Conference noted::equitation

    In 1987, after 44 years of wanting a pony, I bought a 3 month old foal
    on impulse at the wild pony auction on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
    
    I never would have done it if I hadn't done it on impulse, but at that
    moment, I  " K N E W "  that is was the right thing to do.  I didn't
    have a plan,  I didn't consult anyone, I didn't even ride regularly.
    Despite all this, it has worked out very well for me and my family.
    
    You are far better off than I was... so, if you want it and you can
    afford it, and if you really love horses, working around horses, and
    riding... you    C A N   do it, too.
    
    Good luck,
    
    JW

I've only been a horse ower and rider for 1 year. Looking for
a horse can be fun, and very confusing. It's very hard to walk
away from a horse that gives you that "right" feeling.

One common thread I've found is that when it comes to buying horses,
don't rush. Don't let someone push you into buying a horse that
you are not sure of. If the horse is really an obvious excellent
horse then yes, someone may be standing in line and ready with cash
in hand to take away your "baby". But you are first in line in this
case!

It sounds to me like your dreams are about to come true! If you don't
want this horse, I would suggest reserving the stall since you like
the facility. I have a funny feeling that you have already made up
your mind though ... Go look at some other horses!

Rob

    It sounds as if you and your kids like Alvin, and if your
    instructor feels he is suitable for your needs, he may just
    be the right pony for your family.  Look at a few others if
    you are unsure, though.  Have your choice vetted before purchasing
    him, and if at all possible, try to work a trial arrangement
    before making the purchase final.  Horse ownership is a huge
    commitment, not be entered into lightly. If the reason you want
    a horse is because you like *riding*, you're probably better off
    simply continuing with regular lessons.  If your reason, however,
    is because you like *horses*, then by all means go for it - it 
    can be incredibly rewarding!  But remember - that pony is going
    to belong to you under all circumstances: when he's sick, when
    he needs shoes, in the pouring rain, when the snow is 3 feet deep,
    when his yearly shots are due, when his stall is a mess, when
    he breaks loose and goes running down the road, etc, etc.  Also
    remember, he'll belong to you when he wins blues with your 10 year
    old at her first show, when she falls off and he stops dead in his
    tracks to avoid harming her, when he nickers as you come in the barn,
    when he doesn't spook at the flying piece of paper.....
    
    Good luck, and let us know what you decide!
    

    I fully agree with the previous reply.  See if you can Alvin on a 3
    month trial basis to being with, keeping him in the new livery stables. 
    Do you know the conditions of the livery?  It is DIY, part or full?  It
    would be helpful to have at least a part livery especially as it's your
    first go at doing this.
    
    It took me 7 years to get the mare I wanted, I don;t think I could have
    just gone out looking for a horse if my parents had given me the okay -
    it's great if you know the animal *and* are well suited.  Perhaps our
    daughter could go out for some private hacks, maybe with the person
    some distance away to judge Alvins reactions and have several private
    lessons.
    
    Again, like the previous note, the horse will always come first in your
    life whatever the weather, time of day (tell me - I've sat up all night
    with a colicked horse!).  No one can ever guess at the amount of time
    and money needed for keeping a horse but it's well worth it.  Look at
    the numbr of noters here!

    I agree with all the previous replies.  Definitely have the vet 
    check him out etc.  I do think that between you and your daughter
    you could share in the work and daily tasks of owning.  I owned
    my first pony when I was six (it was no family project - he was
    all my responsibility), and although there were a couple of things
    I couldn't do (such as lift a heavy water bucket, or haul 50 lbs
    of grain), I did pretty much everything else, and it taught me
    alot, and probably made me more responsible growing up.  It will
    be a great experience for you and your daughter should you decide
    to buy Alvin.
    
    Trying it out for a couple of months is an excellent idea - it
    will give you a chance to figure out whether you and your daughte
    want to make the commitment (and it is a BIG commitment).
    
