When do I call it a day?

Niddlynoo

Niddlynoo

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Long post coming up - sorry!
I've never been a brave rider, and all I want to do is hack (no ambition at all!) Over the last few years I have had a number of loan horses. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with cancer and decided to give my spooky mare back to her owner as I really couldn;t afford to come off. I started to search for a heavyweight, quiet cob a while back. I found one, had a full vetting and took delivery last week. I spent the first couple of days on the ground just handling him and he seemed very calm. On Saturday I thought I'd try a small ride. Tacked up, no problem, led to the mounting block where the fun started. Tried endless times just leading him round to it, he swings his backside out as soon as he is near. Friend of mine tried to help, he got worse. Tried to get on fromn the road , saddle slipped just as I swung my leg over, he shot off, bucking. I was unconscious for a while, ended up in A&E with stitches in head and bad whiplash. Needless to say I can't ride for 2 weeks and my nerves are worse than ever. Spent yesterday and today trying to get him to stand by mounting block, reassurance trearts etc. Today gave up woth mounting block and tried bucket,. He seemed better, legged rider up so they were lying across about 3 times - he seemed fine. Then legged rider up til they were sitting up - he charged off, totally unstoppable. What do I do now - horse wasn't cheap, I'm too scared to ever try again and husband ready to sue the seller as he was advertised as quiet in every way! What do I do next?
 
Sorry to hear, sounds just what you don't need!
Have you contacted the seller at all? Has he had all the usual back, teeth etc checked?
 
I would probably ask the seller to take it back if I was you I think it has been a wrong purchase, however I would ask nicely rather than the I am going to sue you approach.

Horses swinging away and not standing to be mounted can happen when they are new trying it on or maybe just unsettled.

If the saddle slid underneath when mounting that was your fault really and may well have scared the horse so it is not a surprise the horse is now anxious, I am assuming you tried the horse before you bought it.
 
I agree with what's been said already about contacting the seller and asking if they would take him back and refund you (don't expect any money back for vetting, travel etc though). If you were of a mind to want to persevere with him then I'd ask how his current routine compares to his previous one (is he getting enough turnout with suitable company, are you giving him too much hard feed?) and I'd still contact the seller to ask their advice but from your post sounds like (totally understandably in your situation) you've already made your mind up that you don't wish to continue with him
 
Who cares if his back or teeth need checking you bought him as a sound horse and that's what he should be so soon after purchase. I know you could really do without the stress and the feeling that you're back to square one with a problem horse but I would absolutely send him back. You're not in the right physical or mental frame of mind to work through it. You shouldn't have to. I really really feel for you. Don't let it get you down, start being pro active. Gently approach the seller at first, if you don't get what you want threaten legal action, if you still don't get what you want sue them.
 
You poor thing! As far as the horse is concerned though I would not panic that he is not the nice quiet cob you wanted as lots could be going on. Firstly he has a new home and some horses can act out of character until they are fully settled. Second the swinging round from the mounting block often indicates a back problem or other pain related problem. This needs ruling out. Did you try him before you bought? Did you have the vetting done or did he come with a full vetting?

Just to say that my horse of a lifetime was a nightmare and complete loony for the first 6 months and everyone told me to sell her. I'm so glad I didn't.

I hope you recover fully both from your fall and from your illness. And good luck with your cob. I would pay an instructor to come and ride him for you for a couple of weeks until he settles if I were you.
 
Smallhorses said:
Who cares if his back or teeth need checking you bought him as a sound horse and that's what he should be so soon after purchase. I know you could really do without the stress and the feeling that you're back to square one with a problem horse but I would absolutely send him back. You're not in the right physical or mental frame of mind to work through it. You shouldn't have to. I really really feel for you. Don't let it get you down, start being pro active. Gently approach the seller at first, if you don't get what you want threaten legal action, if you still don't get what you want sue them.
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Normally I would be saying give the horse longer to settle - but thinking about it I agree with this post. Not standing at the mounting block and that sort of minor stuff is quite common with a new horse settling in. However, charging off or bucking the minute the rider is on his back is not acceptable IMO.

You really dont need this right now - I hope the dealer is reasonable with you and I also hope you are soon recovered from both your injurys and your illness.
 
Contact the seller and ask them to take him back! I don't know whether you explained to the vendor about your health and your particular needs but I think you should stress this when you speak to the vendor.
I echo what Smallhorses said about the way to approach the seller and the steps to take if you don't get the right response.
Then in order to get your confidence back, I'd ask a friend with a very sensible horse if you could ride that a few times before making any decisions about your own horse owning future.
If you were nearer I'd offer mine - she'd be perfect but unfortunately you're almost at the other end of the country.
 
Ah, sorry it's all gone wrong.

Definitely contact the previous owner to see if the horse has displayed this sort of behaviour before.

The saddle slipping isn't the horses fault I'm afraid. It may be a combination of new home, horse very unsettled, the saddle slipping has frightened the bejesus out of the horse and there could well be a pain issue.

