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Begin forwarded message:

From: "Jean Wonser" <jean391@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: August 26, 2008 1:26:58 AM MDT
To: <johnt@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Pony work?

I have been training a second horse on pony line since early 80's and  
each one will present somewhat different challenges:

1.  Always wear gloves and chinks to avoid rope burns, bites and kicks.

2.  Use a rope halter and 15 foot lead to train.  On horses that  
still resist use a snaffle bit and run the lead from a curb strap  
under the jaw so side they work from will automatically change.

3.  Do the initial training in a small enclosed area and work in  
circles to train the pony to move up to your knee area.   A dressage  
whip is helpful to teach them to move up into  position.   Do not  
permit them to move ahead or you can more easily be kicked.   But  
keep them close so kicks to your mount will be less. Mares are more  
apt to kick.

4.  Ground work may be needed  in the basics of lead work, respect my  
space, back-up, whoa, etc.

5.    Eventually they will learn the voice commands, trot, etc.   
Sometimes I think they just follow gait of lead horse.

6.  Keep good control of lead horse with your aids to prevent  
kicking, biting.

7.  Initial training is sometimes easier on my arm with a western   
horn and dally hold if they pull back.  But it's  not really safe for  
the long haul.  Be very cautious to never get the lead under your  
horse's tail.  I like to run the lead shank through both sides/hands  
(I am 99% working off a snaffle so should have both hands on the  
reins)  Eventually I can simply use the slack end of shank as a  
popper if I need a whip.  The pony should learn to consider my  
extended arm as a whip and move as I indicate.  They also learn voice  
commands quite well.

8.  I would NEVER pony loose.   But the occassional excapee  will  
usually follow lead horse.   When they do not I have to dismount,  
ground tie lead, and walk to the excapee for the fetch.

9.  Avoid all stress to your arms, etc. because it is easy to injure  
the shoulder over time.  Best prevention is be sure lead horse  
responsive to your 'whoa', or else just drop the pony line.

10.  Finally a reminder to not foul  the pony line in any way admidst  
your fingers.  I carry it through a fist like shape, which means my  
lead horse reins are not really in standard position for snaffle  
work.    But it works.  Since I pony 99% at home there is nowhere  
else for the pony to run (fenced 80 acres).  When going down to fetch  
the mail I am especially vigilant against problems.

My phone is in AERC Member book if you have questions or letters.
Jean Wonser,  Florida , AERC 5352





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