another mouth, especially over winter months.
Took pony up to my stables and paddock at house as a companion for another temporarily, and while it was there my neighbours kids started petting her and the pony became quite attached to them. It obviously had kids own it at some stage, and it doesn't have the bad associations it has with adults. They can catch and groom her, and lead her round an absolutely adore her. I mentioned to the mother that it would be pts before winter and she said she'd take her to live with them.
Put a saddle on her and she didn't bat an eye, but she found bridling extremely stressful. I've had a few rescues in who had mouth issues and were head-shy, and all came right with patience, but with this one i really think its unfair to put a bit in, and there's no way a kid could get a bit in to it.
So my question is eventually (!) what kind of bitless bridle would anyone recommend for a pony? Kids are very novice and can ride and have about 2 years of lesson, but would just potter round as they are very nervous. Most they would ever do is want to jump a starter stakes course. The only bitless i've used is a dr cook, but have no experience of how that would work with kiddie novices on. A hackamore would be too harsh in kids hands.
Pony would be a super companion but i don't want to pass it on unless it was someone i knew and could check regularly. I really dont want the pony to be pts, and if there's any chance of getting kids pottering round on it i'd be happy to try it. Would anyone have any idea of a bridle that might suit? Any help appreciated!
Pony is amazingly resiliant though and gradually put on weight and is now a pretty little thing in super condition, doesn't look old at all. It had a few months on grass and became boss of field, gallops round, jumps ditches in field and rolls and stands with no issues now. Pony has obviously been badly treated for years, and is amazingly wary and stressed with people - originally i thought pts was fairest idea as there was absolutely no joy in its life around people at all. I have a full house at the moment, so can't justify keeping and feeding another mouth, especially over winter months.
Took pony up to my stables and paddock at house as a companion for another temporarily, and while it was there my neighbours kids started petting her and the pony became quite attached to them. It obviously had kids own it at some stage, and it doesn't have the bad associations it has with adults. They can catch and groom her, and lead her round an absolutely adore her. I mentioned to the mother that it would be pts before winter and she said she'd take her to live with them.
Put a saddle on her and she didn't bat an eye, but she found bridling extremely stressful. I've had a few rescues in who had mouth issues and were head-shy, and all came right with patience, but with this one i really think its unfair to put a bit in, and there's no way a kid could get a bit in to it.
So my question is eventually (!) what kind of bitless bridle would anyone recommend for a pony? Kids are very novice and can ride and have about 2 years of lesson, but would just potter round as they are very nervous. Most they would ever do is want to jump a starter stakes course. The only bitless i've used is a dr cook, but have no experience of how that would work with kiddie novices on. A hackamore would be too harsh in kids hands.
Pony would be a super companion but i don't want to pass it on unless it was someone i knew and could check regularly. I really dont want the pony to be pts, and if there's any chance of getting kids pottering round on it i'd be happy to try it. Would anyone have any idea of a bridle that might suit? Any help appreciated!