Have you used tack that came with the horse, has it been checked by someone qualified whether that be a very experienced person or a saddler?

What was the reason for the saddle slipping? Was the girth not tight enough or is it a badly fitting saddle?

We can all come up with the best advice in the world, if your nerves are shot to pieces with no possbility of getting them back with this horse, then hopefully the seller will refund.

Once you've had chance to get your breath back and take stock, is it really the horses fault, a bad horse or circumstance, a solvable hiccup all be it a painful one for you.
 
Don't feel bad about sending it back, I know horses take time to settle but the simple task of standing to mount isn't a great deal to ask of a horse advertised as safe and quiet.
I would get in touch with the owners sooner rather than later, if they have miss sold you the horse, they may try to blame his bad behaviour on you, so the sooner you get in contact the easier things should be.
 
it does seem like you have been put throu the ringer.

I would certainly phone the seller was it a dealer or a private seller? did you try it whilst it was at the seller?

i remember one of the horses i had bolted really badly with me the first time i rode it a couple of years ago. i also brougt it as a safe ride to teach my hubby on but it was no good. hated all men and never settled.

then my horse that i have now took off with me when i rode him at the dealer and what can i say it was love at first canter :D:D

Please let us know how you get on.

take
care
 
My cob wouldn't stand by the mounting block, he swings his bum around so I can't get on. Even when I try to get on from the ground he won't stand still. When I do get on if I haven't got a tight rein he shoots off, although he doesn't buck. He does stand still eventually after repeatedly bringing him around and trying again. I have a new made to measure saddle, he's up to date with the dentist had his back checked all fine. If I'm riding in company I ask my friend to stand her horse infront of him and block him so he can't run. He never bucks though. He is very quiet other than that and is a saint in everyother way. I've own him since January and the lady I brought him off had been in a car smash and was partly disabled, I wondered if she maybe used to drop down on his back when mounting as her problem was with her hip. And he anticipates me doing the same. Hope you manage to sort things out, all the best x
 
I am so sorry to hear about your situation. It could be that the horse is just unsettled but with your health it starts becoming a different matter. You just need something nice and quiet and simple as you say. I would be tempted to go back to the seller and demand my money back. If you were not suffering with your health I would perhaps say persevere for a little as it is early days.
The simple fact is there are horses out there that would be nice and quiet and safe for you. Good luck whatever you decide
 
I'm sorry to hear of all your troubles :( Only thing I can say is to ask the previous owner to come and see him himself. Ask him to mount the horse in front of you.
A girl on my old yard bought a new horse who would bolt when mounted. She phoned the original owner (who fortunately was lovely) and asked him to come out and see the behaviour for himself. He did & he seemed genuinely gobsmacked. He took her back for a couple of weeks & then returned her with no probs. She was a young horse & had been bred by the original owner, so he was all she had ever known - it was all just a shock to her system I think.
Definitely worth asking in your case though. Play nice at first, then play hell if that doesn't work.
Good luck. It's so disheartening x
 
ok normally i would say get back checked etc give horse time to settled but this rings of a case on our yard - girl has cared for her horse for 23 yrs having only ridden once back when first bought ( went lame and told to shot him but she as loved him totallly for 23 yrs and adores him) she decided she want to ride again- she as a cage round spine so safty is paramount. bought horse sold as 100% safe but was manic - i hugged her and told her to send him back - was from dealer - now as a hairy gorgeous cob who is totally safe and our local vet vouched for him - hes only 4 so she is having him proffessionally schooled but hacks him out most days and her smile is amazing - he is so so so safe kind and you could put firework up bottom and he wouldnt batter eyelash - what im trying to say is send back/sell this horse honestly but never ever give up - you need your time to chill and help you through this time and a kind horse will help you and trust me the right horse is out there. just hang in there and look for that horse that will be there for you and make you smile :) he/she is out there x x x
 
I'm sorry to hear you've not been well and obviously this is not what you need right now. You say in your post you are very nervous and added to this you are probably a bit emotionally and physically fragile because of your circumstances. The problem is any horse will pick up on this, when you move a horse to a new place with a new routine and a new owner they are bound to act up. Whether this is down to anxiousness or playing up to get the upper hand is kind of irrelevant, they need confident firm handling from a 'leader' to get them to settle. It doesn't sound as if you've been able to do that, for very understandable reasons. I would give yourself a break, you've been through a lot. You need to decide if this horse is the one for you, if he is persevere but get some help or a sharer until you feel able to cope. If he's not and you feel you can't get past this ask the seller to take him back or sell him on but really take your time to find the right one if you want to replace him, you really don't need the added stress and it isn't fair to you or the horse. Good Luck x
 
Not many horses are taught to stand at a mounting block, and if your health and nerve is a little shaky give up for awhile, and then go back to riding when you feel upto it.
 