    My bet is that you'll love it.  Keep us updated..
    
    g

    If you and your daughter like the pony and like riding it, BUY IT. DO
    NOT GO AND LOOK AT OTHER PONIES!
    
    Buying a pony is an extremely risky business unless you are an expert.
    By buying this pony, you avoid most of the risk:
    - you presumably know that the pony does not have any serious health
    problems , leg problems etc as you have seen it regularly used at the
    riding school for a long period (but do still have it checked out by
    the vet just in case)
    - you know it does not have any nasty or dangerous habits, is suitable
    for the work you want it to do, and is suitable for you and your
    daughter
    - as you will keep it with the people who sold it to you, if anything
    should go wrong, the people who sold it to you should feel some
    obligation to help you, and it will be very visible to the rest of
    their clients if there is a problem.
    
    You may well be asked to pay slightly more for this pony than if you
    found an apparently similar animal at auction or through advertisement.
    However, do not feel bad about this - it is well worth paying the extra
    to reduce the risk of buying an animal that is unsuitable, unhealthy or
    downright dangerous for your daughter. 
    
    I advise you not to go and look at other ponies, because there is a
    danger that if you do, you may well see what looks to be a "perfect"
    pony - possibly better looking than Alvin, better jumper, more forward
    going etc etc for considerably less than you are being asked for Alvin,
    and you may be tempted to buy it. Beware. There are countless ways for 
    unscrupulous people to disguise unsuitable or unsound ponies, and there
    are plenty of unscrupulous people selling horses.
    
    I bought my first horse in similar circumstances to the situation you
    are in with ALvin, and have not regretted it once in 10 years.
    Good luck! 

	Thanks everyone for your comments. They have all been extremely
	helpful and full of good advice.

	If I decide to do, I would definitely get the vet out to check
	him over.

	I think the comment about the difference between liking "riding"
	and liking "horses" is very important. That is what I have to
	decide for myself. 

	There is one final hurdle, once I make up my own mind and that is 
	persuading my husband that we (my daughter and I) are serious
	about the commitment. It does mean a big change to our lives, 
	and he isn't into horses at all. 

	By the way, I would be keeping him on full livery, atleast for 
	the immediate future.

	I also have to realise how much money it will cost, and admit to
	myself that I will have to give up other things - and so will my
	10 year old.

	Thanks again, and I'll let you know what happens! 

    I agree with note .6 - You are in a perfect position as you already
    know Alvin.  Looking around could make you confused.  There may
    be something "better" out there, but it's a big risk to take.
    Sounds to me like Alvin's a great pony.  I also think that
    once he's taken out of the "school", he won't be as lazy as
    you say.  Animals, like people, appreciate individual attention!
    
    If you're pretty sure you'll enjoy all aspects of owning, what
    the heck, GO for it!  
    
    I'm envious!
    
    g

    
    I have been back into riding for about 3 years. In this time, I have
    ridden with the same folks and have been able to have access to their
    horses, and it has been great for me, and for them.
    
    As much as I would love to own my own horse, I realize that it is a big
    committment, and right now, my time does not allow for one. My husband
    is not into them at all, but realizes how much I love this, and has
    been agreeable to me 1/2 owning one with a friend when the time comes.
    For me, this would be perfect, for us also because we'd be able to get
    something more advanced for us.
    
    Right now I have the perfect situation for me, I ride a horse that
    loves to be out and I am giving the owner a hand by trail riding it and
    taking it to lessons and he has come along way, which makes me proud to
    think I had a little something to do with that.
    
    It's a big step. Lots of committment, both time wise and financially.
    
    But I agree, if you are familiar with this horse, then I wouldn't look
    elsewhere. Also, if at some point you wish to move on, maybe Alvin can
    be sold back to the people you purchased him from.
    
    Leasing is the best first step to see if everything clicks. I highly
    recommend it.
    
    Mary
    

I'll start off by saying it seems like Alvin is a good
horse and that he needs a little work and attention.
Spending time with your horse will be important to
the amount of enjoyment you will get from your horse.

