first pony??

[<3.RU.<3]

Hi, i am a novice rider and i got my first pony for xmas (2020). none of my family are into horses so i normally go on a hack on the road on my own because i cant go in the field when its too soft, whenever i go out he always tries to stop and eat as he is very greedy and i try to keep him going but he ignores me. im not sure how to stop him. also when we go out in the afternoon he always tries to turn around because he knows he will get his tea when we go back, sometimes i get off and walk him a little bit then he is fine but i dont want to keep having to get on and off. any advice would be appreciated thank you!

 

[windand rain]

Ask someone how to fit grass reins. Basically they run from the bit through the bridle browband and down the neck to the d rings in the saddle. They need to be tight enough to stop him getting his head down but not so tight s to pull the saddle forward. He is being rude you need to ride him forward hard when he tries to stop. Employ a great instructor you need help

 

[Wishfilly]

Hi, i am a novice rider and i got my first pony for xmas (2020). none of my family are into horses so i normally go on a hack on the road on my own because i cant go in the field when its too soft, whenever i go out he always tries to stop and eat as he is very greedy and i try to keep him going but he ignores me. im not sure how to stop him. also when we go out in the afternoon he always tries to turn around because he knows he will get his tea when we go back, sometimes i get off and walk him a little bit then he is fine but i dont want to keep having to get on and off. any advice would be appreciated thank you!

Can you/ your family invest in some lessons with a decent instructor?

There are lots of things you can do about this- but you need someone experienced to see what is happening to help you. In general, your legs are much stronger than your hands, so it's partly a case of using your legs to keep him going forwards without nagging- but this is a skill which needs to be learnt, and you need someone to help you with.

Do you ever have the chance to hack him in company?

If you are this novice, then riding on the road on your own is pretty dodgy. Do you have 3rd party liability insurance incase of an accident? Is the pony kept at livery or on your own land?

 

[<3.RU.<3]

Can you/ your family invest in some lessons with a decent instructor?

There are lots of things you can do about this- but you need someone experienced to see what is happening to help you. In general, your legs are much stronger than your hands, so it's partly a case of using your legs to keep him going forwards without nagging- but this is a skill which needs to be learnt, and you need someone to help you with.

Do you ever have the chance to hack him in company?

If you are this novice, then riding on the road on your own is pretty dodgy. Do you have 3rd party liability insurance incase of an accident? Is the pony kept at livery or on your own land?

i used to take lessons until lockdown and i am hoping to get some more after. i have ridden in company and he is much better then because he follows the other horse.

 

[Wishfilly]

i used to take lessons until lockdown and i am hoping to get some more after. i have ridden in company and he is much better then because he follows the other horse.

Yeah, I know it can be tricky to organise lessons right now. A good instructor will be able to help you loads, though! Have you seen your pony ridden by another rider? How does he behave for them.

The problem is, if you are on the roads, not fully in control and you cause an accident you (or the legal owner, which is probably your parents if you are under 18) will be liable. And you can be sued for an awful lot of money. You could also have a very nasty accident yourself. Some car drivers are unfortunately not as patient as they should be with horses.

It sounds like you have nowhere to ride but the roads at the moment, which is a shame, but I think at the moment you need to not be riding on the roads without someone more experienced to help you- it just doesn't sound safe. You will get there, but you need time and someone to help you, and ideally somewhere safe to ride whilst you are learning.

 

[<3.RU.<3]

only my family have ridden him and when he has people walking next to him he is good. thank you for the help

 

[Wishfilly]

only my family have ridden him and when he has people walking next to him he is good. thank you for the help

I would suggest that at the moment you just go out with someone walking next to you, and get some experienced to come a ride him out on his own when lockdown is over.

I'd also suggest only going out on circular/lolipop shaped hacks.

 

[windand rain]

Yes it can be a big problem going out and back on the same route as he will be a slug on the way out and a speed machine on the way back. Wishfilly is right going out with at least a foot soldier is best until you can get lessons. Lessons on him hacking will also improve his behaviour you dont need a school or field to do it just an instructor that doesn't mind a walk.

 

[Maryann]

Could someone come with you on a bicycle?