Who can back?

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dallas

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I have a 5 year old Irish cob who needs backing. I had a cob before her who I backed myself and I was starting to back this cob when I found out I was pregnant and had to stop. So while I was pregnant I turned her away and worked daily on groundwork. It really helped and she started to turn into a lovely well mannered horse (with the occasional 'teenage' moment). Being a glutton for punishment, we decided to move house 3 weeks after my baby was born. It was a long distance move so we moved the horse a month before my due date and put her in part livery. I unfortunately had a complicated birth and a long recovery which is still ongoing. Meaning the horse has basically done nothing in over 3 months. I've been trying to get over to see her more (a task in itself with a newborn!) and have noticed that basically all my hardwork with her has been for nothing. She's got no manners and is throwing her weight around. I tried getting a saddle on her and she wouldn't let me near her with it. So he is basically back to square one and she needs backing.

I've never used livery before, always just had the old horse at home and backed myself. Now I just dont have the time, or the physical ability to back her. I will be able to start again with the ground work but not much more.

Is there such a thing as people who can come back your horse? Or is this something I could ask the livery yard manager about? Or should I send her away? (Not keen on this after such a big move recently already for her).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated from this sleep deprived, run ragged new mum! :)
 
Sounds like you have enough experience to call the shots but need an experienced young rider. Have you tried getting in touch with your local pony club? One of their seniors might be glad of the experience, and cheaper than livery.
 
You can, often in the form of an instructor you trust etc. There is no harm in going back to basics on the ground work, getting her used to the take and longlining etc in it. Then look to back her either later this year, or next spring :)

From reading your post, I would be weary of asking the yard manager to do the backing. If the horse has regressed under her care, I wouldn't be confident in the backing.
 
If you trust the livery yard owner/manager i would start there

When i was looking an advert in my local agricultural store yeilded quite a few replies - some unsuitable and some good and fully insured etc I didnt want to send my pony away either

In the end i had a friends daughter back the pony but will now get someone to bring him on

Sending them away is easy as there are lots of people who will take them but i really want to keep a close eye on my boy. Lack of facilities at home is making me question that decision though!
 
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