Do NOT tie your rope to the saddle!!
If you're right-handed, pony the mare on the off side of the gelding.
I often use a 12 ft. heavy rope (one of those Parelli training models) to pony
the other horse. Do not wrap the rope around your hand, but gather the
excess by folding it back and forth and then holding all the folds (usually 2-3
folds) in your right hand. Also be careful that you don't allow the
extra rope to get under the tail of the horse you are riding. If it does,
let it go! It's easier to catch the loose horse than it is to fight the
horse you are riding if he decides to go into a bucking fit. If you have
room, keep the mare more or less at your side or very slightly behind. If
you're on a single-track trail, let the rope run out longer and hold it high
enough to avoid the rope under the tail problem. When your mare becomes
accustomed to the routine, and if the trail permits it, it's fun to let the
ponied horse loose to follow you. This works best on a single-track
trail.
Nothing new on my wacky neighbor
yet. My husband is the FedEx driver for our area and I decided to send
them the letter via FedEx so he can check out the house and the woman.
Wonder if she will threaten him for being on her property. Thanks again
for all the advice.
I am thinking about ponying my 5
year old mare alongside my 15 year old gelding. I want her to get used
to all the spooky things you see away from home. Can anyone give me
advice? Do you hold her lead rope or can you tie it to your
saddle? How long should it be? I did pony her the other day and
held the lead and she was good, but it was a pain in the neck to hold
it.
