maya2008
Well-Known Member
So… we have a very child friendly little lad, who is currently adapting amazingly to teaching my daughter’s friend to ride. She’s wobbled about a bit and he didn’t bat an eyelid, they’re hacking on a long lead in walk and trot and he has been perfect. He’s safe taking my nervous 8 year old out off lead on floppy reins, and will go in front if she asks. Prefers to wander behind though. He will take the 8 year old round an arena but makes her ride - if she forgets her reins he will just cut corners and wander into the middle.
With my 10 year old on him, he’s learned to go on the bit and has done basic schooling (turns, circles etc). He’s not a fan though - likes to fall out through his shoulder and be awkward when he decides this has gone on long enough. Has the most amazing, scopey jump but prefers to jump from trot rather than canter (he will, but likes to check it’s safe for a second before taking off!). He’s been xc (following as it was his first time) and was a good lad. At arena hire he will jump round a course on his own, steadily, and has improved hugely with fillers. Barely looks at them now. Out hacking he’s mostly an on the buckle ride, but will spook in front with son. Will go out on his own on roads and tracks, but no open fields thank you - point blank refuses. Wants a human or another horse with him.
Son wants to train and compete, to hack out solo (which he is doing on another pony) and have fun. He’s backed 4 in the last year and all the others are quite happy in their jobs, no issues - so I don’t think it’s him. He adores this pony and pony him, so I think the pony tries and tries, perhaps in a role he doesn’t really want to do, because he adores the child. Then it gets too much and he just downs tools, runs out through the shoulder and says no. Given his stellar performance as a lead rein pony, I am beginning to wonder if he would actually prefer the slower pace of life teaching kids to ride, rather than being pushed to compete. He’s 6, backed a year, sound, tack fits (any issues of any kind and he won’t be caught so we really are sure all is good!!), dentist etc up to date, has always been the same. He can be an awkward soul in the field too - likes to push the others round a bit to ensure they know who is in charge.
I could switch my daughter onto him for a bit so son can school her pony on for her. Is it worth a try to see if he would be happier in that role?
With my 10 year old on him, he’s learned to go on the bit and has done basic schooling (turns, circles etc). He’s not a fan though - likes to fall out through his shoulder and be awkward when he decides this has gone on long enough. Has the most amazing, scopey jump but prefers to jump from trot rather than canter (he will, but likes to check it’s safe for a second before taking off!). He’s been xc (following as it was his first time) and was a good lad. At arena hire he will jump round a course on his own, steadily, and has improved hugely with fillers. Barely looks at them now. Out hacking he’s mostly an on the buckle ride, but will spook in front with son. Will go out on his own on roads and tracks, but no open fields thank you - point blank refuses. Wants a human or another horse with him.
Son wants to train and compete, to hack out solo (which he is doing on another pony) and have fun. He’s backed 4 in the last year and all the others are quite happy in their jobs, no issues - so I don’t think it’s him. He adores this pony and pony him, so I think the pony tries and tries, perhaps in a role he doesn’t really want to do, because he adores the child. Then it gets too much and he just downs tools, runs out through the shoulder and says no. Given his stellar performance as a lead rein pony, I am beginning to wonder if he would actually prefer the slower pace of life teaching kids to ride, rather than being pushed to compete. He’s 6, backed a year, sound, tack fits (any issues of any kind and he won’t be caught so we really are sure all is good!!), dentist etc up to date, has always been the same. He can be an awkward soul in the field too - likes to push the others round a bit to ensure they know who is in charge.
I could switch my daughter onto him for a bit so son can school her pony on for her. Is it worth a try to see if he would be happier in that role?
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. Son took him round the jumps today then I popped my daughter on. He toddled happily over a cross pole, let her sort her balance out and rewarded her getting it right by going a little more forwards. 