I'm a little surprised to see that some are recommending not
looking around at other horses. I would say definately don't
look if you are not sure you want to buy a horse for financial
or other reasons. I certainly respect the opinions of those
who have been there and are offering good solid advice.

If you have decided to buy a horse, looking around can solidify
your decision to buy Alvin. Out of the 50 or so horses I've 
seriously looked at I've found the following to be true of
horses for sale by private owners:

They want $ for the average green horse
They want $$ for horses that look good
They want $$$ for horses that look ok with good temperment
They want $$$$$ for horses that look good with good temperment
They want $$$$$$$ * n for a proven trained horse

Out of all of the horses I've seen, most of the affordable ones
had obvious problems that prevented me from buying. There were
a few good horses, and those were too expensive for me > $2000.

The positive side is that looking made me appreciate the
three horses that I have, two of which I got for free, the other was
purchased from a trail riding ranch. The ranch picked her up from
auction and used her for trail riding for 6 months before we got her.
She's my son's horse, he's 9 years old.

Thanks,
Rob

    My reason for recommending not to look further is because
    as someone in a previous note mentioned, if you don't have
    experience at "horse shopping", you can be easily taken.
    
    Being it's your first horse, and you happen to have the
    advantage of being familiar both with him and his owners
    and have a good idea of how he's been cared for etc., it
    might be wise to stick with this one.  As you become
    more experienced and should you decide to purchase another,
    you will be better prepared and less apt to be fooled
    by the appearance of the animal and the hearsay of the
    seller.
    
    

    My first thought was, "Why are they selling him?".  Financial reasons
    appear to be a safe one.  Maybe they regularly rotate their school
    stock to keep from souring them, that would be a good reason.  If they
    don't give a half way decent reason, I would have to wonder.  But
    knowing that they'd have to face you everyday, would make me think
    everythings ok.  Did they give you a reason?
    
    Sharon

	Why are they selling him?


	As I said in my original note, he is very lazy in the school.
	I can get him going but it hard work. I have seen him in action
	with some of the older children and I know he is physically capable
	of going faster with some enthusiasm.

	I do believe the owners are genuine. People at the stable (not just
	the owners) believe he has potential if he was privately owned and
	not used in the school. They are keen to "keep him in the family"
	and have him stay. Obviously, if I bought him, I could move him
	later on, if I wanted to. 

	I will ask the question though!

	I have all these questions to ask, I must write them all down.
	
	Thanks again,

	Doreen

    I bought my mare from a riding school and knew her 7 years before making
    the final purchase (including looking after her for 4 years of her time
    there).  She wasn't exactly lazy at the school although she turned into
    an entirely different horse when I bought her.  She'd look at
    *absolutely everything* on rides, even though she'd been down the same
    lanes and in the same fields for years prior to me.  I suppose when you
    always have a tail in from of you, you tend to ignore everything else!
    
    Since I got her a couple of years ago she's sooo much livelier with
    alot more enthusiasm for everything.
    
    Perhaps the trial basis would be a good idea to establish what's he's
    *really* like on his own.

	I spoke to the owner at the weekend. I proposed to him that I take
	Alvin on lease (as per all your advice) through to the Spring. This
	would let me prove to my husband, and myself that I was serious. It
	would mean that I would experience the worse weather and conditions
	too. By keeping him to the Spring, I pointed out to the owner, that
	he would be in the best time of year to sell him, if it didn't work 
	out.

	I asked him to think about it, and we would discuss on Wednesday
	when I go for my lesson.

	He is asking slightly more for livery than I had expected. However
	he does offer an indoor school and cross country.  We can also join
	the lessons. Other schools that I have been to, charge extra if you
	join the lessons.

	I have to ask him if there will be a reduced rate in Summer if the
	pony goes out to grass.

	I was also told that they only worm their horses twice a year, and
	don't have any problems - any comments on that?

	I watched my daughter, Jennifer, ride him over the cross country
	on Sunday, and they both did so well.

