A little bit of help please :)

[fine_and_dandy]

OK, am in the process of backing my pony. He has been ridden very lightly before with someone at his head (before I got him) but i could count those times on one hand.

We have been through the process of getting him used to the saddle and stirruos banging and attaching scary things to him so he doesn't get bothered by them any more, we have put a sack of sand on him (which is now in a pair of my old jods so he got the idea of legs being either side of him).

I'm just wondering what people who have a lot of experience in backing would usually do after this step as what I do next seems a bit "fuzzy" and not as clear as I found the earlier stages.

Thanks!

 

[Shilasdair]

Personally, I'd long rein him round the school, then the yard, then out on a quiet road, to get him used to rein contact and obeying someone not at his head.
Then I'd back him in the school, by preparing him for normal lunging, but with saddle, working him in, then putting a rider up to lie across him. Walk him on a bit, then see if she can move her leg astride (keeping her upper body low).
Then see if she can gradually sit up, and lead him around a bit til he's used to the weight.
Over a period of time (days/weeks/as long as it takes til he's calm), put him on the lunge with the rider passively sitting, then gradually transfer control to the rider....
but take it slowly so pony copes.
Hope this helps
S

 

[fine_and_dandy]

brilliant, thanks!

 

[Kate_13]

Agree with Shilsadair.

Good luck x