Unbelievable sale video; or "Will you hold this pony while I go to the ER?"

[GGsuperpony]

So, the short version is that these people are trying to market this pony as a jumper / trail / goat-tying prospect. :confused: And as if that weren't weird enough, they have the world's most bizarre sales technique, as seen in the video.

I should note that I found this linked in a sale ad on Craigslist. The ad itself goes to great lengths to describe the pony as NOT for beginners, which just makes the video even MORE insane.

Brace yourself; the video is utterly frightening. Let's put it this way: it involves a lot of bailing twine, an old trailer, barefoot children with plastic swords, and skateboards. You need to see it for yourself. This poor pony...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4yD1pCAPsU

[ambar]

That there pony is a saint.

[JinxyFish313]

Wow. Poor pony. He seems completely unfazed by all of that though. I understand the seller's intent but wow...just wow.

[dove]

Those kids may be asking to get maimed by that poor pony but it is a super cute pony. Maybe it's deaf and blind?

[billiebob]

Wow. Just wow.

That's one bombproof pony.

[RugBug]

Someone go get that saintly pony. Looks like he jumps too and has a lead change that should become automatic with just a little work (it looks like he changes because he wants to be balanced, not because he's asked. He's a little late behind, but I bet that could be fixed),

[nickers@dawn]

When the one girl was stretching the ponies flank, I actually felt sick to my stomach. All I could see coming was a quick cow-kick. That mother is lucky the pony is a saint.

Are they trying to sell the pony? I guess if I wanted a vaulting pony, he would be the one!

[GGsuperpony]

All of it is shocking, especially the stabbing with fake knives and the hitting with the sword, but what gets me is that he's TIED TO A TRAILER WITH TWINE the entire time! I mean, geez! At least assign a little rascal to hold him!

And I see what you're saying, Jinxy, but I'm not sure that I do understand the intent; they go to great lengths in the ad to explain he is NOT for beginners: "We have put beginners on him, but do not recommend it." So why do they need to prove he can be stabbed with a plastic knife in his side without kicking if he's not safe for beginners under saddle? What experienced rider is going to skateboard underneath / swordfight with her pony? I just don't understand people, and I'm not even one of those super-concerned citizens...

[luvs2ridewbs]

uh anyone want parental supervision??

[kellidahorsegirl]

wait, its not normal to skateboard while sword fighting your horse? Now I know why people look at me funny

[Come Shine]

uh anyone want parental supervision??

No kidding. How stupid.

[GGsuperpony]

Luvs2ride - If you turn the sound on, you hear that the mother is DIRECTING the whole thing! "Kenny, pick up his feet, no, you can only pick up one at a time, okay..." and "Girls, does he like dogs?", etc.

Okay, I need to get back to work but I am just... Wow. This is mind-boggling. I have seen all the "normal" weird videos - helmetless jumping of cars, etc - but this takes the cake!

[ThirdCharm]

If I was anywhere near TX I would own that pony TOMORROW. He is SOOO CUTE!!! He looks REALLY nice in the video with the lunatics all shed out and shiny.....very elegant little fellow, really....

If a COTH'er buys him, they MUST UPDATE!!!

Jennifer

[luvs2ridewbs]

wow thats pretty bad. I had my sound off since I am at work.

[Chylli]

Although they are not my kids. I think the whole thing is really funny. They all look like they really enjoy having "FUN" with the pony and he seams to like the treats for standing still. What a good pony and funny little kids!

[jumpingmaya]

SOMEONE PICK UP THE PONY...
I mean if I was "close" to having kids.. he'd be on his way home with me right now...
but by the time I'm ready... he'd probably be like... 30 :winkgrin:
Anyways, he's a saint... I think there are much better ways to show that a pony is a saint... this was absolutely horrible quality and really made them look like idiots... (well all of them except the poor pony... who really looks exasperated!!!)

[Gatorsgirl]

He looks so used to all that... ridiculousness. I have to admit he's kinda cute. I guess he'd think shows and general day to day 'normal' barn stuff was boring!

Someone with a braing go scoop him up and do something wonderful. I think he really deserves it!

[QueenMother]

I love that pony! (And it looks like the children love him too. It seems to me that a truly abused or neglected pony would not behave this way.)

[mypaintwattie]

wow, that is quite the video! I actually bought my horse off of a video of her groundtied while the girl who owned her stood on her back and walked under her, but this video takes it a little too far. Cute pony though, very saintly.

[rabicon]

OMG, that Mom is lucky she has any kids left if she lets them act like this with horses :eek: Wow.