	I hope he agrees to the lease thing, as I feel my hearts running
	away from my head here. Its a big financial committment. I would
	like to experience ownership, leasing would let me do it gradually.

	I'll keep you posted! I find I'm not thinking of much else these days.
	Must get on with some work to pay the bills.

	Its Wednesday, and I have to discuss with Alvin's owner tonight
	whether he will lease.

	Meanwhile at home, my husband is not happy at all. He reckons the
	horse will consume all our money, my daughter will get bored with
	it, I'll get bored with it...

	I finally fell out and shouted , "OK you win, we'll not buy it!", and 	
        went off to bed early. My daughter was in hysterics.

	I lay in bed, and thought, "you know I really want to have this pony",
	even if it doesn't work out, atleast I will have experienced it.

	They'll never be a right time, when our jobs are secure, and everything	
	is perfect. 

	So, we'll see what happens, its all up in the air just now.

Hi Doreen,

I thought I would just add a word of support!

Having been through the buying a horse from both sides, when my parents
bought me my first pony when I was 14 and recently when I bought a horse
for myself I can really say that those have been two of the best things that 
have ever happened to me.

Also from knowing both you, your daughter and Alvin althought you are bound 
to have a few rough times but I am sure you will come through it all.  And 
there is alot of people that you can turn to for support.  

I can safely say that I discovered a whole new joy to riding when I developed
a partnership with my horse.  There is nothing quite like it!

regards

Michelle

    I second that - I've owned 2 horses and I have to say, you really
    do build a relationship when you own.  I remember coming home
    from school, and my horse would be waiting.  The minute he
    heard my voice, he'd call to me.  That sticks with me even
    now.  He was my best friend.
    
    I agree with .18 - I'm sure everything will work out, and
    though this is something entirely new to your husband, he
    may even grow to love this pony too!  Stranger things
    have happened!
    
    g

    Try to get your husband's support, without that it can be quite a 
    strain. 
    
    It will cost money, no doubt, we all have to admit that.  But, the
    benefits to your child are numerous.  She will have goals, and
    challenges.  She will be associating with a good crowd, her 'peer
    pressure' will be most likely be horse related, and not 'other
    related'.  As the mother of two teenagers, it seems more apparent
    that at a certain point (14-16) you have taught them all you can
    and hopefully they will use that in their decisions.  Conveniently
    having them 'at the barn' gives you some control over the types of
    people who are likely to influence them.  Plus it will keep her fit. 
    
    Sharon

I agree with - a few.

My parents brought me my first pony when I was 12, it was very much a DIY job,
and I was told under no circumstances would they help (other than financial), my
dad is asthmatic and my mum terrified of horses!!

I grew up with that pony, learnt about illness, caring for another, roadsense,
and who to trust and who not to...  I was only talking about this with my mum
yesterday, and she thought that it was the best money she ever spent; looking
back it was nearly all good times!!  (by the way I still have Honey !!).

I've also experienced horse ownership recently, when 4 years ago, after about a
6 year break I brought a horse myself.  I'd agree with a few back in trying to
get your husbands' support, mine didn't agree with my buying Georgie, and
unfortunately this go at ownership taught me a lot about veterinary fees!  A TB
with dodgy feet, (he had to be put down last summer).  My husband finally came
around, especially when Georgie used to gallop around neighing at the sight of
my husband  (I always made sure that Rich had a supply a polo's when he saw
Georgie!!)  without his support it would have been difficult, it's not just the
money aspect , but the time I sat up all night when Georgie had colic, the
weekends spent mucking out the field, days spent picking up acorns, and pulling
ragwort, and then Rich having to do the work when I was heavily pregnant!!

Having said all that I'd thoroughly recommend ownership, just make sure that you
have a 5 stage vet test, if Alvin passes, and they come up with a good reason
for selling him GO FOR IT!!!

A word on the worming, I worm my horses every 6-8 weeks, but the problem you may
have with Alvin is the fact that he's being grazed with horses that aren't
wormed that regularly...

