How tough is too tough?
Aug 19 2010
Let’s throw this out there for discussion today. This is a properly outfitted child (helmet, boots, proper tack that fits) on a very, very naughty pony. I understand the reasoning that naughty ponies teach you how to deal with anything, and I rode many, many naughty equines myself as a child. However, while this kid seems to bounce right back up like a Weeble no matter what, it is a fact that (a) some kids get scared off and don’t want to ride at all and (b) some kids aren’t so lucky and really DO get physically trashed for life and/or wind up dead from this sort of “challenge” at a young age. Sure, there is always a level of inherent risk in riding but would you want to sit on a warmblood that was doing what this pony is doing? I’m guessing most of you would say hell no!Â
So what do you think of this? Too much pony for the kid, or perfectly okay? I think the pony needs a serious, serious come-to-Jesus meeting with a deceptively small sized adult. Probably on a regular basis. Then, maybe it would be appropriate for kids. My opinion on the video: I applaud the use of protective gear and properly fitted tack, but I do think the child is overmounted. What do you think?
506 comments to “How tough is too tough?”
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That’s just horrifying…
I don’t really care WHAT happens to the pony as long as the kid stop being put on him. The little pony, who simply seems too smart for his own good, can go become a pasture puff for all I care…
But the thing that just gets my blood boiling is that the small child who can only weigh 60lbs max is being tossed around like a RAG DOLL on a 600-800lb animal! It doesn’t matter that he’s on a pony – it’s still a huge animal in comparison to the child and he can EASILY kill the kid. I literally gasped at the part of the video where the child fell off and got hung up in his irons and the pony started trotting off. I’ve been hung up before and it’s terrifying, one back hoof connecting with his temple and he’s hurt BAD, regardless of helmet or not… Speaking of the helmet, I doubt they’ve sent in their helmet every time that child falls on his head, which you are supposed to do after every major fall or else the protective qualities of the helmet begin to fail.
Scary, scary situation and I hope that the situation resolves without major injury.
This pony could be experiencing ulcers. It is a very common reason that horses are labelled “bad”. The owners said that they checked the saddle fit and his back, but there is no evidence that they had a vet out to see if he has other underlying issues.
To niccimarie
It could be a nasal cavity Lobular capillary hemangioma. This is a non-cancerous tumor that is made up of, and fed by, blood vessels. It is painful and while rare is most commonly found in TBs. My TB Black Jack had such a growth – it began to push his eye out, which is how it was finally determined to be growing in there. Horses nasal cavities are huge, espeically TBs, and there can be lots of room to grow before something ugly happens like an eye pushing out.
The bridle, breathing harder while being ridden, etc. could cause a horrible feeling in his head. I had surgery done at the University of Minnesota. It was huge. They were able to see it by sticking an endoscopic camera up his nose – also did a head X-ray.
Did the surgery help your horse? Did the vet suggest that it might be a brain tumor and then recommend a endoscopy and x rays or did you think that it might of been that and got it done yourself? I live in Australia, but I’ll look into places with these facilities and see if I can find someone who knows something about this around where I live. How is your horse now? Can you ride him? How old was he when this happened? Thanks so much for writing this. I’m going to call his vet now and ask him if he thinks that this could be the problem. Thanks again.
I think that YES he is overmounted. but I also think that PAIN could be a large part of it, that kid is yanking him around (understandably, because he’s on a horse that he cannot control) quite a bit. If the kid truly loves “Ed”, then ed should be ridden by a small teenager or adult for a while,and the kid put on a reliable lesson horse for a few monthes.
I have to disagree with some of the posts. Yes, you want to rule out pain. However, the only discomfort I saw was with being asked to actually perform some work like task. You don’t want to make excuses for a spoiled pony who obviously is well schooled in how to deposit this poor kid on the ground. I can’t believe the staying power of this kid. I wish someone would teach him how to use his legs, but this pony is such a wide load it is going to be hard for him as small as he is. I also didn’t notice what some people thought was the kid jerking the pony around. No, he was just getting catapulted again and again. I actually could not believe the restraint of this kid, and he smiles through most of it. Sadly the only schooling he is getting is how to fall off, and how too take a licking and keep on ticking. The problem plain and simple; Mr. Ed knows he can get away with it, and needs a come to Jesus talk before this poor kid gets really hurt.
See, I agree with you. I simply don’t see pain behaviors in that pony. I will do a blog on that – I can pick 200 videos off of youtube and show genuine pain behaviors all day!
