Re: About youngsters and ponying

["Mskit" <mskit@utec.net>]

-----Original Message-----
From: Mskit <mskit@utec.net>
To: DAldr94141@aol.com <DAldr94141@aol.com>
Date: Monday, August 02, 1999 8:51 PM
Subject: Re: About youngsters and ponying


>Hi Deb -
>
>I have a fair amount of ponying experience, so I'll try to help you out.
IMO
>the most important thing is to NOT tie to the horn. Too many things can and
>will happen to bring about a real wreck. Personally, I don't even recommend
>dallying (wrapping around the horn). So if you do use a horned saddle, it's
>best not to attatch the line to it, because you more than likely will not
>get it free in time should you need to.
>
>For a line, I use a short 1-inch cotton rope, it is slightly less than
three
>feet long. Lungelines are just too long, and leaves you more line to keep
>control of. Even a regular leadline can be too long. I find the little "tow
>rope" just the right lenth. If the led horse gets away, or you have to let
>go, the chance for injury is a lot less. Use a halter and preferably no
>chain, although you could get away with a chain in the pen. Out in the
open,
>if he gets away with a chain, he'll get hurt should he step on the line. I
>use a flat web halter.
>
>Practice with your horses in the pen a few days or week, however long you
>need.
>The led horse must walk alongside the pony horse for the most part, where
>you have the most control. Your pony horse must learn to let the other
horse
>travel in that position and on either side, at all three gaits. Work on
>being able to touch the led horse from that position, because you will run
>into situations where you will need to brush off flies, adjust a halter,
>pick twigs out the halter,  just pet him, etc. There will be times when he
>must follow behind, also. The pair must also be able to turn together right
>or left and the led horse must either speed up a little, slow down a
little,
>or travel "big" or "small"- in other words, learn how to "rate".
>
>Your pony horse should know how to sidepass and turn on the haunches. This
>could save you having to let go should the led horse spook or hang back on
>you. It's best if the pony horse does neck rein, and he/she must back up.
>Should you end up in a place where you must go back, but it's not safe to
>just turn a circle, you can "reverse" the horses this way - Say "whoa" to
>both of them. Then cue your pony horse to back a step and turn on the
>haunches (don't say "back" because you don't want Junior to do anything
just
>yet). Turn into the led horse.  Raise the "tow rope" over pony horse's head
>(she will learn to duck under it) and switch your hands. Junior should stay
>straight until she's about half way through her turn, then you ask him to
>turn around. He should end up alongside but on the opposite side from where
>he was. This really does work, too, and you can impress the neighbors! And
>this is where the shorter line really comes in handy, less rope to be
>handling and possibly flopping around.
>
>You may want to put boots on your horse, as they may step on each other,
but
>that's optional. Look for the led horse to do things like hanging back,
>biting, rearing and bucking (especially when starting to canter), and
>especially crowding the pony horse. I allowed Kit to discipline Bobby, but
>you have to know your own pony horse and what he will do. Don't let him
grab
>the reins, breast collar or anything else, if he spooks, he may not let go
>of what he has in his mouth. If you carry an extra line or anything like
>that, it's a good idea to attatch it behind the saddle, or attach it so it
>will break off should he rear and come down with a foot going through it
>(been there).
>
>Hope this helps. There's more if you would like, but I thought this was
>getting a little long. Have fun, ponying is the best!
>
>Cheryl in WNY
>Horse kids Kit, Bobby & Dani
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: DAldr94141@aol.com <DAldr94141@aol.com>
>To: ridecamp@endurance.net <ridecamp@endurance.net>
>Date: Sunday, August 01, 1999 11:42 AM
>Subject: RC: About youngsters and ponying
>
>
>>Hidey Ho everyone. Happy August!
>>I have a colt who's 1 yr. 3mos. old. Since he was born, I walked him down
>my
>>long driveway and around fields (until he spooked from a rustle in the
>weeds
>>and broke my baby finger, OUCH). Anyway, we walk all around and he's a
good
>>boy but for the occasional bumping into me to rubberneck. I tried to pony
>him
>>off his mother who I ride competitive. I only have 95 miles on my mare
this
>>year. Her first time on trails was last Sept. She's 12 yrs. and a dream to
>>ride! Anyway, I tried to pony the baby this morn. He's really a laid back
>>boy. He lagged behind like a horse length. He won't walk next to the mare,
>>just behind. She's fine with it and did great for not being taught to neck
>>rein. What am I doing wrong? Is it the way I taught him to lead?
>>I taught him if he gives to the poll pressure, I'll give him a release
>>reward.
>>I use an english saddle so don't have a horn to wrap the longe line
around.
>I
>>use the longe line because of the way he laggs behind. I'd probably fall
>off
>>backwards if he didn't keep up. Any help would be so great! I want him to
>be
>>my next trail horse.
>>Thank you, Deb
>>
>>
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>


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Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
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