Ponying vs. allowing to run loose

[connie B Berto <cberto@juno.com>]

I have both ponied and let my youngster run loose.   I  set myself this
rule:   I allowed him to run loose ONLY when I was in a fenced
pasture...and I mean a couple hundred acres...where he would not
encounter any motor vehicles, where he could not possibly run back home, 
and where I knew that the chance of my meeting others was almost zero.  I
no longer let him run at liberty while I ride Billy, because Dusty was
getting pretty daring about where he was going, and the day he galloped
down a hillside and jumped off  a four foot ledge down onto the dirt 
road (safely for him, heart-in-mouth for me) was the last day I let him
loose.    Ponying him taught him manners, obedience, and how to travel on
either side of another horse.   I still pony on occasion and it's easier
to ride the youngster, for better control,  and pony my dead-broke Billy.
  Sometimes I'll swap off, midway.
    However,  I never  considered  allowing him to run loose on public
trails, and to be honest,  I shudder at the thought.   This puts him at
risk, puts the owner at risk for  liability, and should an accident to
other trail  users occur, the next thing that happens is that  the public
agency will enact  rules restricting horse use.   IMHO  it's
inconsiderate of other users to expect them to have to deal with a loose
horse.   No matter how well trained you think it may be, it is still OUT
OF YOUR CONTROL whenever you do NOT have that lead rope on it.  Hikers
and bicyclists (and other riders too)  have no idea which way that loose
horse is going to go, and a few of the "wrong kind" of phone calls to a
park superintendent can have disastrous effects on other equestrians.   
I have come across loose horses following along other riders in Pt. Reyes
National Seashore, and yes, I discussed the situation with the person
involved.   
    Equestrians are 'under the gun' for so many other reasons, real and
imaginined...please don't give the anti-horse faction any more
ammunition!!    Regards,   Connie B

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