Love the pony though. Looks cared for and not abused. He'd probably turn out to be a cute local hunter or jumper. I'm just surprised that a Mother would let her children do this around a horse, don't care how bombproof the horse is.

[ksetrider]

"We think he has been used for goat tying; if you are running with him and jump off, he will automatically stop where you are with him"

I haven't actually yet jumped off my horse mid-riding to see what he would do. Am I behind the eight-ball??

Seriously though, that is one incredibly quiet horse.

[foundationmare]

Maybe I'm getting old and curmudgeonly, but I stomached about 30 secs. of that video. Saint of a pony that the children "love" and that's the kind of respect he gets? I think it's sad.

[IrishWillow]

I'm about 20 minutes from Argyle.. if someone wants me to go look at him for them! :)

Kat

[ontarget]

Someone MUST point this video out to Fugly!

[zahena]

Ugh, what a disaster. Yeah, let's go check him out! :winkgrin: He is cute. And seems sweet. If I were him, I'd have kicked the snot outta someone! Our area seems to like cute ponies for lesson horses!

[Melzy]

That is one tolerant pony for sure! Prime example of ignorance is bliss.

I'm afraid my campers would have done the same thing with my wonderful school ponies if I didn't supervise them. I had some real saints in my barn.

I hope this pony ends up in a loving home.

[shawneeAcres]

ALthough I don't approve of this around horses, this pony is not being "abused" in any way, shape or form! He seems perfectly happy thru the entire video, munching away on treats. The other video of him being ridden shows a very nice, well maintained pasture and board fencing, he is in excellent health and is being ridden in well fitting western tack. What is the problem??? I know when I was a child I did a lot of similar stupid things with horses. But this pony seems to be in a good home and well cared for, and not at all "traumatized" by the childrens behavoir, actually looks like he likes it!

[TheRedFox]

While I understand that "kids will be kids" behavior such as that being exhibited by these children should not be tolerated, much less, encouraged by their mother. This is a very saintly pony, indeed. However, one does not need to hyper-extend his back leg nor his front leg, especially at the same time to prove a point. Nor, do they need to stand on his back and fall down on him, do back flips off of him or pull his tail with all of their body weight. Not to mention, waving that plastic sword in his eye/face? If the kids are acting like this in front of their mother, how do you think they are treating their animals when no one is looking? For as good as that boy is, he shouldnt have to endure what those wild kids are doing to him...just like momma said.

[JinxyFish313]

There IS such a thing as a pony that is bombproof on the ground but a difficult ride for beginners. I know some ponies that you can do all of that stuff to, but get very nervous or hot under saddle and would be too much for a beginner to handle.

[akhunterrider]

That right there is the definition of bombproof. Wow.

[Long Spot]

OP, I just love the title you've given this. It's perfect.

Hope that little guy finds a good home. It might be the smartest stupidest thing this lady has done. A shocking video to force a quick sale.

[akhunterrider]

Has anyone watched the jumping video that is linked on the equinenow ad. It's special to say the least.

[GGsuperpony]

I am inclined to agree with posters who say he is not being abused. He is clean, in good weight, and happy-looking.

That being said, I have two thoughts.

First off, despite this behavior's not being abuse, there is something unacceptable about it, even if it's something less than abuse. Proof: I expect you wouldn't allow me to do this to your horse, especially the poking at his sensitive flanks.

Secondly, it's just not okay to put your children or their ponies in unnecessarily risky situations. In my mind, the question is not "is this activity dangerous" but "can we lessen the dangers inherent in this activity". There would be a million ways to prove the pony is safe without unnecessarily endangering all those involved. First off, shoes on the kids and someone holding the pony would be good!

Jinxy, I can see how a pony could be too difficult for a beginner and safe on the ground, but my point was about marketing. An advanced rider wouldn't care about his pony's safety near skateboards (being strong enough to tolerate a spook), and a beginner won't even watch the video because the ad says the pony is unsuitable. So why bother with all this dangerous business?

I guess what I mean is that all the "proving" his saintliness seems like a waste - like showing a video of a top hunter in Sandy Ferrell's barn behaving for the farrier. ("That's good that he stands for the farrier and all, but that's not why I am buying him!") Which goes back to my second point: if it's not necessary AND it's dangerous... why do it? To me, this is overkill, and it's dangerous overkill involving those who are incapable of making their own good decision (kids and ponies). THAT is why it's so wrong.

[foundationmare]

Agree with every point made by GG!

