Ok, so I am thinking this ponying thing sounds good.
I have a yearling that I sometimes pony with my mare and they are both really good for it.
Now, with the two that need to be ridden, I am not sure what would be safe. My first thought would be to ride my mare who is well broke, calm, etc. She is also the alpha in my little herd of three. If I pony my gelding, will there be trouble because she is dominant over him in the pasture? He is a little bigger and stronger than she is so if he had an issue, he could drag us around.
The other choice would be riding the gelding who is green and ponying the mare, I am not sure if this would be a good situation? He is the one that really needs the saddle time, the mare just needs the exercise so in a perfect world, it makes sense. I am just not sure about ponying off a green horse. Of course, the more experienced horse tagging along might be good for him. I might try it in the pasture.
Now, it would be really neat to take my yearling along too, a regular family outing. Just kidding!
From: awolfe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] one butt two horses Date: Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:12:14 -0600
My method of keeping two (or three) horses in shape is I rarely ride just one. I ride one and pony one. Usually one is better at leading and one at being ponied, so I occasionally get on the horse that is usually ponied so that he has weight on his back once in awhile. I even conditioned a horse for Tevis this way a few years ago. It sure makes only riding one at a ride seem like a piece of cake!
Anna Wolfe
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