Trebles is sad and in need of advice

[Treblesallround]

Gd, after living with us for the last 10 years, has decided she wants to give living with her mother a try. I do understand, and it might work out so we're trying to be positive. But it means that if she does stay with her mother she'll stop riding. It's a real shame because she's really getting good and has the right attitude. I feel really sad about it.

The main thing (in so far as I need some Tack Room wisdom) though is what to do with her pony? She's going for a two month trial period and isn't likely to do much with her during that time. If she does stay with her mother then the pony will have to be sold, but I don't want to sell her until gd has definitely made up her mind, and she has to go to a good home. The pony's a little green but sweet natured. Do I send her away to schooling livery, or get someone to hack her out and keep her ticking over (assuming I can find someone), or something else that I've not thought of?

What would you do in this situation

What a tough situation for you, in so many ways.

On the pony front-is there a sixth former at pony club that could keep her ticking over for a couple of months? I'd be a bit wary of "schooling livery" unless you have a word-of-mouth recommendation from someone you trust. it tends to get very pricey too.

I would rough her off and wait to see if your GD comes back. If not pony can either be sold from the field (probably for slightly less) or if you know someone who can ride her, they can get her going again and then sell.

What do you mean by 'schooling livery'?

Callisto - I'm assumig she means a schooling yard, IE You pay for their livery etc plus someone to school them so many days a week.

I would advertise the pony for short term loan through the summer. Part loan then if GD decides to come back she will still have her pony a few days a week.

The really good trainer that Gd's been working with would take Cassie on livery and keep her making progress, but would cost £140 a week instead of the £20 she's now costing because she's now turned out full time. If she's schooled on then I'll sell her for more, but it's a bit of a risk given the current climate

I think I may be able to find someone to hack her out a couple of times a week in the short term, but if she's going to be sold it's got to be well before Autumn otherwise I'm going to be stuck with her over the winter.

I can't put her in foal, can I? DH would not be amused by another mouth to feed!

I think if you have trouble accommodating one pony you should definitely not put her in foal, it just doubles your problems down the line!

Putting her on schooling livery really depends on the quality of the pony. Two months of schooling livery adds 1120 pounds to any potential sale price which is quite a lot for an 'average' pony but fine for a good competition pony, so it just depends on what you think her potential might be.

Given the situation I would be tempted to get someone local to keep her ticking over for two months and then see what your GD thinks re staying with her mum. You'd still have July onwards to sell her which shouldn't be too bad.

Hi Trebles,

Sorry to hear your situation and I hope it works out for the best all around.

On the pony front, if you're interested in a short term loan until GD decides what she is doing long term I would be interested in hearing from you.

I'm in Surrey, own yard (leased but very much "mine" apart from the deeds!), lots of experience and 2 very helpful small people who would love something to fuss over and ride!

Message me if you would like to discuss.

Thanks,
Lisa

Booboostoo, exactly why putting her in foal is only a pipe dream. She's a good quality pony, and with the right schooling will do well, but I'm not certain enough to invest the money. I think we'll be best keeping her ticking over for a couple of months then selling her if gd does stay with her mother. We've just spent a bloody fortune on a new saddle as well! Still, at least it's a good fit so she'll be comfortable

What a sad situation for you. I would rough her off as Callisto says. Also gd needs to learn (although without overstating it as I am sure it is a hard decision) that changing your life can have consequences for all around you - ie her pony isn't brought on as she cannot ride it. I am absolutely not advocating making her feel guilty about the decision at all BUT it is bound to have consequences. Could you find a local girl who could ride her out a couple of times a week (dd1 did this for a pony whose owner was at boarding school).

Good competition ponies are still selling well, I know of an FEI dressage pony that just sold for 25k so the market is still there. The problem is that this pony had been brought on by a professional and had results up to Medium which is something that takes time to achieve (two years in this case from unbroken). Two months may not be quite enough for a professional to bring the pony on and have some results out competing, you may end up having to pay livery for a lot longer. Tough one, I feel for you!

Thanks Boo, she's not in that league, just a nice, pretty affectionate pony that will, I think, make a good BE90 standard and probably WH classes. She's also fantastic out hunting and a really good safe but forward hack. I don't think we should spend money try to add value, we bought her fairly cheaply so I think we'll limit our hopes to recouping what we paid for her if we do sell, and she would have to go to a nice home. Hopefully someone would like a fun pony for a bit.

How big is she and where are you?!

She's 14.2hh and we're in Leicestershire

Sorry to hear this Trebles and what a dilemma for you.I think a summer loan might be your best bet.I do know a PC mum looking for a 14+ for her daughter,but they want to buy I think.She is ringing me later so can sound her out if you like?

That's a shame, after all the fun you've had - it must be difficult to deal with. I have no idea if there's anywhere suitable near you, but round here the local independent school has a livery where you pay minimal costs in return for the use of your horse or pony. Obviously this won't work in the holidays, and tbh I'm not sure if you have any say in what level of rider they have but it may be worth investigating "just in case".

My other suggestion would be to put the word about locally with people who have seen her out and about hunting and at pony club events and see if they come up with anything. Good children's ponies are like gold dust, especially ones with a proven history.

I wish you all the best, let us know how it goes.

Thanks Mirage, I wonder if they'd be interested in loan with view to buy? I'd be really grateful if you'd sound her out, but do be clear that she's green and not a novice ride (not that a PC member looking for 14hh+ is likely to be a novice! I'll pm you the price we'd be looking for

And to add to our woes, she's horribly lame, likeliest diagnosis is fractured pedal bone! Xrays on Tuesday. She's taking box rest surprisingly well.

Hi have you any local colleges/riding schools that may take her on for a few months? Assuming she would earn her keep, it shouldn't cost you anything and would keep her in work.

Oops just seen your last post

Oh no! What bad luck! Fingers crosssed it's not a fracture!

Fingers crossed for your ponies quick recovery!

Oh no! No advice to give but I'll cross everything that I have for a swift recovery for her.