[bornfreenowexpensive]

"We think he has been used for goat tying; if you are running with him and jump off, he will automatically stop where you are with him"

I haven't actually yet jumped off my horse mid-riding to see what he would do. Am I behind the eight-ball??

Seriously though, that is one incredibly quiet horse.


You do jump off them if you are roping.....that is what they mean by goat tying. For the kids getting started in rodeo, they jump off their horse and tie up a goat instead of a steer...I think. It would then be important that said pony not go galloping off.

[GGsuperpony]

The jumping video is special, but BOY do I love this pony. Please someone go get him. He's in such a nice little package and he is so willing and kind-looking. He wants to be a sweet little local short stirrup pony, I just know it. :D

[Spotted Pony]

This is exactly the kind of pony we had as kids! Back in the "olden days", before organized sports, scheduled play dates and endless horse shows, we used our ponies as transportation, swimming buddies and playmates. We rode cross country, crossing many , many properties, bareback, helmetless and if everyone went at the same time we were one bridle short and had to draw straws on who would have to ride with a halter and lead. There was no limit to what we would ask our ponies to do.

...and then we would clean them up and take them to horse shows. They did not spook, they jumped what was asked and they won their share of classes. We lived in Malvern, PA, not in some backwoods, cowboy country.

We lived - and I feel sorry for my daughter who never had a chance to enjoy the same type of bond I had with my horse as a kid. Yes, some of it was probably unsafe, if not down right dangerous, but the ponies were not abused and I think actually enjoyed being a real part of the crowd!

[twofatponies]

This is exactly the kind of pony we had as kids! Back in the "olden days", before organized sports, scheduled play dates and endless horse shows, we used our ponies as transportation, swimming buddies and playmates. We rode cross country, crossing many , many properties, bareback, helmetless and if everyone went at the same time we were one bridle short and had to draw straws on who would have to ride with a halter and lead. There was no limit to what we would ask our ponies to do.

...and then we would clean them up and take them to horse shows. They did not spook, they jumped what was asked and they won their share of classes. We lived in Malvern, PA, not in some backwoods, cowboy country.

We lived - and I feel sorry for my daughter who never had a chance to enjoy the same type of bond I had with my horse as a kid. Yes, some of it was probably unsafe, if not down right dangerous, but the ponies were not abused and I think actually enjoyed being a real part of the crowd!

We must be of a similar generation, then. When I shared a pony with my cousin as a young teen, we did anything and everything with him. Laying down with him for pasture naps, hacking all over the countryside by ourselves, unsupervised, giving him atrocious haircuts and dressing him up, making him gallop by having someone shake a bucket of kibble at the gate (he wouldn't do more than trot otherwise!). On weekends my cousin took him to local shows - we usually hacked there, riding on the sidewalk along the main road...

[Wizard of Oz's]

Oh my god. I'm going to buy that pony to get him away from those freaks! Just because you can technically hit a pony with a plastic sword without him freaking out doesn't mean you should! UGH. :mad:

[enjoytheride]

Why is the jumping video special? An englilsh saddle would give the rider a much better position, she needs a helmet, and some real jumps might make a nicer picture but the pony seems to be jumping in decent form without rushing, and he has lead changes.

Although I disapprove of the treatment of the pony it isn't abusive and he appears well fed.

[Coppers mom]

That was just the stupidest video I've ever watched. Shouldn't children that age be embarrassed by pretty much anything? Why would they allow someone to film them acting like such idiots?

[lcw579]

This is exactly the kind of pony we had as kids! Back in the "olden days", before organized sports, scheduled play dates and endless horse shows, we used our ponies as transportation, swimming buddies and playmates. We rode cross country, crossing many , many properties, bareback, helmetless and if everyone went at the same time we were one bridle short and had to draw straws on who would have to ride with a halter and lead. There was no limit to what we would ask our ponies to do.

...and then we would clean them up and take them to horse shows. They did not spook, they jumped what was asked and they won their share of classes. We lived in Malvern, PA, not in some backwoods, cowboy country.

We lived - and I feel sorry for my daughter who never had a chance to enjoy the same type of bond I had with my horse as a kid. Yes, some of it was probably unsafe, if not down right dangerous, but the ponies were not abused and I think actually enjoyed being a real part of the crowd!


Very similar over in Valley Forge! We disappeared for hours and got up to all sorts of shenanigans.

FWIW I would have killed for a plastic sword during some of our games - we made all our weapons out of sticks! :D:D Good times!

[Cita]

Very similar over in Valley Forge! We disappeared for hours and got up to all sorts of shenanigans.

FWIW I would have killed for a plastic sword during some of our games - we made all our weapons out of sticks! :D:D Good times!

