Halting issues...

[L&M]

I went to view a pony for my 12 yr old son today that was perfect in every way, bar when asking her to halt. I would have put a deposit down today, as she was so easy to ride and handle in every other way, but this issue has made me a little hesitant, as don't want him to have braking issues!

The first few times I asked her she threw her head up, and continued moving forward a few steps, then once I had worked her in more she did respond more mannerly. I tried to be soft as I could be with my hands, so don't think I was being overley harsh with her.

Again hacking her, she would sometimes halt nicely, but a few times stuck her nose in the air to evade the contact, and continued to move forward.

My first reaction would be to put a martingale on her, and she only had in a straight bar rubber bit, so bitting could be looked at? We are going to have a second viewing at the weekend before making a decision.

What would you guys advise?

 

[be positive]

How did she go for the owners child? it is fairly unusual to see a childs pony in a rubber straight bar did they tell you why? obviously it is nice to see something so mild but may be due to having had bitting problems in the past, ask the questions of the sellers and gauge the reactions, does she do all activities in the same bit? what else have they used and when? is she good at PC rallies in a big group if they are out in the open? have her teeth been done recently?
Most importantly see how she goes for your son and whether he can remain in control cantering in an open field, often ponies go better for a child, they expect less and ask for less than most adults will, try her in as many different situations as you can and go with what you feel then but gut instinct is usually really worth listening to if there is any reason to be concerned walk away.

 

[Pigeon]

Could she just not be clear on what you want? Some take a while to process the whole halting thing. In hand work can help.

 

[Dodiee]

Chances are she just doesn't understand what's being asked of her, as some people forget halting as part of schooling. If you do get her, you would need to just practice halting and stopping (and waiting still she's still and calm) at random times and as part of schooling/hacking so she understands what she's suppose to do.