Xavier: New Beginnings
- Thread starter KP nut
- Start date
Aside from growing in confidence he is probably also learning how to have fun!
I've now been asked by 2 different people if he is for sale.
I have no real long-term plans for him. I only bought him because I could not bear to just walk past this unwanted pony every day anymore and see him put his ears back and look wary or run away whenever anyone went into the field. Just think he'd still be in that field, no-one would have picked up the LGL until he was on 3 legs - if then! He is now so affectionate that his previous lack of willingness to have contact with anyone is even sadder in retrospect. He really does love contact and company!
But I had assumed that I would work with him till he was in a sellable state, then sell him to a family who would look after him properly. But now that he's pretty much there, I don't want to! I had assumed he would be unsuitable for my girls as he needs a rider who gives him confidence and he still has a lot of learning to do - especially hacking out, traffic etc. But he's going so well that I'm thinking he might be ok for them after all. But then again if he spooked and ran off with them it would be terrible - they would not be able to deal with it at all. And I have Cally. I don't want 2 horses for myself. Dilemma.......
I have no real long-term plans for him. I only bought him because I could not bear to just walk past this unwanted pony every day anymore and see him put his ears back and look wary or run away whenever anyone went into the field. Just think he'd still be in that field, no-one would have picked up the LGL until he was on 3 legs - if then! He is now so affectionate that his previous lack of willingness to have contact with anyone is even sadder in retrospect. He really does love contact and company!
But I had assumed that I would work with him till he was in a sellable state, then sell him to a family who would look after him properly. But now that he's pretty much there, I don't want to! I had assumed he would be unsuitable for my girls as he needs a rider who gives him confidence and he still has a lot of learning to do - especially hacking out, traffic etc. But he's going so well that I'm thinking he might be ok for them after all. But then again if he spooked and ran off with them it would be terrible - they would not be able to deal with it at all. And I have Cally. I don't want 2 horses for myself. Dilemma.......
Well, you could see who is wanting to buy him and for what job. If a person who you feel is kind and sympathetic, and who has a little rider with lots of confidence, wanted to give him a good home doing something he likes then why not?
If I was you, I'd stick to your original plan. You've done a good thing giving him an opportunity to be someone's 'forever' pony but from what you've said, he's not quite right for your girls. Finding a great home for him and making a bit of cash in the process must be hugely rewarding, I'd imagine!
Rode him in a group lesson today and he coped pretty well. This was another first - I've done my own thing with others in the arena and I've ridden him alone but being part of a group ride was new. He latched onto the bottom of the horse on front and was rushing a bit. And he really struggled
when the horse in front cantered away from him as he wanted to follow. He did not much like being in lead file and when we cantered to the rear of the ride he was very rushed and tried to cut corners. BUT he did not spook or get stressed. He did all he was asked to do so overall I am really pleased with him. I'll ride in group lessons a few more times before I let the girls do it but he really is turning into a safe, sane pony.
when the horse in front cantered away from him as he wanted to follow. He did not much like being in lead file and when we cantered to the rear of the ride he was very rushed and tried to cut corners. BUT he did not spook or get stressed. He did all he was asked to do so overall I am really pleased with him. I'll ride in group lessons a few more times before I let the girls do it but he really is turning into a safe, sane pony.
Well today he was a superstar. I rode him in a group lesson and he was completely fantastic. He no longer rushed, he did not cut corners, he was calm and obedient. We did a whole ride canter at one point which was good fun and he coped fine. Then we jumped and he was positive and confident. We finished up with a 60cm spread which he cleared with ease. The RI said she was so so happy to see him back in work and doing so well. She saw no reason why the girls shouldn't ride him so Twin 1 rode him in her group lesson. Maybe he'll be staying with us after all!
Well Xav is now ridden mainly by the girls and has not put a hoof wrong. He loves scratches and cuddles. He's very affectionate and he nibbles my hair when I do his rug up. I guess it looks like hay!
Today we discovered he has a new talent as a vaulting pony. He is quite wide with a flat back so we used his bareback pad and hd patiently stood there totally unconcerned as the girls messed around with dead cowboy, American Dismount and all manner of ingenious ways of getting on and off again! What a sweetheart.
Today we discovered he has a new talent as a vaulting pony. He is quite wide with a flat back so we used his bareback pad and hd patiently stood there totally unconcerned as the girls messed around with dead cowboy, American Dismount and all manner of ingenious ways of getting on and off again! What a sweetheart.
Update on the little guy..... I was asked to sell him by a teenager and agreed as she was perfect for him. She has been saving for a pony for ages and works weekends and holidays at the yard. However once she had saved enough her parents - having originally said she needed to save up to buy her own pony - have now shifted the goal posts and say she has to leave college first which is not until May. In the meantime we are having loads of fun with him and I am now thinking about expanding his horizons a little. I took him down to the trailer to see how he felt about loading. It was quite funny as his initial reaction was head high, snort, mini rear and I thought 'ho hum we'll be here a while'! And then about 30 seconds later he looked at the trailer, and at us and then just relaxed and walked onto it. I led him through a few times. Then shut him in with a haynet and he seemed totally unconcerned so next step is to take him on a short drive somewhere. I am very, very fond of him so I am quite glad we have him till at least May. And if some other hiccup stops this girl having him then maybe longer...... I really can't afford the time or money for 3 but I am also not in any hurry to say goodbye to him as he is just such a sweetheart. I shiver when I think that he could still be alone out in that field refusing to be caught and running away from any contact.
But no need to shiver because he isn't! I am glad you have some more time with him. He is so sweet.
newrider.com