My father was telling me about a horse that was given to my brother's girlfriend, more specifically.. Her 13 year old daughter. Neither of which have any kind of experience with horses. They were told he was a miniature horse, but at 2 years old, he's roughly 11 hands, and growing. He has not been gelded and is starting to act "stud like" and I worry he's going to hurt himself or any of the kids (they've got four small kids-5, 6, 8 and 13 years old)
Over the winter, they had the pony tied in the haymow. They moved him to a small paddock when it got warmer because he started kicking and striking at the kids when they were in around him. He's very nervous and skittish. He's sweet and curious (he wouldn't leave me alone when I went to pet him yesterday) but he's also scared, and he bit my forearm, leaving a mark on my jacket and a light colored bruise.
Now to the point.. His feet are overgrown and cracking and chipping. He's got a couple cracks almost the length of his hoof, and a decent sized chunk out of another. His halter is too big, so they've got it tied above the buckle, instead of getting him one that fits. I did not see a bucket or trough for fresh water, and his small paddock is over grown and full of weeds, a few of which I'm sure would make him sick. He has very little, if anything, to graze on. Any grass is very very short, and I'm afraid he may have worms. He's been cut above one hip. His skin is tight and dry, likely from dehydration. His coat is still in okay shape, but I'm afraid it won't last. I talked to my brother about buying him from them (my brother would just give him to me if he had a choice) but the 13 year old threw a tantrum about it, though she hasn't been near him for months, maybe over a year. I was thinking I could talk to her mother, but I'm not sure what I could say, or how to word it, without sounding mean and arrogant, as I tend to get very harsh about situations like this. I do not want to cause trouble within the family, however, the well-being of the pony, as well as my nieces and nephews, is far more important to me than worrying about them being angry with me. I would like to be able to keep him and care for him, as my horse was sold with out my knowledge in November, and I really miss having one around to care for, but even if that cannot happen, I want him to go to a place where he will be loved and well cared for.
So.. Suggestions??
Over the winter, they had the pony tied in the haymow. They moved him to a small paddock when it got warmer because he started kicking and striking at the kids when they were in around him. He's very nervous and skittish. He's sweet and curious (he wouldn't leave me alone when I went to pet him yesterday) but he's also scared, and he bit my forearm, leaving a mark on my jacket and a light colored bruise.
Now to the point.. His feet are overgrown and cracking and chipping. He's got a couple cracks almost the length of his hoof, and a decent sized chunk out of another. His halter is too big, so they've got it tied above the buckle, instead of getting him one that fits. I did not see a bucket or trough for fresh water, and his small paddock is over grown and full of weeds, a few of which I'm sure would make him sick. He has very little, if anything, to graze on. Any grass is very very short, and I'm afraid he may have worms. He's been cut above one hip. His skin is tight and dry, likely from dehydration. His coat is still in okay shape, but I'm afraid it won't last. I talked to my brother about buying him from them (my brother would just give him to me if he had a choice) but the 13 year old threw a tantrum about it, though she hasn't been near him for months, maybe over a year. I was thinking I could talk to her mother, but I'm not sure what I could say, or how to word it, without sounding mean and arrogant, as I tend to get very harsh about situations like this. I do not want to cause trouble within the family, however, the well-being of the pony, as well as my nieces and nephews, is far more important to me than worrying about them being angry with me. I would like to be able to keep him and care for him, as my horse was sold with out my knowledge in November, and I really miss having one around to care for, but even if that cannot happen, I want him to go to a place where he will be loved and well cared for.
So.. Suggestions??