Exactly. Here we having living proof that the Thelwell Cartoon pony exists in real life!!!!
I only suggest that pain be ruled out before labelling the pony ‘bad’. If he is misbehaving because he can get away with it, these parents should be pulling their kid off him and paying for some training that works. Not every trainer works for every horse.
I agree. The biggest travesty being the fact this is obviously a schooling environment. This kid is not ready or capable of doing the excercises. He does not have the skill to control this pony, and they just keep putting him back up there over and over to be deposited on the ground. The pony’s behavior was created, however, it needs to be corrected. There is a huge difference between bad behavior, especially that which causes danger to the rider, and an animal that does not understand.
In another video they show him on a very nice palomino pony, who he is riding worse. This pony is going well but he is bouncing along on his back, with his hands bouncing in rhythm, and the pony is paying for it.
Again I agree, the pony needs an effective trainer, a rider who has the skill to correct him, and this boy needs schooling in proper equitation so he can save himself. I hope they all find what they need, pretty simply the route they are taking is not working.
“In another video they show him on a very nice palomino pony, who he is riding worse. This pony is going well but he is bouncing along on his back, with his hands bouncing in rhythm, and the pony is paying for it.”
That’s just it– that other pony is still at the point where it puts up with the abuse. And it IS abuse, even if the kid hasn’t been taught any better. He lands on the pony’s back over every jump. He is constantly cantering around, or galloping. His new pony rides very hollow– enough so that eventually there will probably be some back atrophy.
I get that the white pony is misbehaving. But I also completely get that the pony has been completely soured by poor riding and frankly, poor treatment. We don’t know how kind that pony would have been with a fair ride, because we never saw a fair ride. Just canter canter canter, jump jump jump canter canter… YANK! Go this way!… canter canter canter…..
Little white pony needed corrected LOOOOOOOOOOOoooooong before he got to the stage of open resistance. Little rider, likewise, needed corrected Lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonger before he got to the stage of forcing his pony to object strenuously to the treatment. The mark of a great kid’s horse is not a horse that never misbehaves. The mark of a good kid’s horse is a horse who misbehaves passively, in ways that don’t endanger the young rider.
I have no proof, but I’d bet you that this pony began by simply refusing to go any more. At THAT point, a good trainer should have known what to do. Instead, our little boy was given a sharp whip to smack the pony forward with. Instead they gave the pony a ‘lead’ across the jumps (follow or be left behind, little guy!). Pony won’t turn toward the jumps anymore? FINE… bigger bit! All the way through this pony’s experience, I see suggestions that this pony’s passive resistance would have been met with ‘tricks’ and pain to force him to comply.
He never once gets a reward for trying. Not so much as a release from pressure. Even the old style cowboys knew enough to quit hurting the horse when it did what they wanted. I’m very angry at how epic of a fail this is.
This sort of stuff drives me NUTS. Who in the HELL thinks it’s a good idea for a small child to be doing any jumping at all??? It’s obvious that the child does not have riding skills yet to cope with anything beyond a walk-trot lesson. Until they can walk-trot with smooth transitions and a secure seat and confidence they should not be cantering, and I’ve never seen a 5 or 6 year old kid I’d be comfortable allowing to jump, even if they are able to WTC well.
As for the pony- if some time with a good pony trainer and then being ridden by an older child with better skills did not straighten him out, I’d be shocked. What I see is a pony who probably acted out of frustration and quickly learned how to get rid of his annoying little rider… a good, quiet rider who could discipline him and didn’t just go flying off at every little buck or spook would probably turn him around.
omg I am sorry but shoot me – I was giggling so hard tears were coming.
That was ME 32 years ago – I swear!!! But my pony was Candy. And I loved her to death.
She met Jesus many times – didnt work.
But we had lessons, were outfitted properally and we learned. We showed, we won.
We all became fearless eventers because of that pony.
I would never trade her in for a push button anything ever!
But what I know about Candy and I noticed about Ed – yes they were both evil little shits BUT Ed and Candy made extra sure they never ever stepped on us. They often looked back to check first before heading for the grass ( we used a rein check over her neck with a crupper to hold the saddle in place – still own those contraptions -and they helped wonderfully!!)
This kid in the video will be our next top trainer or at the Olympics cause he learned from the best of them all – a true Thelwell Pony.
Priceless.
