I have a problem Welsh Section A which I brought at the beginning of this year. Teddy came to me having been at working livery hunted and Pony Clubbed. Although I brought him just to hack out. The ex owner told me that he had no vices apart from a bit of buck when he was jumped, he was a “bit funny” around a hay net and would not sometimes walk past the hay barn without a good look. It soon became apparent though when I took him home that he was not traffic proof, spooked at joggers and rubbish bins and napped badly on the little bridge going away from the field where he lives. Yesterday having moved him from his summer grazing to his winter grazing on Saturday I tried to ride him for the first time in a week having worked very hard with him all summer to get him over the napping. All went well at first I lunged him for a while then I got on and walked over the bridge which he did as if he had done it all of his life, we went out for a short walk and when I was returning a car came up behind him so to be safe I dismounted as he really does not like cars coming up behind him. The car turned into a driveway, so I tried to get back on, Teddy started pacing about so I turned him around in small circles this has had the effect in the past of making him realise he needs to stand still whilst I get on, but this time after a couple of efforts at this when I got my foot in the stirrup he bucked which shoved me over sideways, I ended up on the ground and he got away from me and trotted off down the road and over another road towards home, which is where I caught him up easily. I am now concerned that I may have a naughty pony that thinks the answer to anything he does not like to do ie being ridden is to nap or buck. I dont want to be hurt and I do think there is a lack of respect going on here but not just for me for most people. I have tried join up which was reasonably successful but Welshies are notorious for being difficult. Any suggestions gratefully received.
Rewards
Subscribe to Equus Online University and become a part of Monty's worldwide mission to leave the world a better place for horses and for people too.
Students automatically gain access to special rewards, such as exclusive discounts at the Monty Roberts Online Shop. Visit Monty Roberts Online Shop.
Hi Mary - wow, there's a lot there! :-) ok, I'm going to write my thoughts/observations as a list - forgive me if this seems dictatorial or rude but it's just for convenience and so you can think about each one and disacard/use as you see fit! (1) Section A's are no different than any other pony - its how they are handled - I have one and have worked with many - it is because they are often children's ponies and because they are small they are sometimes treated like 'toys' so they develop cheeky behaviours as a result. Also, there is a lot of them around so the stereotype is reinforced easily (2) Previous owner said no vices except bucking and funny around food - those are vices!! :-) (3) What is his saddle fit like? Section A's are hard to fit sometimes as they are usually good eaters, can be "table topped" and a bit porky/barrel shaped (I have to watch mine's intake very carefully!. The bucking may be pain/saddle related or it may be something that has formed as a habit from past pain or learning to unseat a rider. I suggest having his back and saddle checked. I have worked with a horse recently very similar to yours - rider got off part way through the ride and then horse did not want her to get back on - her back was sore and she was tired. By the way, good for you for getting off - many people have the misconception that somehow the horse 'wins' if you get off which is of course rubbish. (4) It sounds as if you have worked a lot with him but there seems to be gaps in his past education that you may need to revisit. As well as the physical checks I suggest you start a de-spooking programme as per Montys videos. I also suggest you longline him rather than single line lunge and see if he bucks at all in any gaits while in long lines. (5) Forgive my rudenss for this personal bit - Section A's are hardy little souls but they are only 12 hands high, is your weight right (you dont need to tell us your weight honestly, just a thougt lol! - I'm much too heavy for mine so I don't ride him). (6) Do you have a Dually? The green one (xsmall) is perfect for the Section A's, if not I strongly recommend you get one so that his ground manners are sound. So I will shut up for now - I'm sure others will have many thoughts and suggestions. Good luck and keep us posted!
Thank you Vicci for your really helpful advice and I really do mean this. I feel you are very correct in everything you have said. I dont think he has back pain as the saddle he has is a good fit (I had this checked too). I have contacted a longtime previous owner who said he was cheeky as a youngster, so I think as you have said he has been treated like a toy and has been allowed to get away with a bit much. His manners were very poor when I got him but are becoming better, he used to send his hind around every time I approached him with a saddle, head collar or if he was eating but I have found that if I smack him with my hand and give him a good telling off he looks very apologetic and now does not do it anymore. Yes I have Dually and I have actually taken the nose band off his bridle and now ride him in the Dually with reins that I can unclip from his bit and attach to the Dually should I need to get off and get control back (the reins then become a lead). I have had a problem in the past with even lunging him but over the last few weeks this is coming on and I hope that if he improves over the next couple of weeks I will be able to long rein but he has had the habit of just standing and looking at me as if I was mad when I tried to long line him. Lastly I am 5ft tall and weigh less than 9 stone, which is less that his previous owner. I will try despooking him. Thanks for your helpful suggestions.
My suggestion would be (besides what has been said): go for walks with him (at the Dually) without riding him until he becomes less spooky.
Rudi
Hmmmmm...Interesting that when he ran off he didn't spook at anything on the way home!! lol Don't give up on him, sounds like you're on top of everything and just need more time. :) Make him feel like you trust him first, I know it sounds crazy but try it with small things and it'll work for the big ones in time. Maybe you anticipate he'll be naughty and he feels it...