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  Discussion on Trustworthy pony?
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New Member:
Pattyp

Posted on Friday, Oct 10, 2003 - 2:41 pm:

Please bear with me... this is my first post. I've been lurking in the background for months, reading everything on the site. Now I'm looking for advice. A year ago I bought a 7 yr QH gelding, after being horse-less for 10 years. A couple weeks later I came across a pony, Nellie, that I thought would be perfect for my children (ages 4, 4, 6, 12 and 12, yep, 2 sets of twins). Since none of my kids had any experience and all were intimidated by the horse, I thought the pony would help. The owners' children had supposedly ridden her for several years and were ready for something bigger (they were the same age as my oldest children). Nellie is 12 years old, 11 hands and weighs about 600 lbs, large enough that I, being petite, thought I could ride her if necessary. (Knowing that ponies can be very headstrong with children, I thought I could at least ride her to keep her in line.) I quickly discovered that she had other ideas - it seems she has a 100 lb weight limit! I could lead her around all day long, but when the kids tried to ride on their own she would just stop or would just go in the direction that she wanted. I decided it was time for me to get on. She went halfway around the yard, then reared, small at first and then high enough that I was afraid that she was going over, on top of me! I bailed off. Mistake, because now she knows how to get rid of her rider. I got back on, made a short trip around the yard, then got off, ending on a positive note. I had the vet out to check her teeth and her back. Everything seemed ok. About a week later I got back on her, as soon as her front feet came off the ground I grabbed her ear. I didn't pull, didn't twist, just grabbed hold of it. She came back down and a few minutes later started bucking. So, I was back to leading kids around.

About 6 weeks ago, in an effort to make her rideable (is that a word?) I sent her to a nearby trainer. He kept her for a month. His 7 year old son rode her and trained her to pull a cart. I brought her home and last weekend, for the first time in a year, both of my 4 year olds were actually able to ride her around the yard. I'm using a snaffle and everything is done at a walk. She got to wringing her tail and laying her ears back, so I know she wasn't pleased but she behaved and showed no signs of running away or really acting up. Now the kids' confidence level is way up but I just don't know how trustworthy she is. The two 12 yr olds saw her in action and won't even think about getting on her.

This pony's ground manners are wonderful. She leads well, stands tied, stands for the farrier, loads in the trailer, the 3 younger kids all gather around with brushes at all angles and she just stands there. She just loves attention. And of course, the kids (and I) are emotionally attached to her.

I guess I'm wondering how long before you'd think she's trustworthy under saddle?

Member:
Westks

Posted on Friday, Oct 10, 2003 - 7:16 pm:

This is just my opinion but I would never buy a pony period. I would get a small quarter horse gelding around 7-10 yrs old. Ponies just are not trustworthy for the most part. The ones that are are few and far between.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Oct 11, 2003 - 3:09 am:

It is not so much time as it is a attitude Patty. The pony becomes trustworthy once she quits displaying signs of being unhappy with the work and at least accepts the work or even better appears to enjoy it. Yes, the longer she does this the more trustworthy she is but jhorses are all different and whether any length of time will change this ponies attitude, I cannot know. Of course proper training will go a long way to improve the situation, but I would not be putting 4 year old children on such a obviously unhappy pony under saddle.
DrO
Member:
Pattyp

Posted on Saturday, Oct 11, 2003 - 4:12 pm:

Thanks for your input Janette and DrO. This means I go with my first instinct and try to find someplace else for her. As far as I can tell, her ground manners and cart training are her best (only) selling points. I've had several people ask about her but am always honest about her 'problems'. I don't want to see anyone get hurt. I've had an offer of a trade from an amish fellow. But, am somewhat skeptical. Besides, I'd wonder about her treatment there. I may not owe her much, but I'd sure like to find someplace where I wouldn't wonder if I'd done the right thing.

DrO about the children riding: They were riding in a small enclosed area and I was right there with them, watching her every move. I wouldn't think of turning them loose at any distance away from me. But, you made your point! Thanks

Patty
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