Sorry but I love little Ed and all his evilness. I would just personally add the rein check and then the head between the legs crap will cut out.
I agree, this pony is not misbehaving out of pain — note his ears are pricked cheerfully forward through much of his actions. Also, most of the time this kid is NOT hitting the pony’s mouth — there is slack in the reins a good deal of the time — the pony hits HIMSELF in the mouth when he flips his head and knocks the kid off balance. While it would be nice to see a clip of the kid riding when the pony is actually going forward and being obedient, it looks like the kid is a reasonable rider for that age. I challenge just about anyone on this forum to stay on their own horse with a soft seat and following hands if their horse were pulling this stuff. This pony knows all the tricks and he knows them well, and I agree he is DANGEROUS.
I also note he is FAT. Being overfed and underexcerised is not going to improve his behavior any. If they don’t have someone who can stay on him and really ride him, even ponying him daily would be a good way to work off some of the excess calories and attitude.
I agree! This pony isn’t in any pain; this pony actually looks like he’s enjoying himself. He’s having a good time tossing off Ross. The pony is well-fed and spunky. I can’t imagine that the parents are allowing this small boy to be thrown from this pony so many times. Geesh, what are they thinking?
We had a whole blog on this and my opinion also was that that the pony wasn’t in any pain, the parents were being irresponsible in letting the kid ride a pony he was so clearly overmounted on and that was displaying some REALLY nasty, dangerous behaviors, and that the pony would be a darling pony if it had regular Come to Jesus meetings with a pint sized adult or teen.
Oh, and do we REALLY believe that a “come to Jesus” moment with a capable rider would permanently fix this pony? How many people say about their own horses, “He knows when a kid is on him or when a good rider is on him” ? Ususally this means “My horse is very gentle with children and never pulls the s–t he pulls with me!” but certainly it can go the other way. I have no doubt that even if this pony learned to mind his manners with an able rider (which he may already do), put the little guy back on him and he’s go right back to being obstinate.
To all of you who responded specifically to our troll Devvie:
YOU ROCK!!!! LMFAO!!!!
Can’t remember when I’ve laughed so hard reading the comments – you made my day.
(I did say something myself yesterday, but was chicken to really call her out from under the bridge – glad you guys were not!)
It was cute/funny at first, but what the hell were the kid’s parents thinking? Why would you repeatedly put your child on a pony like that? At least it wasn’t a long way to the ground.
Towards the end it was just scary… The kid got drug, got her leg stuck under the horse when she fell right in front of it, and got thrown into a fence at a dead run.
I guess it will keep being cute until the kid ends up in the ER.
I see he is riding another pony as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OvDdxiTqgs&feature=related
And just as poorly. UGH this kid should NOT be cantering, let alone jumping. His butt slides all over the saddle, leg slides back & forth, etc. Poor pony. I really like this one too, very elegant little horse.
THIS is the video that show how clearly Ross needs so much more groundwork to tighten his leg and give him an independent hand. Or he needs to learn to grab mane over fences until he can stop snatching his ponies in their mouths. Pip (the palomino) is obviously much kinder than little white Ed, but just as subject to too much enthusiasm for the riding skill Ross has. Take the saddle off, even, and let Ross develop a seat bareback, with Pip in a sidepull rather than bitted bridle. When saddled, put them both on the lunge line, sans reins, and work them over a small cavaletti so Ross can develop an independent seat. Ross obviously loves riding, so teach him to ride well! Pip is just a gorgeous pony, and an angel to boot for putting up with it all.
I think Ed is the best pro-slaughter argument I have seen in a long time.
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
The original video was fairly horrifying from a parenting standpoint. If my mom was behind the camera, there would have been about four seconds of watchable video. The first two seconds before Ed pulls his first stunt and mom drops the camera and rushes to make sure I’m all right & the second two seconds for the second time. There would be no more because pony would have gone off to trainer or sale. Mom intended for her genetic legacy to be preserved!!!
I also agree that pony and boy were a vicious cycle of negative actions/reactions. While there is something to be said from learning on horses/ponies that dont go on autopilot, dealing with one with this many evasions might produce a sticky rider if he lives and stays with riding, but it will likely also result in some bad habits due to defensive riding.
Both on Ed and the new pony, I see a crying need for more instruction and practice. I hope he gets some good instruction with the new pony and learns a secure seat that enables him to have kinder hands. I know kids want to hurry and canter and jump, but the instructor (is there one?) needs to give him more tools – including a neck strap!