Sarah

	Spoke to Alvin's owner last night, and he is not into leasing
	at all.

	I had a good chat with him, and it made me have second thoughts
	about keeping my horse there. He wants �50 per week for full 
	livery. The going rate around here is probably �40-45 per week.
	The extra could be justified for the indoor school, and being
	able to join lessons, but he was a bit vague about that.

	I came home realising that it would proba1bly work out at �80
	a week over the year if I wanted to do everything that I had 
	planned.

	I go riding at another riding school on the coast. They charge
	�40-45 for full livery, but they do grass livery for �10-15.
	I am going to do a budget for Alvin living out atleast 6 months
	a year. Some of the horses live out all year, with New Zealand
	rugs. 

	There is no indoor school, but there is a lovely beach and country
	park. I have 3 friends down there with horses and ponies.

	What does the husband think? Well, he might agree if I come up with
	a budget of �35-40 a week over the year. 

	So that is where we stand just now. Again thank for all your input,
	its helping me enormously. 

    I personally don't see any reason why the other stables won't surfice,
    especially if you have friends there already.  Do they have any area
    for schooling?  We tend to use part of our field and have slowly worn a
    track in the ground which we can follow and we lose absolutely minimal
    grazing from it.
    
    Is Alvin currently out all year round at the moment and does he have a
    rug?  If he is then as long as you have somewhere dry to tack up, brush
    him down etc. on a wet day you should be okay.  Are there any stables
    at the other place that you could have access to in case of an
    emergency?  You would be saving a fair amount of money if Alvin was
    grass kept ie. shaving/straw/hay (you'll have to feed that anyway in
    the winter).  And do they have a policy of rotating the fields, horse
    insurance, vaccinations, clean fields??  The list goes on and on....
    
    Keep us posted!

    I got my first horse when I was 11.5 (he was 3 but acted like he was
    going on 12) - I had him when he died 3 years ago.  I would never sell
    him.  He was my buddy and pal, he got me through a bad marriage and a
    good one.  He was 29 when he died, so he did okay.
    
    We kept him out at grass for 6-8 months (graining him twice a day and
    hay too in early spring and late fall) and he did fantastic.  Horses at
    grass have far fewer respiratory problems than horses inside.  I live
    in New England, so the winters would get pretty rough and we didn't
    have an adequate 3 sided wind break, but we did have a nice little
    barn.  *only* in the blizzards would the horse stay in during the day. 
    He was out 8 hours every day in the winter (unblanketed but had a heavy
    coat of hair) and came in at night.  He had shelter (not 3 sided) so he
    could get away from the snow, rain or sleet.  You could count on one
    hand, over the years, how much time he spent under it.  My horse and
    our cows would always choose to be outside during the worst weather -
    they didn't mind!
                                                      

Honey is a 14.1hh Welsh X, 24 and still going strong, she spent this winter out
without a rug, she grows an incredible coat, and if you rug her, she merely
hitches it on the nearest fence and pulls until the straps give way!!

If Alvin grows a thick coat, and you have access to rugs, and a shelter if
necessary then I agree if the horse can cope it's the best way to keep them
(after all horses were intended to be roamers).

Honey's budget per MONTH is:

25 (pounds sterling) per month for field rent
15 per month for hooves to be trimmed (she isn't shod)
20 per month for hay (October - April only)
7  per month for hard feed (again October - April only)
5  per month for worming powder

On top of this is the her insurance, 
allowances for vet fees for accidents, teeth rasping (1-2 x per year), and
vaccinations (1 per year)

and of course extra for carrots, apples and polos!!!

I found that when I had two horses, I paid into a savings account a set amount
each month, the summer months plus interest paid for the extra needed during the
winter, and for the odd piece of tack/grooming kit to be repaired/replaced.

Sarah

	I've been down at the stables which do the grass livery,and have
	got all the facts and figures.