Yes, but I suspect (hope) you were sword-fighting each other, not your poor horses.

[Horseshowaddict]

I feel for the pony. But at least he has a sense of humor and tolerates the WHOLE danged thing. Honestly, Im amazed that the mother, or whoever (adult figure) is letting them do this without shoes, etc etc. I half expected a kid to slip and fall, or try to climb up the trailer as well. I mean seriously? Take the pony out of the video, and I would think that this is a sale ad for someone's unwanted children. Talk about annoying.

[kookicat]

Bless him, he looks like a little saint.

[jenm]

Yikes. The mother of those children is a good candidate for the Darwin Award.

[spmoonie]

I love the pony! He's cute!

But, poor, poor guy. :(

[Seven-up]

Gack!! Barefoot at the barn. I mean, forget about getting your feet squashed for a second. I feel like scrubbing my feet just watching that.

I'm not even going to touch the behavior of those kids around that poor pony. I'm too grossed out by foot parasites and toenail infections and tetanus.

[Calvincrowe]

Watched with the sound on... at first I was kind of aghasted. but..then..I thought about the wacky ass things I did with my pony. Running around, swimming in the pond, jumping stupid "scary things" like brooms on buckets. We jousted each other, wearing homemade capes, flapping and flopping around. Our ponies were saintly.

I don't see an unhappy, abused pony. I see kids having fun, showing that that pony is unflappable. Not the usual way to do it, but honestly, I think some of the posters here on COTH are hothouse flowers who never got to muck about with ponies as children. We admire the Europeans on another thread here, for having such wonderful child riders--so brave, so resourceful, such 'hands on horsemen' for mucking about with ponies, unlike our "overscheduled, too pushed to win" kids.

Some things were kind of "dumb" but the pony and the other vids show that he's fine, and so are the kids.

If I needed a pony, and I weren't 3000 miles away, I'd consider him!

[Cita]

Watched with the sound on... at first I was kind of aghasted. but..then..I thought about the wacky ass things I did with my pony. Running around, swimming in the pond, jumping stupid "scary things" like brooms on buckets. We jousted each other, wearing homemade capes, flapping and flopping around. Our ponies were saintly.

I don't see an unhappy, abused pony. I see kids having fun, showing that that pony is unflappable. Not the usual way to do it, but honestly, I think some of the posters here on COTH are hothouse flowers who never got to muck about with ponies as children. We admire the Europeans on another thread here, for having such wonderful child riders--so brave, so resourceful, such 'hands on horsemen' for mucking about with ponies, unlike our "overscheduled, too pushed to win" kids.

Some things were kind of "dumb" but the pony and the other vids show that he's fine, and so are the kids.

If I needed a pony, and I weren't 3000 miles away, I'd consider him!

If it's not "abuse," it's certainly bullying.

Jumping around and goofing off on horseback is one thing. But punching a horse in the flank to prove that it won't kill you? The implication being that you know that this is unpleasant behavior? That just shows an incredible lack of respect for the animal as a living creature.

I grew up doing stupid things on horseback, too ("polo" out on trail, with long sticks, at a gallop? galloping through fields bareback, in a bathing suit, with only a halter and leadrope? Jumping with no reins on a known bolter, in an unfenced area?). But I never would have dreamed of harassing a horse like that. I treated my horses like royalty, as best I knew how. If the animal was in my care, I strongly felt that the horse's health and happiness were my responsibility.

Would these kids' behavior be okay if they were doing it to a sibling? Or to a neighbor child? What about to a toddler? Someone who is mentally challenged? ("Look how good-natured this kid is, he doesn't even scream when we hit him with stuff!") At what point is making a living creature suffer, just for the heck of it, no longer okay? When it's uncomfortable? When it's scary? When it hurts? Why is this a line that needs to be drawn?

Just because you can take advantage of someone/something's good nature doesn't mean you should. I see this as no different from pulling the legs off an insect, just to watch it squirm. Bad, bad karma.

What really burns me up is you just KNOW that if that horse one day says, "Enough!" and lashed out aggressively, the humans are going to freak at the horse's "vicious" behavior and the horse is going to suffer (beaten, sold to auction, left untouched in a field for many years... seen it so many times before). :no:

[klmck63]

Yikes. He appears well taken care of at least, but the indignity! It's really not an okay or a good way to try and sell a horse.

It would be lovely if someone could pick him up! He looks like a very patient fellow.

[ReSomething]

The video was probably scripted to show how bombproof he was, and I don't recall him flinching when they "beat" him with the sword, or "punched" him. Not a fancy professional sales video that's for sure.
Nice little well mannered fellow, worth a look.