I do think this pony needs an adult on him, and quickly. I worked with another fat little Welsh pony a few weeks ago who was worse than this on, to the point where her rider wanted to quit. It was amazing what a few weeks of strong riding did.
I didn’t beat her (I think I only used a crop on her twice, both times as a reminder that my leg meant go forward), but just insisted that she move forward. Bad behaviour got her worked harder. Good behaviour got a pat and a hand graze.
I also suggested that the owners stop her hard feed. Little ponies like these very rarely need any hard feed- they need good quality hay, and maybe a vit/min supplement. Half the problem is that they’re stuffed too full of high energy/high protein food and that excess has no-where to go because they’re not working hard enough.
Oh I agree. Ed does need a come to Jesus ride with a small adult who knows all about nasty little ponies like Ed. Now Ed wasn’t born this way, but by letting that child continue to attempt to ride him the ladies in the video are only contributing to Ed’s misbehavior.
I could see them attempting to let the boy ride him out once or twice, but they keep on and on, allowing the misbehavior on many different days. In the end, Ed gets really nasty and the situation starts to look very dangerous.
I don’t like to be too harsh, but Ed needs several serious rides for his own good. At this rate, he will end up in a place he really doesn’t like.
To those who are ripping apart the riding capabilities of a 6 yr old child….
When you are ready to post videos of yourself in your 6mos to a year of riding and show us your magnificent prowess for the sport, then perhaps you can talk. Until then, lay off, he’s still a kid and could be doing a hell of a lot worse.
If he were my student would I have him jumping yet? Most likely not. Still, the new pony (Pip)appears safe and happy, well fed and well loved. He will learn technique. Get over yourselves.
I agree completely with everyone who said pony is too much for Ross!
I’m one of those put-the-rider-on-a-horse-just-beyond-their-ken people because in my experience it helps them grasp the concepts more easily and completely than on a horse who’s perfect (is there such an equine??). However! Ed is just a brat, and after losing count of the number of times Ross came off (and applause for that little boy! I’d be pitching a fit “I’m NEVER mounting that horse EVER again!!” were I him), I say pony is too much. If at all, Ed and Ross should be working together in a small arena/round pen. They should NOT be jumping, and his instructor should not have that pony in group lessons until he gets a serious attitude adjustment. Hell, I’d be on that pony (I’m only 4’11″) and giving him that come-to-Jesus moment, were I the instructor. That video makes my blood boil.
Ross almost got trampled several times (bolt and buck and sliding stop HELLO)!!
Yes, he is over horsed! That clever little pony has learned he can get away with anything.
If someone else has linked to this I apologize but here is the little fellow behaving:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxfBUK569tc&feature=related
In the comments it says “he was 7 at time of filming. although he was very naughty alot of time ross had some wonderful moments with ed and he loved him so much… he did eventually allow ed to go to new home he was starting to out grow him…., but at his new home he is pulling a cart…..”
I think this is the best result for all, the poor kid won’t be continually tossed and at risk of harm and the pony has more then likely gone to an older or adult driver who will hopefully be able to get him to behave himself. I do not think it should have been aloud to continue for as long as it obviously did. I also suspect the pony would now try that stuff with any new rider so a harness home is much safer for everyone.
And I agree with an earlier comment, the Thelwell Cartoon pony lives!!!
This pony just really needs training. I certainly wouldn’t call him a trained horse…and the kid seems to be a pretty good rider to stay on and keep bouncing up and not get scared off, but not good enough to train a horse.
He doesn’t seem like he’s in all THAT much danger, really, and it gives him ability to ride through a lot of things, but I can’t imagine how he could learn actual riding on this pony. Kid probably thinks it’s supposed to be like this! And I’m certain he’d get sick of it in time.
Plus, as stated, if this guy doesn’t get some decent training on him he’s gonna have some pretty tough habits to break, if anyone ever cares enough to break them. And who on earth is gonna take him after this kid grows out of him? I can’t imagine anyone wanting him.
The little boy hasa grin ear to ear on many ocassions, but why do this to a young child? Sure it will teach them to be as tough as nails and a seat like glue, if they don’t get soured by age 10 with the mounts they have been given by their parents to ride, but for what? Think it is better to re-educate the pony and put the child onto a more child friendly pony to get the basics down and learn the right way.