	If Alvin can stay out all year, it'll average out at �23 per week,
	including worming, shoeing, insurance...

	If I have him out 6 months, and in over winter, then it will average
	out at �35 per week including everything. 

	(This is taking all costs and dividing by 52 to get an average).

	I think I can handle this. 

	Hubbie is slowly coming round - though hasn't given a definite "yes".

	I'm thinking of taking delivery on July 1st.

	So I'll let you know what happens. You'll probably hear from me	
	every time I need a piece of advice.

	Doreen.

	P.S. I tried Western Riding on Appaloosa's at the weekend. We were
	at a yard in the North West of Scotland. It was rather different.
	Couldn't get used to the long reins and having to wear high heeled
	boots, but I did feel quite secure going over the hills. Don't get
	many cowboys in Scotland!

    You must be excited! (I'm excited for you).  Sounds like you're
    really going to do this, yes?
    
    This notes file will be great help to you, as there are so many
    knowledgeable people to answer questions.
    
    Keep us informed!
    
    g.

    
    Another thing to keep in mind also, unless you have it already, is
    tack for Alvin, i.e., bridle, bits, saddle, girths, saddle pads, bell
    boats, sprays, ointments, etc.
    
    Figure an amount to add all the "necessities or must-haves" into your
    budget.
    
    Mary
    

	Just to let you all know the latest with Alvin.

	My husband has resigned himself to the fact that we want him. He
	still isn't excited about it, but the divorce is on hold.

	I told the owner I would give him the final say tomorrow. I had
	told him that I couldn't afford to keep Alvin there.

	He came back to me on Sunday, with a reduced offer. He'll match 
	the prices of the other yard. He'll give me summer grazing May
	till September. I think I was right that he wants to keep him in
	the family. I can always leave once I know what I'm doing.

	I forgot to mention that he is Albino. I have studied the notes
	and have learned this morning, that although he is called an 
	Albino, genetically horses can't be. So he could be a CREMELLO?
	He is a creamy white, with blue eyes, and his muzzle etc is pink.
	He hasn't got any blank skin at all. I presume I would have to
	watch him in the sun?	

	I am going to take him in July. I'll have sorted out my finances
	by then.

	Regards,

	Doreen
	

    That's wonderful, I'm really pleased for you.
    
    Good luck and shout if you need advice
    
    Liz

    Yes, he sounds like a cremello. They typically are a creamy white with
    blue eyes. Best of luck to you and congratulations.
    
    John

Well done on bringing hubby round!

I wish you and your daughter a lot of luck with Alvin...

Sarah

    That's great!  I don't think you'll regret it. (and it's nice
    to have your husband's "semi-blessing" too).
    
    Good luck to you and enjoy!
    
    g

    Hello Doreen,
    
    I'm over the other side of the country from you at Livingston.
    
    My husband like yours was a bit unsure, infact probably worse, his
    main comment was, 'Fine, carry on, but don't ask me to help".  Three
    winters on and he is now Chief Groom.
    
    He gets up with my daughter hail, rain or snow at 6.30am to feed and
    turn out her pony.  He even gets up during the night to rug him up when
    she comes through bleary eyed and explains that it's raining, snowing
    or whatever.
    
    She is a member of the Pony Club Games Team and is keen to see the kids
    do well and gets up at the crack of dawn to help load the lorry etc,.
    
    But best of all was one horrible winter's night.  He picked me up from
    work and we drove straight to the stables to bring Josie in for the
    night.  I sat in the car (high heels and snow don't mix).  My husband
    fixed Josie's bed, fill the haynet, prepared his feed and brought
    Josie in, put on his Pyjamas (stable rug !).  He came out of the stable
    then turned and went back in....I wondered what he was doing. On
    asking him he said, " Och! I went back in to say Goodnight to the wee
    soul'.   Cute Eh? for a man who didn't want to get involved.
    
    As all the other replies have said, it's great for the family and even
    more so for the pony.
    
    All the best with Alvin, he's going to love you all.
    
