Really upsetting but

[Rachel]

Smartie has gone on sales livery

Most of you know its prob been abit undecided for a while, well since november we have decided to keep a diary of things etc, how he is.

Hes coem on so far but I dont think I can deal with the issues hes now giving.

One day he will be fine, going so nicely, the next day for no reason he will be kicking rearing up and broncing etc.

When I use to hack him out he bolted alot, anyway I was prepared for it but its changing now, som,e days we can hack out find but say the next time he will be even worse.

Saturday he bolted down a hilly twisty road with me and chucked me off infront of a lorry and I gfot knocked out.

I had a bad hacking accident about 2years ago, I have spent a year trying to get him over this but it seems he is getting worse. I have had so many people come out and "try to sort him out" but its not working.

Got to think of myself first now, its getting extreamly dangerous. If he doesnt hack he becomes impossible in the school but hacking is getting beyond a question now.

So were going to sell him for someone who wants to school and have a small jump as he rears up and has been over with me in warmups etc.

Really sad but need to think of myself and him, we have been so close to having some really bad accidents and its luck we havnt had any.

Also going to look for a new confidence giving one in about a month as I love schooling/jumping but need somthing I can hack and actually enjoy. Dont think ive been on a hack for 2years now and relaxed even the slightest.

[cobmum]

I am sorry to hear this news, is ther anyway that you could get a natural horsemanship person to come and do a few sessions with him? A knew somone a few years back who had similar problems- one day fine the next a complete nightmare and caused not only her but other people harm. I know this may not be possible or affordable but i thought i would make the suggestion.

I really hope things improve for him, it must be heartbreaking.

[harveydales]

I'm so sorry, Rachel, I know what a difficult decision this must have been for you. You've struggled for a long time and have done wonders with Smartie and love him dearly but, you are right, you need to put yourself and your own safety first. I think your decision is the right one.

This is a difficult time of year with any horse. The weather and short days mean we can't exersise regularly and any high spirits can easily tip over into dangerous behaviour. Even old Harvey is a problem at the moment - I've decided not to bother riding him until we get a consistant period of decent weather.

Smartie is a lovely, young horse and I'm sure will go far but you are right, you need to break the cycle of hacking = problems. If you keep on with Smartie, you will probably end up just doing school work with him and never hacking - that's how I got with Quest. But you are too young to miss out on all the fun of a pleasant hack out with your horse and your friends. Riding should be fun and when it isn't, we need to do something about it.

I'm sure you will find a horse who will be able to give you back your confidence for hacking. Look for that as your priority - the schooling side you will always be able to work on, what ever the horse.

How is Fusch? Is she coming sound now? How is she for hacking out?

[Debbie]

I'm another who thinks you've come a long, long ways with the boy, but really you must think of your safety first. We keep horses and ponies for fun, and if its not fun, or you're feeling frightened when you have to go out, then you begin to dread it and you don't ride as often and it collapses into a vicious circle.

He is young yet, but unless he gets some sorting and a lot of work, I'm not sure he's a safe ride for you. The worst is when you lose confidence in them. If you'd lost that trust, then even if they are angelic afterwards, you've always got the worry in the back of your mind.

Be brave, I'm sure the solution will present itself, whether someone swoops in and buys Smarts, or you find a brilliant trainer to work with you both.

[justjordie]

So sorry, but you are entirely correct to put your safety first, it must always be first and foremost. You have done wonders with him in the time you've had him. Good luck in finding him a new home. I do know how hard it is to reach this decision.

[mickey]

It'll be a hard decision but the right one. Your safety HAS to come first.
Some horses just arent work trying to sort out- you've tried so dont beat yourself up. Pierrot was sold because she was unsafe- perfect one day, witch from hell the next with no warning. Paddy was also sold as not an angel as he could nap for England if he got in front- the raods arent a safe place to do battle either.
There are plenty of nice, safe, enjoyable horses out there

[piperpony]

Hope it all works out - it's so hard to have to make a decision like that and I think you are very brave and very wise - as everyone says, you have to look after yourself.

Fi

[harleydales]

I think you have to put your safety first. A very tough decision though.
I hope you are OK after your fall xx

[jec248]

You must put your safety first. You have tried your very best before making this hard dicision. Hope all goes well.

[ccc]

please put your safety first! I do hope that you can find a solution to his problems.