Our daughter started off at age 10 on a pony that had many miles under the belt, could be a bit cheeky when the opportunity arose, but he never bucked or bolted and certainly never put his head down, he was a educated pony that taught her so much, she then moved onto a 15.2 Arab, quiet but endurance stamina and again educated, she could ride his shies and rode him cnfidententally and they became quite the team, she has now moved onto a 16.1hh Anglo Arab, our daughter is now aged nearly 13, again the horse educated and very steady of nerve, it is beautiful to watch the great little rider she has become in under three years, as she boldly rides her into jumps, canters etc and the mare has taught her even more on riding aids etc and she LOVES getting on her horses each and every time, because it is always without drama
That IMO is the better way to teach kids, make it enjoyable, fun and SAFE!
Yeah, I’d say that kid is overhorsed. He doesn’t seem to mind much, most of the time I think he’s grinning as he hits the ground. At six yrs old, a child should have an experienced horse that’s teaching him to ride, not the other way around.
It’s easy to blame the horse but I think the fact that the child holds onto his mouth and uses a whip is the basis of the pony’s objections and then worse when the child doesn’t stop her inappropriate riding and punishments. Or should I say it’s the adults’ fault for allowing the child to to hang onto the bit and use a whip. She’s using a whip at 6 years old. That is so so wrong.
I was okay-ish with it until the rolling. THAT’S A NO.
I also see zero pain issues. I see a pony that’s learned how to dump a kid to avoid work. And not just any kid, but a kid with ability and chutzpah. Can you imagine what would happen to the average 6 year old on that beast?
Growing up, my mom always called horses/ponies like that “cheaters.” I’ve been fortunate to only have one true cheater of a horse in my entire life. AQHA gelding. In warm-up he’d be perfect. In the ring, he’d go faster and faster and raise his head higher and higher, knowing I couldn’t correct him in the show ring. (He was one wicked smart horse.) We also did pattern classes, and on one memorable occasion he bolted for the out gate. I decided he hated his job and it wasn’t fair to keep forcing it on him. Clearly, he wanted to go fast, right? So I sold him to a barrel racer friend of my sister’s. I went to watch him compete, at the exact same show grounds where the gelding had bolted with me. So the guy makes his last barrel and tries to make his run for home, toward that same out gate, and the horse won’t even lope. HE TROTS, SLOWLY, to the out gate. He was pure SOB, that horse.
Luckily, the barrel racer loved him (he thought his ornery nature was entertaining), and he found an excellent home for the rest of his life with that family. I have rarely been so thankful for anything in my life, because lord knows I didn’t want to keep him forever, but at the same time, none of my horses are ever abandoned to the wolves.
Oh that little butthead needs a lesson He is deliberately tossing that kid.
Why oh why are the parents allowing this? I see he has a helmet and it is not that far to the ground, but if the pony is like this now, imagine the tactics he’ll resort to when he that kid (who has awesome courage and tenacity himself!) gets a really good seat. I see the kid has a crop, and that would be my first choice, but obviously from the video the pony does not respect that either.
Ugh. I have a pony and they can be a handful, but please attempt to TRAIN it before you put a 6 yr. old child on it!!
my old riding instructor sent me this. I hate that woman, because she’s gone crazy and thinks terrible abusive riders are brave and good horsemen. She sent this to me with the message “This is the sort of kid I was used to teaching-not at all like some of the nambpamby milksops I come across all too often now!!!” Being a direct reference to me, because that’s exactly what she called me after a bad experience trying to take a green horse who wasn’t ready to be ridden out on the trails for a walk, because it was the first time I had ever ridden the horse. He freaked out over something stupid on the ground and I had no idea how to handle it, and he eventually reared so high and suddenly his hind legs gave out and he flipped and landed on his side… twice… I was upset after because she yelled at me that it was all my fault and I felt like I had ruined the horse for me forever, and then she proceeded to bitch at me about how I was a coward and a terrible nambypamby milksop, which only made me angry and I called her an effing bitch which she rightly deserved but only resulted in a screaming match because she’s convinced that she’s god of horses and is always right and must never be talked back to.
Well there’s a saying that I read in Mary Twelveponies’ book “There are no problem horses, only problem riders” and it says: “A man won’t make a good horse until he’s afraid to ride,” meaning all these really gutsy riders that aren’t afraid let alone respetful of their horse’s capabilities only tend to ruin the horse by riding forcibly all the time, and by never trying a different approach because they are so butt-headed.
