Rolling Pony

[limepickle]

Eeek, our loan pony has started to roll when tacked and with child on board! Luckily my girls are quick at dismounting but we obviously want to get to the bottom of it. He did it once about three weeks ago and did it TWICE yesterday. Is he just being a bit cheeky (welsh a )? He can be really naughty in the school and takes a lot of riding ( fine out hacking). I guess it can be his back or tack ? May he be itchy ( growing his winter coat ?)

What would people suggest doing ? Any advice much appreciated - girls are now apprehensive getting on him.

[NellyJob]

shout NO and give him a whack!
the little horror!

[bonzo77]

Whack as soon as he looks like he's going down (pawing floor, dropping his head). Grass reins so he can't get his head down.

Get back and tack checked, use a clean numnah each time so there is no sweat or mud irritating him. You can often get very cheap ones. Or use an old towel or sheet cut to size under your normal numnah and wash it each time.

Keep pony moving, don't let him halt unless asked, then promptly get him moving again.

Does he get other opportunities for a good roll: does he get turned out for a naked roll (no rug) or is there space in his box? A sand school can be very tempting to a pony who is usually either in and/or rugged.

And yes, get his back, tack and skin checked.

[NellyJob]

true he might have an itch/lice and no opportunity for a good roll

[limepickle]

Oh the evil pony lives out 24/7 and is as yet unrugged so he has plenty of opportunity for rolling. Thanks for tips on clean numnahs etc - will tighten up on that. He's a loan pony so will also check with previous loaners if he has a history. Was not really contemplating keeping him that much longer, so bit reluctant to get new saddle ( the one he came with his rubbish !), but I appreciate something needs doing if he's in pain. Will also check with his owner. Girls don't normally carry a whip but maybe we'll change that too. Bloomin' ponies !

[SaggyOldClothCatPuss]

He's welsh and he's being a shit! It goes with the breed!
Give him a good wallop with a whip!
You do need to check him for lice though. Look along his mane and withers, and down over his rump. You're looking for moving lice, similar to large headlice, or fleas, and eggs attached to the hair shaft. Does he have any rubbed or balding patches?

[SaggyOldClothCatPuss]

Don't get a new saddle if he's going back, just get hold of a felt donkey pad type thing. Dead cheap, and great for Dcs seat and balance!

[limepickle]

saggy thanks for the advice re the saddle - shall start hunting for one ! Is there anything I should know about sizing or is it pretty much one size fits all"?
And will check for lice tomorrow ! He has no rubbed/bald spots- in fact quite the opposite - getting woolly !
I've found out he has tried to sit down before

[SaggyOldClothCatPuss]

He's probably just a shit then! Are you able to get on him and give him a wallop if he tried to do it?
Pad saddles are fairly universal. I've seen them with straps for a girth, or a built in webbing girth. The one I have is webbing, and if I need it for a smaller beastie, I just sew a fold into it.

[NellyJob]

Maybe he used to be a circus pony? or taught tricks like Merrylegs in Black Beauty?

[Mirage]

Dpony[Welsh B] did this once and it turned out to be colic.The last pony we had [Dartie x shitland x] did it because she was trying every trick in the book to get her rider off.I found shouting 'no!' followed by a sharp smack soon stopped her doing it.I agree with the other posters,keep his head up and keep him going forward.Good luck.

[CMOTDibbler]

I would say that dpony - also welsh - has done it once with child on board, and a few times in hand, and its been when his undercoat is damp from prolonged rain so gets itchy particularly I think once saddle is on top.

Obv ds knows now to shout no and kick on if he tries, but if I think he's a bit damp, we go into the arena or indoor school before tacking up and I just work him in hand for a bit and make sure he's had a roll if itchy. He is a biiiiigggg roller in the field anyway, but loves the dry sandy feeling I think