building up and fittening a lead rein pony.

[**Vanner**]

We've taken on a lead rein pony (section a) as a lead rein pony. He's been out of work for some time so needs to build up topline and general muscle tone.

What sort of things should we be doing with him? Only have a jockey once a week but have an O.H. who is willing to do whatever it takes

 

[zoelouisem]

I have a lead rein pony that ive been getting ready for showing for my daughter. Ive been using a bungee to long rein and lunge him and also take him out in hand with. He has a top line that puts some horse i know to shame. I also take him off another horse hacking to give him a break from the school when my daughter cant get him out and that also gets his fitness levels up.

 

[mulledwhine]

Lunging is the best way, if that is not an option then just lead him out, and think of the calories you will loose, good luck xxx

 

[Walrus]

I think a combination of lunging, long reining and lead reining. You can lunge and lead rein with a bungee / side reins on too. Be careful not to get a LR pony too fit - you don't want him getting too sprightly at shows!

 

[Tickles]

Not an expert but would have thought that lots and lots of walking (long reining or in-hand depending on your OH's skills/preference) would be good, taking advantage of spring grass to compensate for extra work. Later you can try leading from another horse out hacking (assuming the show types in your sig are yours and are ridden hacking) and lunging too. Maybe over a few poles on the floor to keep it interesting.

 

[Swift08]

As everyone has said really, just lunging, long reining and walking out in hand or leading off another horse if they are ok with it Can do things over trotting poles and jumps to add variety as well. Am currently doing it all with a mini and a welsh x to try and keep the weight off and fitten them up! Got some very odd looks when I was walking out the mini earlier

 

[**Vanner**]

Thanks everyone ~ put him out with my boy today and they got on like old friends so hoping i might eventually be able to lead him out with my boy. I have a Bugger and side reins so going to get them on asap.