Basically, this kid is ruining that pony and making him dog food in my opinion. And his instructor (like my old one) ism probably a crazy old bat that needs to learn proper horsemanship. Yeah, I give the kid credit for having the balls to keep trying, but it’s no use hitting your head against the wall. This kid needs to learn RESPONSIBLE horsemanship because persistently getting up and doing the same things over and over again just to prove that he isn’t afraid is ruining this pony are only making things worse.
The pony could have a serious health or pain issue that they’re too stupid to look for, or he’s just learned that he’s bigger than that tiny boy and he can do what he pleases with him. I think that boy can’t ride worth a damn, because wheever he tells that pony to move he’s hauling on his face and bouncing all over his back. Even if the pony isn’t being hurt, it’s pissing him off and the kid needs to be put on a quiet mount on the lunge and prctice without reins and stirrups until he learns how to ride and control a pony and use his aids properly without confliction.
that’s just my opinion, but I also have a question. Has anyone else ever dealt with a batshit crazy riding instructor like mine??? and if so, does it still bug you the things they called you/told you? Because even though I try to ignore the little subtle messages she gives me when she tells stories of “gung-ho riders” and sends me e-mails like these, it really gets to me and makes me feel like crap.
I didn’t read all the comments- but it always amazes me with comments that everyone thinks they know the entire story. I certainly don’t claim to either. Based on the video, I’d definitely say the child is overmounted, and the pony is evil. However, if you look at some of the other videos, the kid is an awesome rider for being 6 or 7. Heck yeah! BUT, in the 10 minute long video of Ed being good, there is jumping after jumping, with loooong stretches of cantering and jumping. No little kid has endurance like that, and it almost seems like Ross gets tired and starts losing his balance and leg. The pony is also irritated from being overschooled. Just from seeing short clips into the kid and pony’s life, it does seem like it is just a bad match. Sure the kid is a great rider, pony just does not want to be with a super beginner kid. He might have been great with say an 8 year old, but after getting away with all that crap for so long it’s definitely best to go to a home pulling a cart. I did see the video of the kid on a new pony- and yikes yes his leg is loose and hands all over the place. It however does say it’s his first ride– there seems to be later rides where he is looking much better. Without being there, though, I don’t want to judge the trainer, the kid, the horse, whatever– it is easy to make judgements though on short videos. Kudos to them for good safety equipment, and finally getting rid of the Ed pony.
I LOVE ED!!! If his owners don’t want him anymore, send him to me! I’m a petite adult and I love scrappy ponies. They’ve got great brains and character.
I agree with what many have already said about Ed not being safe for a young person at this point. I don’t think he’s in pain – just smart and figured out how to get away with things. He does need a diet though. Give Ed a new job and a new diet.
And I’m not going to pick on the young man’s riding. For a youngster I think he looks like a darn good rider and is being a good sport. I’m sure I looked worse at his age. Hang in there young guy – hope you stick with riding for life!
This so reminds me of the Thelwell ponies. It mus be in England. I lived there for 3 years. The English love their animals. I volunteered at a no-kill SPCA in Bath — forget what the acronym is in British, RSPCA? — it was a while ago. I think most of the SPCA’s were no-kill.
Anyway, Ed is not good for this child. The parents may be non-horsey and not realize the risks. Howerver the riding instructor SHOULD know. The boy could have a facial injury from Ed stepping on his face, or break his neck or break a long bone at a growth plate which could deform his limb. All around, not good. I know the risk exists with every horse or pony but with Ed it is magnified by 10 x at least!
Anyway, that’s my comment. I know I lived through a lot of similar stuff, but I think that, basically, Ed would make a nice sandwich for someone in France. LOL. Just kidding of course — I hear he’s happily pulling a cart.
I am appalled at the parents and trainer who would send Ross out there time after time to be dumped, rolled on, and dragged. Neither he nor Ed is learning much (well, maybe Ed is learning lots of new evasions), and it is just not a suitable match. Six-year-olds do not have the physical control to be good riders; if you’re going to put them on a pony, put them on one where they have a chance of learning the skills they need. And put someone on the pony who will teach it good manners and ride it properly. (Driving as a substitute job is a sensible solution, too.) I have actually known young riders who have broken their ponies of bad habits, but they were more like 10 than 6.
And no matter how careful the pony was being, there were opportunities for serious injury in the roll and especially the drag. I can’t imagine sending my child out to get back on a pony that dragged him/her by the stirrup.