    Byeeee
    Sandra 
                

	Just to keep you all informed on the Alvin front. 

	We take delivery on July 15th, when I'll be taking two weeks off
	work to get to know him.
		
	I'm getting the vet out just before that, to give him the once over,
	and make sure his vacinations are up-to-date.

	I've ordered new red saddle clothes with "ALVIN" embroidered on the
	side (red's going to be his colour).

	We are keeping at his home stables, and he'll be out at grass until
	September, when he'll go on full livery.

	Husband now tells our friends that "we" are buying a horse. We
	may even get him on the thing - you never know.

	

    Well, only a couple of days to go now - excited????
    
    By the way, my other half has just got involved after 2 years of owning
    my horse - he now constantly asks me if there are any jobs I need doing
    at the field ie. fencing, jump building etc.  He may not get *that*
    involved in the horse side of things (apart from filling up water
    buckets for me) but it does help to have  a strong man around the
    place!
    
    Good luck
    
    Liz

	The big day is Saturday, when I hand over the cheque and become
	the proud owner of Alvin.

	I've had the vet out, and had his age confirmed, and he is sound.
	He made some comments about his teeth needing cleaned. Something
	about wolf teeth.

	I've had his saddle re-stuffed.

	I have taken out insurance from midnight Friday.

	The vet is coming back out to vaccinate him against flu and tetanus.

	I am taking two weeks vacation to spend some time with him and
	my daughters. We may even get hubbie along. 

	I'll let you know how we get on when I return.

	Thanks again for all the advice. The input I got from you all
	helped me make my mind up to actually go ahead and buy him -
	so I'll blame you lot if it all goes wrong (only joking!).

	I'm really excited!!!

	Regards,

	Doreen

    Best wishes, I am happy for you and your family... and Alvin...
    

    I am excited for you!  I don't think you'll be sorry about your
    decision.
    
    Hope you have a great two weeks getting to know Alvin!
    
    Gail

	I'm now the owner of a pony called Alvin, and everything has been
	going really well until,

	my ten year old was trampled by the 3 month old foal at the stables,
	and has broken her leg. Its not badly broken, but it does mean she
	can't ride for 6-8 weeks.

	I have a 15 year old girl standing in to exercise him. It also means
	I can have free access to him, as our fighting over him was getting
	a bit embarrassing in the yard.

	The 15 year old will take him to his first show next week. 

	Will keep you informed.

	Doreen

    Ouch - hope your daughter is ok.  
    
    Hmm, sounds like you may eventually need 2 ponies!
    
    gail

	This really should be in the brag note, but it also is an update on
	Alvin.

	We took him to his first show yesterday and believe it or not he 
	won the "PONY WITH THE MOST POINTS" cup. Its a huge silver think
	about 15 inches high.

	As my daughter has a cast on her leg, he was ridden by a 15 year
	girl who is helping me to exercise him. 

	They did so well, it just shows what potential he can have for my
	daughters.

	It was a great day, and I had great delight in taking the cup home
	to husband, just to show what a wise decision he made to buy him.

	Looking forward to many more shows, with hopefully my daughters in
	the saddle.

	We're having alot of fun. I'm taking him to the beach for the first
	time on Friday.


	Regards,

	Doreen

    Congratulations!  (and a BIG bunch of carrots for Alvin)
    
    Gail

I was there to see Alvin jump two fantastic clear rounds to win
one of the competitions.

He really is worth his weight in gold!

Have fun at the beach!!

Michelle

    Just found this notes file again after almost a year.
    
    I have had Alvin a year now. Some of you may remember how I could not
    decide whether to buy him or not, and I got lots of advice via these
    NOTES.
    
    Anyway, we've had our ups and downs over the winter. Quite a few downs
    infact. I really began to wonder if it was the right thing. 
    
    He started to act up when the weather was bad and he was in all day.
    He managed to buck me off. My daughter and I both lost out confidence.
    
