Would anyone want a horse like this?

Bertolie

Bertolie

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My daughter bought a 13 year old warmblood x last year that was quite green. She was bringing him on slowly and making good progress with him. Unfortunately he was involved in a RTA which has left him frightened of motorbikes and bicycles. My daughter (who is 26) has lost all confidence on him and realises that she is too nervous to ride him anymore. We don't want to rehome him but think it would be in his best interests to rehome him either as a companion or a riding horse with someone who was confident and has the time to work through his issues but we are unsure if anyone would take on a horse like this? He is good to handle on the ground though is prone to the odd spook and will do join up and follow you round the paddock. He just needs someone who can give him the time and experience he needs. Would people want a horse like this either as a companion or a project? Any thoughts anyone?
 
there will be people, but obviously will be harder to find him a home than it would otherwise be. There are quite a few people that don't hack at all or who only hack on private land - it might not bother that sort of rider so much. You could try putting him on the Project Horses site.

If not how about getting an experienced sharer for him? People are sometimes more willing to take on a challenge if they don't have to commit to it long term, and they might be able to work with him enough to enable you to sell him at a later date.
 
There are plenty of people out there maybe looking for a little riding club horse who may never hack or see a bike again.

When you say he has a thing about bikes - are we talking a spin, buck rear then bolt - or a little tense and possibility of more...

If a horse can get over being cut out of a tipped over trailer, then a few months later happily load itself, im sure your horse has a future somewhere :) Its all about confidence, if he can trust the rider and they say there is nothing to worry about, thats half the battle!
I hope you can find him a lovely solution for everyone
 
I'm not sure I'd take on a project that may never be a safe hack unless talented enough to be a very good competition horse, doesn't mean everyone would think that though. But could still be good for someone with straight access to off road hacking. Or if he's up to it could still hunt, even traffic shy horses tend to be fine following hounds, provided they could avoid roads for fittening work.
 
I agree about looking for a sharer if that is an option? Are you in a position to keep him as a companion?

Does your instructor know anyone suitable? maybe offer him out as a permanent loan so that he cannot be passed around....that is the danger with a horse like this.
 
When he sees a motorbike/bicycle he will spin and bolt off in the other direction. He hasn't bucked at all but could possibly rear if frightened enough. Even being led he will bolt off in panic and once he is in the 'zone' there is no getting through to him. My daughter is not looking to sell him, he would be free to a good home but we wouldn't advertise him as that. Would it be better to advertise him as a project or as a companion?
 
If your interest is in finding the right person for the horse, then contact an equine rescue centre (a reputable one). There'll be a waiting list, but they are more likely to be interested in a sound riding horse, even if he needs help working through a couple of issues. At least you know he'll only go to an approved home.
 
Do you have off-road hacking where you are? If you do then a confident sharer might be an option and could help work towards being safe on the roads again.

I personally would not take on a horse that was not good on the road. I don't see any reason why someone wouldn't take him as a companion though.
 
We have to go on roads to get to off-road hacking and we live in a small village where everyone seems to cycle! If my daughter was confident of working through his problems he wouldn't be going anywhere. Unfortunately its got to the stage where she is nervous even leading him. We did think about one of the rescue centres but I know they are bursting at the seams so not sure if they would take him on. We have an IH recommended associate coming out on Monday to assess him and help us work through the issues but I don't think my daughter will ever get her confidence back with him.
 
I would think your horse is rehomeable to the right person provided they know what they are getting into, I know it is a vicious circle when horse and rider lose confidence with each other and nerves / anticipation of something going wrong or happening again creeps in which make the situation worse. Depending on what exactly he does (ie. if he is not too dangerous) perhaps a change of rider would do him good or even a change of lifestyle (i.e change of discipline from hacking to doing school work or RC activities, etc.) - some people will take on project horses with issues and this would possibly build up his confidence again? As the others have said plenty of people have horses who are happy to never hack or encounter such hazards and are happy to work in the school, compete, etc. I definately wouldn't write him off as he may just be looking for someone who can give him some confidence.
 
Had another thought- would he be suitable to go on loan to a college or a good riding school? That way he wouldn't necessarily have to hack.
 
littlelegs said:
Had another thought- would he be suitable to go on loan to a college or a good riding school? That way he wouldn't necessarily have to hack.
Click to expand...

that's a good idea there is also the "project horse" website (google it) you could put him on there and see what feedback you get.
 
Could you maybe try sending him to someone experienced to work with him for a few weeks sort of like reschooling and then your daughter could ride him again and try and get her confidence back? And if your daughter still isn't confident you could at least maybe find someone more suitable after having some work done with him?
 
Whereabouts are you based? We are looking for bigger horses foe our equestrian centre . Most of ours come to us as they have little quirks that aren't to every ones liking however they thrive in a busy yard and we care for them and ride them taking their issues into consideration. We have themules horse boss from here, puffin from a hho member as well as several others from the saddle up forum. They are very well loved and we keep them well schooled. Pm me if you like.
We also always give the owner first refusal on having them back and send lots of pics and updates.
 
charlie76 said:
Whereabouts are you based? We are looking for bigger horses foe our equestrian centre . Most of ours come to us as they have little quirks that aren't to every ones liking however they thrive in a busy yard and we care for them and ride them taking their issues into consideration. We have themules horse boss from here, puffin from a hho member as well as several others from the saddle up forum. They are very well loved and we keep them well schooled. Pm me if you like.
We also always give the owner first refusal on having them back and send lots of pics and updates.
Click to expand...

Have PM'd you. x
 
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