When is enough enough? Need advice please.

You could try getting a Kelly Marks RA out to do a few sessions with him while you decide what to do. I've used one before & it costs about the same as a riding lesson.
Then if you do decide to sell he should at least be a bit easier to manage on the ground.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do, it's not an easy situation.
 
If you're prepared to give him away, I would ask around in your area for someone with the relevant experience and ability to (try to) turn him around and a good reputation for treating them properly. If they succeed they can keep / sell him as they see fit and if they can't they return him to you and then you have a decision to make. If you were in my area there would be 2 people I would recommend without a second's hesitation (one a pro and one a very talented, patient amateur who loves doing this sort of thing) so there are people out there. Good luck whatever you decide.
 
FrankieCob said:
Just an idea, but mine can be a total pig on the ground, similar sort of antics, very rude, you cant hold him or handle him easily, but its only when hes in pain, the rest of the time hes cheeky and you have to keep on top of him manners wise, but hes easy and safe to handle. Have you had a vet have a look?
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Sorry, just seen you have. In that case I'd find someone firm but fair used to dealing with obnoxious rude ponies and either send him off on sales livery or gift him to someone who can turn him around.
 
He sounds like a massive PITA.

What's good about him? Is he good to catch, shoe, school, etc?

Can he jump? What's he like in traffic?

Add up his positive points and if there are enough someone will be willing to work with the bad points. MHO is that if you can't fill a little advert box with good things about him, just do the world a favour and pts.
 
He's good to catch. He loads no problem. He's barefoot, so no idea what he would be like to shoe. He's fine to trim though. He's not trustworthy in traffic. He's not afraid of it, but his spooking issues make him unsafe to have around traffic. He has his basic schooling established, but schooling is a battle if he's not in the mood. I've never jumped him, but I suspect he'd be good at it.

He's very good looking and a really nice example of the breed. He moves beautifully as well. He's probably do very well in the show ring if it wasn't for his behaviour.

Which area are you in annagain? I'm in Kent (Swaley area)
 
I'd happily give him away to the right person. The money doesn't matter. I just want a resolution to the issue before the stress drives me crazy!
 
It sounds like he knows he can mess around with you - I've seen lots of horses get like this when they go to a less experienced home, and ponies are smart, they will suss your weaknesses!!! For the time being I wouldn't lead him in a normal headcollar, but something with a chain over the nose, or a bridle.

If he was like this with everyone I'd say retire or PTS, but it sounds like the professionals had no problems? I agree that sales livery sounds like the best option.
 
Is he registered? Maybe get in touch with the NF society and see if they know any showing people who would take him on for free. If he could do well in M&M with an adult, someone will want him I'm sure.
 
DalesDiva said:
He's good to catch. He loads no problem. He's barefoot, so no idea what he would be like to shoe. He's fine to trim though. He's not trustworthy in traffic. He's not afraid of it, but his spooking issues make him unsafe to have around traffic. He has his basic schooling established, but schooling is a battle if he's not in the mood. I've never jumped him, but I suspect he'd be good at it.

He's very good looking and a really nice example of the breed. He moves beautifully as well. He's probably do very well in the show ring if it wasn't for his behaviour.

Which area are you in annagain? I'm in Kent (Swaley area)
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A long way from you unfortunately - South Wales! I was just using it as an example for there being good people out there who would relish the challenge, do right by him and probably succeed in turning him into a decent little pony. I'd start asking in your area to find that person.
 
Yes he's registered Pigeon. That's a good idea actually. I'm going to contact his breeders as well.

He's only six. There is of course every likelihood and possibility that he's going though a terrible teenage stage. I'm hopeful the right person could turn him round, but that person just isn't me :(
 
I would move him on ASAP. Not all dealers are bad, I bought a newfie many years ago who was a complete ****. I sold him for £100 to a local dealer and he went on to be a really good BSJA pony.
If I hadn't been able to sell my one I would have had him PTS. Life is short, they are expensive, it is meant to be fun.
 
You could try a diy ranitidine trial, to rule out ulcers. You can buy a couple of packets from a supermarket. I think it's 2 tablets twice a day. If you see any improvement after 2 - 3 days, bingo.
 