[Windswept Stable]

Oh my word! The poor pony. Can someone PLEASE go buy him?
He looks VERY VERY saintly. Pull a drug screen and if its clean, he would be a great candidate for a riding school or backyard fun pony. He is super super tolerant of very stupid behaviors.

[S1969]

Hmmmmmmm....my area and I just happen to have an empty stall and two little girls who would never be mean to a cute pony like that. Need to find the real sales ad.

Damn, thought someone said Argyle NY. OK, he's about 3000 miles away. (I didn't listen so maybe if I had I would have picked up TX accents?) Grr.

[Equestryn]

All I could think the whole time was "God Bless that pony"

[Dinah-do]

50 years ago most kids ponies were like that. A few years ago Iwas in a barn where a family of kids had summer jobs bomb proofing kids ponies (smalls and Mediums). Those ponies put up with all that stuff. Now I know where sainted ponies come from.

[SomethingDazzling]

Brings game pony to a whole new level! I'd give that pony more than a treat & a kiss at the end of all that though!!
What a saint!, Poor pony!

[Ozone]

I watched the video twice. And yes, when I was a kid I used to gallop my pony up the shavings bin, we would both be "underwater" in shavings, I would play knock down and out, "leap frog" was always fun too. BUT, like the rest of us who had fun times with our ponies I do not think ANY of us treated our ponies the way this one is being treated. I just 'played' with my pony and I know she had a blast!

The mother should be ashamed of herself. These kids are just wild, disrespectful to the pony and god knows what they do to him when no one is around! One of these days one of the kids are going to get seriously hurt and of course it will be the pony's fault right?

He looks healthy and not an abuse case although some would say he is being mentally abused, how much can he take before he does cow kick the kid pulling on his flanks?

Even if some say he is content I think he would be happier in a home full of love and respect!

[lcw579]

Yes, but I suspect (hope) you were sword-fighting each other, not your poor horses.

True we were battling each other :lol: Although from time to time one may have become collateral damage. Most of the ponies really got into the games, I know mine did. He loved it when we were the "robbers" being chased through the woods.


The video was probably scripted to show how bombproof he was, and I don't recall him flinching when they "beat" him with the sword, or "punched" him. Not a fancy professional sales video that's for sure.
Nice little well mannered fellow, worth a look.

All in all I thought it was a bizarre video but I don't think they were banging on him too hard - I thought it was mostly for effect. The plopping down on his back made me cringe but I seem to remember an afternoon spent playing Circus oh so many moons ago and I'm sure I did my share of plopping.

My daughter was watching over my shoulder and thinks someone should buy him for a lesson pony because he puts up with so much.

Video of proper way to treat a pony? No
Good Sales video? No, certainly not traditional
Effective Sales video? Yes, many people are looking at it - someone nearby is going to get that pony a home.

[NeverEnd]

Rednecks....

I was afraid to watch the jumping video - jumping in western tack?...Someone please buy that pony!

[maxiford812]

Something about the way the girls talk reminds me of Charlie the Unicorn's "friends."

[GGsuperpony]

HA! True! I knew they reminded me of someone. "We're going to candy mountain, Charlie, candy mountain!"

[equest]

OMG. That was like the horse-related version of "Jackass". And the mom allowing the little girl to play around the pony barefoot?

[Mach Two]

Ah, heck, my friends and I stood on our horse's backs, walked under their bellies, hung from their necks, all that kind of stuff. We hopped on bareback and barefoot to go "swimming " in the pond, stood on their backs and jumped off into the water. Yeah the video is pretty goofy, but it shows a tolerant, kind pony. If I needed a pony, I'd RUN to buy that one for a kid to enjoy.

[Come Shine]

We were out at the barn tonight and my daughter was cantering the pony bareback with a lead rope and halter. Great fun and what kids and horses are all about. I'm all for bomproof, fun ponies.

However, the lack of RESPECT in that clip just makes my hair stand on end.

[HuntJumpSC]

Video's been removed~ darn I missed the show.

[Coppers mom]

Rednecks....


Coming from redneck country, I have to say, don't insult rednecks like that! We make do, we're not borderline retarded.

[Dune]

Video's been removed~ darn I missed the show.


Me too, darn it! Where was he located? Sounds like just the pony we need. :yes:

[Long Spot]

Me too, darn it! Where was he located? Sounds like just the pony we need. :yes:

I think he was in Texas but I could be totally wrong.

[Jumperprincess]

I can't find it, I think they removed it