    I'm pleased to say with the summer evenings, we have been doing more
    riding. My eleven year old daughter is getting back to her previous
    form.
    
    We are taking him to the beach tonight. I'm still a bit nervous that
    he'll try to buck me off.
    
    Anyway, after a worrying winter, we are being to enjoy our pony again.
    
    Doreen

    It's not uncommon that some horses get a bit over excited and energetic
    after having time off or even just getting less work than their used
    to.  They usually settle down after a week or two of steady work.  You
    might try lunging him before you ride, or turn him loose where he can 
    run out that extra energy (like an enclosed ring).  He'll likely be the
    same old horse in no time.  Did you change his feed or turnouts since
    you bought him?  Is he turned out alone instead of with buddies? (he's
    more likely to stand around and do nothing)
    
    Sharon

    I keep the pony at the same stables where I bought him. 
    
    The two changes to his routine were:
    
    1) He had previously been put in with the other riding school horses in
       the indoor arena at night. When I bought him, he was kept in his
       stable.
    2) He wasn't getting worked as much, as he wasn't being used for
       lessons.
    
    We cut down his feed as he wasn't so active. I tried to have him ridden
    by friends on the days that we couldn't make it.
    
    He is much better now that it is spring, and can be let out. Saying
    that we took him to the beach last night and he still managed to buck
    my daughter off.
    
    Its a real pain that he wants to buck when you are cantering. I know
    people say, "Keep his head up" and "Ride him on", and I try to do this.
    But it means you can't relax.
    
    I know I should lunge him more. He is a bit of a pain when you lunge
    him. I suppose I'm a bit frightening that he'll kick me.
    
    He is normally a very laid back pony, that is with a saddle on. In the
    field, he is full of life. He is physically able to go fast, but when
    you ask him to go, he is apt to start the kicking and bucking. He is
    also great out hacking on the road, and he is a wonderful jumper. 
    
    He does have his good points. He is fine, as long as he is out at
    night.
    
    Doreen

    
    	Maybe your saddle does not fit him well or his back hurts for some
    	other reason - which would make him dislike cantering under saddle
    	and could be the reason for his bucking. ?? Just a thought....

    Horses love to buck and run in an open area, expecially sand.  I had
    an old lazy mare I could do anything with when I was a kid.  The only
    time she ever bucked or got excited was when I bought her to the sand
    pits near my house.  Toward the end of the summer when it's hot and he's 
    gotten lasier, he may be fine. 
    
    I would be worried about your daughter losing confidence though, unless
    it's she who really wants to take on the challange of the beach, you
    might want to keep her to the trail and ring.  Or, if you go to the beach, 
    perhaps it would be best to stay at a walk or trot.  Teach him that
    this is no different than the ring, he must pay attention and listen,
    no play time.  Do transitions and movements.  If you canter, it 
    should be a very controlled canter.  Letting him run full out at this 
    point is just teaching him that this is where he can kick up his heels 
    and forget anyone is on his back.  Always make sure he's listening.  
    Maybe later when he's learned it's not all playtime at the beach, you 
    can start letting him go for short bits.
    
    Sharon

    The point about the saddle could be right. I bought a new synthetic
    saddle 6 months ago. The riding teacher at the stables pointed out that 
    it seems to have dropped. I sent it to a saddler and he restuffed it
    (just last week). He pointed out that it being a fibre glass tree would
    mean that it would drop again, especially with my weight (about
    160lbs). So during the winter the saddle could have been bothering him.
    
    I'm now wishing I had bought a good second hand leather saddle, which
    is what I may have to do anyway.
    
    When I took him along the beach, I more or less did what was suggested.
    I let the other take off. I then trotted him alot, had a wee canter,
    back to trot, walk, trot then another wee canter.
    
    He bucked my daughter off when she took off with the rest of the ride.
    It probably was because he was enjoying himself and got excited.
    
    The beach is something that we get to maybe three times a year, as we
    have to transport the horses about 10 miles. 
    
    Doreen