Regandal said:
You could try a diy ranitidine trial, to rule out ulcers. You can buy a couple of packets from a supermarket. I think it's 2 tablets twice a day. If you see any improvement after 2 - 3 days, bingo.
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Or £5 worth of magnesium oxide off ebay if he is spooking where no sane horse would - lack of magnesium can mean he is running on adrenaline the whole time
 
When hes being ridden how long is it for and at what pace? Has anyone tried taking him for a 5 hour hack, for instance. Sometimes they just need to get rid of excess energy and walking and trotting for hours might do the trick. In the past horses worked all day long. Sometimes 30 mins to 2 hrs just isn't enough.
 
If a horse is reacting so badly, there is obviously SOMETHING up. Be that diet (as said, some can not tolerate grass)...or there is some deficiency you could try magnesium and soaked hay in stead? Whats his general routine? I know my boy in summer become less of a dairy cow in the summer when his routine is not to his standard of out in the day and in at night..it messes with his very tiny brain.

So just try one last time, a few changes. Get him on livery that he can come in, get a set proper routine, give him some sort of calmer or suuplement and try to be a bit more confident with him. I don't think its wise to sell a horse like this unless the person is a full adult and comes out to test him properly for a long time and KNOWS what he is really like - not all dealers are bad but lets face it they all need to sell on and preferably as fast as possible, and the horse you describe WONT be a fast easy fix and therefore worthless to a dealer unless they drug it and sell it to someone who won't worry about being killed.
 
MotherOfChickens said:
If he's ok for the YO and while on schooling livery then I'd put him on sales livery and cut your losses.
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This. If he's been ok or better for other people to ride and he were my horse I'd admit we just weren't a match which is fine and you have no reason to feel bad about and put him on sales livery. There are so many nice horses around and it costs the same to keep a nice one you can enjoy and trust as too keep the opposite.
 
poiuytrewq said:
This. If he's been ok or better for other people to ride and he were my horse I'd admit we just weren't a match which is fine and you have no reason to feel bad about and put him on sales livery. There are so many nice horses around and it costs the same to keep a nice one you can enjoy and trust as too keep the opposite.
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I fear the issue with that is that someone less up to the job than a professional will take him and the professional can't say that hes been bad for them cause hes not..if that made sense?
 
You are in Kent so your recommended associate is Suzanne Halsey, she is wonderful and very kind. I know you said budget is restricted but it might be worth a go. She is also a ride with your mind instructor. Even if your thinking of selling it would be handy to be able to handle him for buyers.

If you can scrap together a bit of money I do recommend the Chiro Vet, Julia Münich - Ledger. It may be he is in pain somewhere and it's been missed. Julia doesn't miss much. She is on FB and has a website.
 
Personally I'd sell it or if he is that bad then shoot it. Especially if it is bolting. I have been on two true bolters and I will never sit willingly on another despite the fact that I can and will ride any other nonsense a horse tries.

I feel very sorry for your situation as this hobby is supposed to be fun.
 
So many replies. I really do appreciate it :)

Suzanne Halsey looks good. Thank you so much for the recommendation. The only issue I have is that YO doesn't allow other trainers/instructors on the yard. She might make an exception though for my situation.

He's never been worked for anything like a 5 hour hack. I simply don't have the time to give him that much work! With regards to bringing him in, that simply isn't an option at the minute. I couldn't afford the costs at my yard. I do agree he would benefit from it though, the fact I can't do it for him is one of the reasons I think I should move him on :(

I would never ever put him in a situation where he went to someone inexperienced who couldn't handle him. I wouldn't do that to him (or to the person) I do love him even though he drives me up the wall. I want the best outcome I can for him.
 
OP there is some really good advice on your thread, this is a dreadful position to be in, it is meant to be fun and clearly isn't. If you sell on or loan you really do need to think about the safety of others and also for the pony. It is too easy for these types to begin a dreadful and more damaging spiral where they are passed round dealers, go to unsuitable homes and are drugged and sold again - remember poor Ginger in black beauty. It can happen even if you sell to a knowledgable adult. The conservation grazing route or I am afraid pts would be the options for me.
 
At least if he goes Conservation Grazing, he has, in essence "Got a Job".

He would need properly roughed off & ready to "Go a bit wild", but I don't think that would be a terrible issue.
 
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Camilla's Aunty Em said:
At least if he goes Conservation Grazing, he has, in essence "Got a Job".
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Ive looked after ponies who were on conservation grazing, and where i was anyway, they were well looked after - or as well as wild ponies can be.

OP Do you think he could cope with that? They mostly LOVE geldings - they can't get pregnant and can't impregnate! Perfect lol
 
Dave's breeder is very much involved with the use of Exmoors in CG, hence my suggestion. It's another avenue for a native who's ridden / handled options are limited.
 
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