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Post by Shelly on Sept 6, 2014 4:44:16 GMT
I currently put local adds up to try and help me find a small rider (under 100lbs) to help exercise/ride my pony during the fall and winter months.
She could really use the hours and attention. So far I have gotten quite a few replies. I am very "picky" when it comes to letting people ride my horses and plan on asking lots of questions to my potential candidates.
Any questions you recommend? They will definitely be supervised at first.. Hopefully I can find someone experienced enough to work her independently.
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429 
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Post by nhg on Sept 6, 2014 14:23:31 GMT
I'm sure you've already thought of the obvious like how long they've been riding and have they ever taken formal lessons but I'm thinking maybe give them an example of a behaviour and ask what they'd do about it. "What would you do if a horse ran away with you?" Maybe get them talking about things like bits and equipment and see where their thinking is. I'd want to know their opinion on ponies in general, too, because a lot of people think they're automatically stubborn little jerks just because they're ponies. I'd also want to know what type of rider they consider themselves to be. For example, have they shown and that's what they're interested in or are they just recreational riders.
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Post by horselady on Sept 6, 2014 20:03:45 GMT
You might contact a local 4-h group thru your county co-operative extension or perhaps some barns that give lessons.
or you can have the pony trained to pull a cart and you can hitch her up and go for some rides. and in winter use sleigh runners.
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Post by Shelly on Sept 8, 2014 3:32:09 GMT
I had her moved to a lesson barn all summer in hopes that she would get lots of exercise but she will be coming home for the winter. I will definitely look around and see. I just want to keep her worked and I would love to see her go further under saddle.
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Post by lorddaxter on Sept 9, 2014 12:14:18 GMT
I feel your pain, thing is you have to constantly monitor the rider too, I got a girl out and first couple times I watched I was impressed then I left her alone, it was only one day I noticed her coming back from leading Ira on the road, I asked what happened and she said he freaked out and she had to get off, he was bombproof in traffic, so next time she rode him in the paddock and I sneakily watched, she then went to take him up the field, he napped a little and gave a tiny buck which he's never done before, she then stopped him sawed him in the mouth turned him around and just walked him round the paddock, I didn't say anything other than I didn't need her anymore, when she left I rode him and he has picked up so many bad habits and his mouths awful, anyway just be cautious  |
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Post by 1fatmule on Sept 9, 2014 15:37:37 GMT
two months ago i advertised on cl (GASP...) for experienced riders to help exercise George, and Hannah because mike has been working 50-55 hours a week. i had the cl crazies  coming out of everywhere! after weeding out the obvious i chose two ladies that work together, and have been at their jobs as an accountant, and a cost manager for 12, and 14 yrs. they both were avid horsewomen  one lost her horses 633995 through divorce, the other had her old horse 633995 put down, and her other horse 884530 is a yearling. both gave vet references, both went  out on the trails with mike 4 times each to see which horse 633995 fit which lady, this has been a good for all involved, the horses 633995 are still getting used 2-3 times a week by us, and getting trail ridden by their new friends 2 times a week also. the horses love smileys-hearts-532620 both ladies (ages 37, & 50) and meet them at the gate are happy, and willingly leave the yard. it is quite comical smileys-party-370729 to see Georges rider, he being 16.3+ Hh and 1,380#, and her ... 5'4", and 110# !! i wish you luck, this worked out for us even better than i could have imagined. i wish you luck, this worked for us, and no one is more surprised than ME!! |
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Post by lorddaxter on Sept 9, 2014 15:58:11 GMT
You have been lucky 1fatmule, wish I could find someone like that:(
I did actually let that girl ride Dax once, that same day that she screwed with Ira, just to see as I know Dax wont put up with any crap, he didn't, put in a buck and the horn caught in her belt, she was lucky he just stopped and refused to move after lol!
I love ponies, I do hope you find a decent kind rider for your pony:)
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Post by Shelly on Sept 9, 2014 16:26:49 GMT
Oh ya they will be very monitored and this area is quite small so I will be asking around or will ask for references from riders. I have already filtered out a few "weeds". LOL One lady messaged me asking if her 7 year old niece could exercise her.... ummm 7 is a little young. How about call me in 10 years LOL
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Post by lorddaxter on Sept 9, 2014 16:32:20 GMT
Oh ya they will be very monitored and this area is quite small so I will be asking around or will ask for references from riders. I have already filtered out a few "weeds". LOL One lady messaged me asking if her 7 year old niece could exercise her.... ummm 7 is a little young. How about call me in 10 years LOL Ugh people are crazy, I have clients offer their kids to come walk dogs at my kennels, really, you think I'll leave your child in charge of a clients dogs, I know some places do but I'd worry like heck! |
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Post by Shelly on Sept 9, 2014 16:39:21 GMT
Ya I threw the offer out there that she could take lessons and as she progresses and if she's a good fit maybe it could become something more but like really. I'm not going to get a 7 year old to independently work my horse.
and clients dogs! yeah that's a no no.. Your dogs maybe but not paying clients (unless you get permission and all that jazz). Too much work lol not really worth it
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coming out of everywhere! after weeding out the obvious i chose two ladies that work together, and have been at their jobs as an accountant, and a cost manager for 12, and 14 yrs. they both were avid horsewomen 
one lost her horses 633995 through divorce, the other had her old horse 633995 put down, and her other horse 884530 is a yearling. both gave vet references, both went 
out on the trails with mike 4 times each to see which horse 633995 fit which lady, this has been a good for all involved, the horses 633995 are still getting used 2-3 times a week by us, and getting trail ridden