I think she’s trying to kill off her son…
In actuality I think those tough and evil little ponies make the kid a great rider, with proper instruction. (Not saying he isn’t receiving it.) I would have to say though that Ed looks pretty mean and could use a lesson or two from someone who has enough strength to put him in place. I never really was put on ‘tough’ ponies until I was about 10 or 11, I was put on a trusty old appendix mare and lemme tell you when I got on the mean ponies I got a pretty good wake up call. I was blessed for my first pony to be one of those horses that gets tough as you become a better rider. I wouldn’t put that kid back on after Ed got a few lessons, the kid looks pretty young, 7 maybe? Still. I think he deserves a sweet little pony who won’t try to kill him. :]
Sheeesh!! How many times does the poor kid have to fall off till the trainers/parents realize that MAAAAAYBE that horse is a little to much for him. Wait SCRATCH that. The pony is WAY to much for the poor kid. And if my pony were to ever lay down while I was on top of her, would she eeeeever get the work out of her life. Not to mention all the other crap Ed was pulling.
I thought I was on a horse that was to much for me when I got my first horse Rex. But after seeing that, I didn’t fall off nearly as much. And Rex didn’t do it out of spite, he did it out of total fear. ….
Niccimarie,
It is an Ethmoid Hematoma – not uncommon in TBs. He had the eye symptom and I hauled him to the university vet. The growth was found in the sinus with the endoscope. It is not like a brain tumor. It is not in the brain – just the sinus cavities which are HUGE.
That pony really does need a serious wake-up call from an experienced rider before he’s ridden by any more little children! He’s sure got a lotta nerve!
I watched other video posts by this same individual, and there were many instances where this little pony was very well-behaved for his rider, but I think he is just a spoiled little critter. I also agree that he needs a tune-up from a teenager or small adult. I give the kid credit for getting back on after getting dumped, I can’t say I would do the same. There were also other videos of this child riding her new pony, and this pony looked a lot less crabby
This video really made me realize how good the pony I had growing up was. He would buck if you tapped him with the crop of touched him with the end of the reins, but his little hooves only came about 6 inches off the ground. It was more of a “I don’t want to do it, but since you’re insisting, here we go.” He was such a little cutie, and I wish I still had him!
OMG… can you say deja vu?
When I first started riding a few years ago (at age 11), I started off on an adorable white, fluffy, little pony named Bizmo. The thing is, Bizmo wasn’t the one with the problem, I was. The trainer that I was with had me jumping (at the trot, I might add, because I couldn’t sit a canter) when I couldn’t even steer a circle properly. My legs sucked; I would haul my legs back and kick about a foot behind the girth to get him to go. For me, posting was standing in the stirrups every once and a while. And ugh, I can’t even imagine how much I yanked on that poor thing’s mouth. Looking back, I feel so bad… :/
But I think that the problem with the kid in the video is that his instructor needs to take him off ponies like that and put him on something bombproof so that he can get the a good skill foundation for when he tries to take on a pony like Ed. The kid needs a quiet lesson horse who’s used to having beginners riding him, and then the kid needs to be taught to stop using his hands to balance and basically get a decent skill foundation BEFORE he starts jumping. Start with the basics, people! It’s simple: start with good, decent flatwork before you move do the more complicated stuff. Once the kid has a good concept of how to ride properly, then start on jumping and dealing with naughty ponies. You wouldn’t start your kid playing travel-team hockey if he didn’t know how to skate, would you? The same concept applies.
Yes, I definitely think he is overmounted. There are a few things that are really bothering me. 1 would be the fact that the pony keeps throwing this child around like a rag doll, and they keep putting him back on this pony. 2 would be the fact that this child obviously cannot control this pony, and it seems that in a lot of clips, they are trying to get him to go over jumps! Why? Put the boy on a quiet horse, get the pony checked out by a vet, then get an experienced rider on the pony for some serious schooling and attitude adjustment.
That’s a very naughty pony, my goodness! I couldn’t help but giggle a bit when the pony rolled (seeing that the kid was OK, of course) and I like the ‘E’ cut into his coat in the beginning, haha. But I do think he’s way over-faced. He’s a good little rider and I think he could probably handle a naughty pony, but that’s a bit too naughty.
My mistake, the ‘D’ is on the other side, how cute! And that’s a freakin’ cute pony, he just needs a cute attitude to match.