what to do?

[kelbe]

I have a wonderful skewbald gelding who is wasted. I was sold him 2 years ago as a safe first pony for my daughter. He bucked her off and trampled on her and she refused to ever get back on him. We later found out that he used to do this and scared the previous owner and so was turned out for a couple of years before we brought him. He is only 13.2hh. He is an amazing pony with real loveable character and is so sweet natured my daughter used to sit with him in his stable while he was asleep! He can be very strong to lead and I only do this with the lead rope round his nose. Will stand all day to be groomed. He seems ok to be hacked out and he is great on lead rein but if you ask him to canter then he just bucks all the time. We have had him checked and was told he was fine. He seems to hate being schooled. From what I have learnt he has only ever been a pet for kids. He is only 11yrs so too young to be retired. I am at a loss as to what to do with him. I dont want to see him moved from home to home which is why I still have him but my daughter is soon going to be ready to move to a bigger pony ( she currently has a 12hh) and I cant face getting rid of her pony so he needs to go. I love him dearly and only wnat the best any suggestions

[BEX101]

can you sell/loan him to a small adult?

[kelbe]

To be honest I am not sure anyone would want him,

[TanyanChewy]

Oh dear thats a shame. I agree with Bex in that you could try loaning him out to an experienced small adult who is up for a project - as long as you're honest when you advertise him and give the potential loanee as much as information as you can you could well find someone who would be happy to take him on.

What about loaning him out as a companion - I know it must feel a shame to waste him at such a young age but if you dont have joy in finding some suitable to take him on it would be a way of retaining ownership...

It's difficult isn't it.

As a last resort I know that rescue/rehoming centres are probably full to the brim but you may be lucky and, if you explained the situation (and potentially was able to offer a donation if they took him) they may consider taking him as a rehabilitation project? At least that way you'd know that he would always be in a good home from thereon and only loaned out to someone was thoroughly checked out first etc - though I expect they are weighed down with neglected horses/ponies needing homes

[Zeitgeist Mom]

How about breaking him to harness?

[My Crazy Clan]

Sounds like he might just need a real; confident rider, maybe loan him out to stay were he is, I bet with the work he'll be a cracking pony, just he knows he can get away with things so hes going to do it, as for the strong to lead part, have your tried a dually halter? this is the only thing I can hold my mega strong little 13'2hh boy in.

[BEX101]

ZM has a good idea with breaking him to harness