Re: Question - Keeping on a Horse

Just to add to the whole story, she actually has two! This cob and a
"lightly" backed 3 year old, ie she sat on the filly bareback twice, both in
the same field

Hey ho, each to their own.

I do remember you clipping him, although we were encouraging the owner to
take it all off and she refused, so a slight "slip" on the lines may have
aided to a little bit extra coat coming off ;-)

It looked like it had been snowing thre was sooooo much hair, incredible,
although sadly he is now back to hairy self again.


"Nikki Overton" <nikki@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:4jEnj.21172$g%2.2325@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi All,

Like Julie said, I clipped this horse and he was really good, just got a
bit unbalanced when we did his hairy bits and had to lift his legs. Not
naughty to clip just a bit lazy about lifting his feet.

He is infact a nice useful sort of cob, very nicely marked piebald with
a sharp head and a nice eye.

Another angle that hasn't been much explored is that at four years old
he hasn't had much in the way of manners, but it doesn't mean that he is
a lost cause in any way. He certainly is a nice looking pony and it
would be a total shame for him to be abandoned in a field for the rest
of his days.

So, he although he has been taught to be pushy through improper
handling. My thoughts on starting horses is that I prefer to leave the
preparation, backing and riding stages until the horse is rising 4.

I have backed larger horses sooner than this, but as a rule- it is my
personal preference to back and ride away my youngsters a four year
olds. I know not everyone feels the same and I am in no way knocking
anyone else's way of doing things either. As, I also understand that it
is up to the individual to judge when the horse you are working with is
ready to be backed.

This doesn't mean I do nothing with my youngsters UNTIL they are four,
not so- all the basics will be well in place by then too.

I also concur with Catja/Jill, I think that as he is just four years
old, a more experienced person could easily take this pony in hand and
start working him regularly with excellent results. Part of the art of
starting a youngster in my book is actually inspiring them to like
learning what you have to teach them and knowing how fast or slow to
take it.

Perceived "stubbornness" in a youngster like him, is in my experience
confusion. They don't understand the mixed signals that a confused and
frankly nervous rider/handler is giving them so they just do the safest
thing they can- plant their feet. That way they can't get it 'wrong'...
it is a learned response to unpleasant or confusing stimuli...

With the right person to inspire him, he will make a lovely ride and
drive type or mother/daughter share. He is certainly nice enough to show
as a 'mini-cob'..

I personally really like this pony, and knowing what I do about his
owner- she will not end up doing anything at all with him and his
behaviour can be largely attributed to her. I think if I were the YO I
would 'encourage' her to sell him on to someone who can give him the
kind of life he deserves.

He really is a 'dope on a rope' but when he is give regular work and a
more schooling/ life experience he could potentially be worth a lot more
than he is now...

It is a crying shame that his owner bought a youngster and not a much
older horse who has at least wouldn't mind lots field rest and not much
in the way of work.

JMHO,

Nik & The Boys xxx



Babypink wrote:
From a commercial point of view, I would say it's better if he were sold
within the next year - people aren't suspicous about unbacked four year
olds, but once he gets to five or older, people will suspect that
there's something wrong with him even when there isn't.

Catja

Exactly, which he does have a year or two on his side, after that its
going
to be a little concerning I suppose. I am just thinking like I said
about
the bigger picture and more for his future welfare, but then again for
every one of him there are a few hundred more!




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