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Discussion on Ponying How do you do that?
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 23, 2011 - 3:09 pm:
Hi guys,
I am contemplating trying to trailride Mickey [yes he is in a state that he will survive a trailride by now!] and pony Porcelynn[green as grass remember? 10 year old arab broodmare now nice on the lunge will as far as I can see never bolt through a leash but has a very good condition]
Porcelynn went on a few walks on the trails around here and I haven't seen her get frightened or tried to bolt on anything[just snorts and gets interested even with a truck with a large flatback behind it on a dirt road. Obviously meeting children on dirtbikes or RTV[or even weird adults] would be a bit of a doubtfull experience but the trails are immediate to acces, always space to get into the'chemise' out of harms way and esp. during the week very calm.
How do I try this without immediately making a mess of things?
Thanks
Jos
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 23, 2011 - 6:31 pm:
Do you have a western saddle?
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 23, 2011 - 11:04 pm:
No do I need that poloponies get ponied to.
Jos
PS Better start now she is awfully in heat
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 - 12:55 am:
True enough, they are ponied regularly, often three from the same horse. However, IMO until you know know the horse will behave, it is easier with a western saddle. You have a little more security if the horse yanks, and you can take a dally if the horse acts up.
First rule: NEVER tie the horse to your saddle or horse.
Rule 2: wear gloves and use a soft rope
Rule 3: don't let the ponied horse's nose get in front of your knee
Rule 5: don't let your lead rope get under your horse's tail
Rule 6: if your horses get tangled up, DrOp the lead rope before things get in a mess. Chances are strong the ponied horse will stick with you. Don't let horses, rope and you get tangled.
Easy! Keep your ponied horse's head close to you and you'll avoid a lot of problems! Once the horses are used to the ponying and their places, it is easy. I'm used to ponying young horses. You'll probably have less problems with a mature horse. Just keep your rope pretty short and make sure it doesn't get wrapped around you, your saddle or your horse. It's good to practice a time or two in an enclosed area before hitting the trails.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 - 8:43 am:
I tried to do this and found it was harder than I thought. Having 2 horses that get along, and move at the same pace helps. The one you are riding should be really well trained too.
Good luck and stay safe!
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 - 11:58 am:
Thanks very much! Well Mickey is easy to handle and very well ridden[english and probably western] BUT he is as slow as he get's allowed to be. Porcelynn is active and likes to take the lead her gait also is faster[all her gaits] She however doesn't bolt through a rope which is good.
Will try in the arena and have Mike walk with me on the trail if I decide to try it out outside.
Sara what's rule 4 wear a helmet?
Instructions are completely clear and I will give it a try as like I said Porcelynn has never really pulled on a rope and I have up til now never se her kick. Mickey is very light to handle and lazy.
Thanks
Jos
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Member:
alden
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Posted on Monday, Apr 25, 2011 - 11:16 pm:
Really good idea to try your saddle horse in an arena for his first pony; The saddle horse is the key, they need to be rock solid, physically and emotionally. The last thing you want is your saddle horse to defer to a 10yro mare in a scary scenario 
I like to pony my yearlings with a rope halter, they really learn to follow the pressure. My ponying horse is a 16 yro foxtrotter that will do exactly what I want, mostly from leg cues, and will lay into the breast collar if the ponied horse drags or will walk right over the ponied if need be. You'd be surprised how many times a yearling will try to herd my saddle horse in the direction they want to go, that's where my saddle horse needs to walk right through them, or over em if need be 
I can stress how important the saddle horse is But I really like the training the ponied horse gets in the process.
Good day,
Alden
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Member:
cometrdr
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Posted on Friday, Apr 29, 2011 - 6:27 pm:
ponying is great way to get a two-fer. two horses out at once. It can be very relaxing and fun. When i lived in the forest in Northern New Mexico I made it a point to teach my boys to pony well. this was training should we have a forest fire and i needed them out of there calm and as fast as possible. now I just like to do what i call mobile weed and feed in the neighborhood riding one and ponying the other to eat the fresh green grasses. yes, Western is easier cause you can dally that line arount the horn but english works well too. and yes never tie to your saddle but also never wrap that rope around your hand - and watch your feet. when you have a bolting horse if you cant DrOp that rope fast enough they can tear off a finger or worse. also, just do it a lot, get comfortable with it. I prefer the slow wander, stopping for green rewards for the horses so they really comfortable with it. Alden is absolutly correct too - start in an enclosed area if you can that way you have control and you can get the feel for reins and rope at once technique.
The part that I find that can be difficult is when you cease to pay attention and your ponied horse steps over the rope and it gets between his legs when your grazin.... that can get tricky. just be prepared to dismount, re grab then get back on and continue your journey. I love to pony.
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