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  Discussion on Training a pony to stop taking U-turns
Author Message
Member:
Lorid

Posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 7:34 am:

Hi All. We have a Haflinger pony. He's a very good boy. My 11 and 13 year old daughters ride him. However, while going by any type of doorway, he sometimes decides to turn abruptly toward the doorway to exit, at times causing the rider to fall off. He does this as quick as lightening and unexpectedly, although now we kinda anticipate it. My question is, how should we go about training him to stop doing this. My daughter would love to show him, but we must stop this behavior first. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Lori
Member:
Erika

Posted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 3:31 pm:

Get a good feisty rider to ride him for you for a while.I understand that even if you know that u-turn is coming, if the pony is quick, you just can't stay with him, right?
Or...just before reaching the point where the pony whirls around, take a deliberate turn in the opposite direction and continue on around the ring. Then do the same thing on the other side as you approach. The idea is to keep the pony working your way, while, for now anyway, avoiding the whole issue of staying with him. You could also continue the circle in the opposite direction of the door to show him that turning is a lot more work than just going straight. You have to do it just before the point he would normally make his move, though.
Good luck, with some good strong riding he may become more obedient and be more attentive to his rider than the door.
Member:
Lorid

Posted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 4:21 pm:

That is a great idea, Erika. I will try that. Yes, it is true the U'ie comes out of nowhere and is quick, so the rider (my daughter) does not expect it until its done and she's on the ground. I think it would be good to try to turn him in the opposite direction, before an anticipated U'ie and it would indeed teach him it is easier to go straight than turn circles in the opposite direction. I will get on him and do it, if the kids don't want to, although if I know my 11 year old, she'll want to do it herself. My 13 year old will let the 11 year old do it! LOL. She's a more conservative rider (which is not necessarily or always good for her). She has a hard time getting the pony to canter, so she uses a crop to tap him on the shoulder and that seems to do the trick. My younger one just delves in, but she takes more brodies, gets up and gets back on. LOL!

Anyway, your great advice is appreciated!

Lori
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