Horrible situation - echo what others have said. This horse was from a dealer wasn't it? I would hope if they care about their reputation, they will take him back - and if not, then that could be quite telling anyway. Of course this could all be bad luck and could be worked through, or could be something more sinister. I would say though if you've lost your confidence with this horse, that will be lot extra to deal with on top of the normal new horse worries - and the horse will sense that so becomes a problem anyway. Personally, I would be tempted in your situation to take the horse back to the dealer - but don't feel this has to mean you give up on horses. You could bank the money (or credit note!) - find a horse that you know is reliable and settled to ride over the winter to help regain confidence- and then reassess in Spring. At least its one less stable to muck out over the winter! Let us know how you get on.
 
I'm sorry you are in this situation, but it really might just be 'first week' issues.
When we went to try out our 'safe cob' he was well behaved and perfect. When we got him home, we let him settle for a few days, and then arranged for my instructor to ride him out first. He led us on a dance just trying to tack him up, and I was so glad she rode him as no way would I have got on him. She rode him out and even she only just managed to stay on him, I was so upset that first week thinking we had bought the completely wrong horse, and that I would never be able to ride him.
The next couple of rides were just me walking on a lunge line for 10 minutes, but after he'd been ridden 2 or 3 times he was fine, back to the horse we had met when we went to see him. It's amazing to think how different he was he first time he was ridden by my insructor, it just shows how much effect a whole new situation can have on a horse until he feels happy.
 
Just a quick update. Tried to do softly softly approach to mounting. Leading up to MB, treat and repeat etc. He wouldn;t go within 5 foot of it. Next tried standing on sturdy bucket, brushing, then fiddling with tack, then legging rider up so they were lying across his back. All of this was OK, so legged rider up. As soon as she was on board he took off (luckily just in trot) and wouldn't calm down. As soon as possible rider dismounted and I called it a day. Bearing in mind this horse was advertised as 'easy to handle and do in all ways', I feel this is more of a problem than I am willing to deal with. I was told he could be fidgety at the mounting block. Even so I dont feel it should take in excess of 30 mins to mount. OH has said that he wants horse to go (and as he pays most of the bills he does have some say in this!) as it terrified him seeing me knocked unconcious, bleeding with a potential neck injury. All I want is a quiet,H/W cob whom I can take for ambles around the countryside - is this too much to ask? I am not new to horse owning, so am failry confident on the ground, just need a steady neddy to ride!
 
Niddlynoo said:
Just a quick update. Tried to do softly softly approach to mounting. Leading up to MB, treat and repeat etc. He wouldn;t go within 5 foot of it. Next tried standing on sturdy bucket, brushing, then fiddling with tack, then legging rider up so they were lying across his back. All of this was OK, so legged rider up. As soon as she was on board he took off (luckily just in trot) and wouldn't calm down. As soon as possible rider dismounted and I called it a day. Bearing in mind this horse was advertised as 'easy to handle and do in all ways', I feel this is more of a problem than I am willing to deal with. I was told he could be fidgety at the mounting block. Even so I dont feel it should take in excess of 30 mins to mount. OH has said that he wants horse to go (and as he pays most of the bills he does have some say in this!) as it terrified him seeing me knocked unconcious, bleeding with a potential neck injury. All I want is a quiet,H/W cob whom I can take for ambles around the countryside - is this too much to ask? I am not new to horse owning, so am failry confident on the ground, just need a steady neddy to ride!
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You've tried and in the circumstances, I'm with your hubby. You've got enough to cope with at the moment.

I hope the seller is a decent one and I hope you find your steady neddy, but most of all, I wish you well with your health :)
 
Presumably when you tried the horse these issues weren't apparent?

And presumably you've been in contact with the seller about returning the horse - what was their response????
 
Have you contacted the person you bought the horse from, if you have not yet done so I would asap. If it was sold as a quiet and safe horse it should, in my opinion, stand to be mounted almost anywhere, what would happen if you had to get off on a ride it should not mean walking home:eek:
I think it should go back, however you were probably rather naive when trying, if told it may fidget, in future read, it doesnt stand still. That said it is still not suited for purpose and a dealer should accept that and take it back under terms of warranty.
 
When I tried him he moved away from the mounting block once/twice but then stood. When I contacted the dealer she said I should persevere, and that she told me he was a bit fidgety. The thing is - when does it stop being fidgety and start being a real issue?
 
Niddlynoo said:
When I tried him he moved away from the mounting block once/twice but then stood. When I contacted the dealer she said I should persevere, and that she told me he was a bit fidgety. The thing is - when does it stop being fidgety and start being a real issue?
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Phone her back - tell her he's not as described (regardless of the mounting issues) and that you are returning him this weekend and that you want a full refund.
 
Push, she thinks she has covered herself re. warranty but this is extreme behaviour not just unsettled, he has probably done it before somewhere.
I have a horse here that fidgets to be mounted, still after a year he does not stand still, but has never done anything more than walk forward or turn slightly and if rider misses he just waits for them to get it right.
I also feel a calm and sensible horse that is well adjusted and has moved a few times will settle in a new place very quickly provided it has company and its basic needs of food, turnout etc met.
 
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