Backing young pony

[themozzy]

We have a pony who is 13hh British Riding Pony who belongs to my 10 yr old daughter. He has just turned 4 (we have owned him from a foal) so we are starting the backing process. We have tacked him up and she has sat on him, no problem at all. I am 5'6" and weigh 10.5 stone, can I pop on him to help him move to the next stage. My daughter is very keen to learn but he has started to be a bit naughty with her and I feel he needs a bit of discipline. He is amazing in every other way and has been a complete treasure to own. I love him to pieces and he is very close to me ( a bit too close but we will overcome that later) I just want to be on him so he gets his reassurance from me to know its ok to move on to the next stage. I just don't want to hurt him if im too heavy for him. He is a very fine breed of a british riding pony. I just don't think my daughter has the courage to move him on and I certainly don't want to send him away to anyone else for help.

 

[PorkChop]

My advice would be to teach him to long rein, and for you to spend a couple of months taking him out hacking on the lines.

Yes, your daughter can still do little bits and pieces with him every day in the stable etc but imho it is really important to spend some time at this stage getting him experiencing the world and getting him thinking forwards.

 

[be positive]

My advice would be to teach him to long rein, and for you to spend a couple of months taking him out hacking on the lines.

Yes, your daughter can still do little bits and pieces with him every day in the stable etc but imho it is really important to spend some time at this stage getting him experiencing the world and getting him thinking forwards.

I have started a lot of ponies and feel you are too heavy to school him in any meaningful way, I would do as above get the long reining well established and if you are really against sending him away for professional schooling find a small pro to come out and ride at your place which would give you the best of both worlds.