Viewing Fells

showqa · #1 16th Mar 2008, 03:29 PM

Ok, so Ive been to see the Fell that I mentioned in an earlier thread. He's younger than I thought - 4 not 5 - and as you all know those twelve months make a helluva difference in education. So, he's VERY green, and above the bit a lot of the time -looks almost as though he's been restrained in standing martingale and reacting to it, although where he is at the moment haven't had him in anything other than a loose ring snaffle.

He went to a home after being backed and they haven't done a thing with him. It was very windy when I was riding him so that didn't help him much in terms of settling, and other than a teenager and the guy who backed him, I'm literally the only one he's had on his back as far as they know.

He's in 24/7 at the moment because they're terrified about him getting knocks as they're selling him for someone else, so again couldn't say what he was like to catch. He's hacked out on a country track but never seen a road/car. Barefoot (pretty good, hard feet actually), and hasn't had them trimmed there yet because he's only been there for three weeks. So they weren't in a position to say what he was like with the farrier. Having said that I picked up his feet and he was fine.

But he doesn't have a nasty bone in his body - really very sweet natured and a teddy bear around the box/being tacked up/ feet handled/back end, head, girth area stroked. Not the most important thing in the world, but he's also stunning to look at and well put together.

So, my dilemma is do I buy him knowing that I'm going to have to put a lot of hours into his basic schooling (bearing in mind that I have another horse to school), or do I say no and look for something that I can be a bit more laid back about in terms of schooling. I'm VERY torn - I do think he's gorgeous - so please, all opinions welcome. Thanks!

Thistle · #2 16th Mar 2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by showqa

But he doesn't have a nasty bone in his body - really very sweet natured and a teddy bear around the box/being tacked up/ feet handled/back end, head, girth area stroked. Not the most important thing in the world, but he's also stunning to look at and well put together.

He sounds adorable, and it's impossible to put a price on what you've said above. I guess he is a bit of an unknown quantity but with a temperament like that I'm sure you'd be fine, and he's only young and you don't have to teach him everything all at once. I'm sure if it was me I'd buy him!!

JOJOBA · #3 16th Mar 2008, 06:41 PM

Which Fell is this, if you dont mind me asking? Ive rung up about nearly every one which is for sale!

xxx

showqa · #4 16th Mar 2008, 10:48 PM

Just outside Warrington.

JOJOBA · #5 17th Mar 2008, 08:36 AM

Warrington..... hmm.
Dont think I know of that one...
How did you manage to find one I havent seen!?

If he has his head up all the time in a rigid way Id be more inclined to think back or saddle trouble personally - maybe hop on him bareback and see if it's improved at all?

It is a tricky decision - depends how easy you think he'd be to get going, and how good his general temperament is?

(and if his price reflects the fact he hasnt done much)

xxx

Ace87 · #6 17th Mar 2008, 08:52 AM

If you're not scared of putting in the hours with him he may well turn out to be a good investment. I would investigate why his head is up and rigid though. Can you speak to the people who actually own him not who are selling him on behalf of... they might give you some more info?

Blitzen · #7 17th Mar 2008, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by showqa

So, my dilemma is do I buy him knowing that I'm going to have to put a lot of hours into his basic schooling (bearing in mind that I have another horse to school), or do I say no and look for something that I can be a bit more laid back about in terms of schooling. I'm VERY torn - I do think he's gorgeous - so please, all opinions welcome. Thanks!

I think if you can manage schooling the two, this Fell chap would be very rewarding. The greeness can also be seen as a good thing - make him your own, and bring him on the way you want to, knowing he hasn't been spoiled. It probally won't take as long as you think with his nature.
At the end of the day, its got to be only your decision - people can give advice and opinions, but you've got to be happy in the long run.

showqa · #8 17th Mar 2008, 10:17 AM

Thanks guys. The head thing does bother me a bit - almost looks as though someone has tried a fangle training aid on him and he's developed a bit of a habit now. I asked the "middle man" if they knew if anything in particualr had been used on him, and they said they didn't know.

Thistle · #9 17th Mar 2008, 07:02 PM

To be honest I don't think the head thing would worry me too much, he's still very young and will quickly forget if he has been strapped down with some gadget. I've got more experience with highlands than fells and you often see the younger ones (4/5) who are shown at high levels going in a very artificial way because they are simply too immature (in brain and body!) to cope with the work asked of them. I've got a young High (3yrs) myself, my aim is that by the time he is 7 he will be able to do a novice dressage test well. I wish you all the best in your decision making and if you go for him I hope he is everything you hope for. Can't beat natives IMO!

Jenbee · #10 17th Mar 2008, 08:35 PM

Was in an almost identical situation to yours a few weeks back, i also have another 4 year old mare who im working on so wasnt sure whether i was up for another 'challenge'

Let my head rule my heart a little bit tbh though and am now the proud owner of a very green yet absolutely adorable teddy bear of a fell pony

He runs round with his head in the air, gob open and his nose stuck out when were in the school..

People keep trying to tell me to strap his mouth shut with a flash and get a dutch gag on him but thats really not my style! Not addressing the problem really

So im patiently working on him, and its slowly coming, but its very rewarding and i dont regret buying him for a second

fell ponies rule

x x

cesa · #11 17th Mar 2008, 08:44 PM

Wow Jenbee what a gorgeous wooly mammoth you've got there. I LOVE Fells too!!

The one I ride is rising 8 and very sweet, placid and adorable. Hope you have lots of fun with your wee man and the schooling pays off in the long run. Keep us updated...

showqa · #12 18th Mar 2008, 10:04 PM

Jenbee he's a darling! Totally agree with you about the flash - he has so many years of education ahead, what's the hurry I think!

ginageorge · #13 19th Mar 2008, 04:45 PM

He is a cracker he looks very much like my lad Beauty all the best with your new boy i hope you have years of fun together