How gooder rider do you need ....

[Dizzyblonde99]

How gooder rider do you need to be to break in/ bring on a pony?

I'm toying with the idea of getting a little dartmoor type pony in july and working with in over the summer, as after my exams I will have lots of spare time!

But I have seen so many people my age break horses in and make a royal mess of it!! So I would really value your honest opinions on how gooder rider you need to be. I'm 16 I've been riding since I was 8 and had horses since I was 10. When I was 11 I started riding a pony nobody wanted because he bucked to much and couldn't jump, when I stopped riding him we were competing up to 3"9. But he wasn't a major problem pony, he just had a bad saddle and hadn't been treated fairly. I've ridden a variety of horses for friends and in lessons. At the momentI have a 16.3 I hope to do some affiliated jumping with. I am a confident rider but not very good, I riding is incosistant and rusty.

And if you'd like to see me riding please watch this (I included my worst bits as I thought that they'd give a clear indication of how badly I ride!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BP79iGCrWk


Sorry for the essay!!
Please could you give me your opinions? Cookies to anyone that replies

p.s I would be handeling and/or riding the said pony everyday and hopefully getting it out to see the world!

 

[BSJAlove]

IMO its not how good you can ride that makes a good pony. you just have to have the right attitude. someone that makes a good pony is someone whos not afraid of asking for help, who is patient and someone who wont confuse them! if you think you can do it, theres no reason why you cant. so long as you get regular help to keep you on track and you understand that it will take time and things will go wrong.

 

[LouS]

For your first one get something quiet and sensible.

For me its important that you are super confident, the pony needs you to be there being confident it it throws a wobbler. You need to have patience and an even temper, you need to be able to work through things without getting wound up. I cannot stand seeing people shouting/smacking/getting after youngsters (or any horse for that matter) when the poor thing just doesn't understand.

Riding wise, I think you need to be of a certain standard, your riding looks fine. You just need to have a good seat, soft hands, secure leg etc.

But to be honest I've seen people with none of the above manage to get away with it and break/back ponies, in a fashion.

Do you know how to break in a pony? Do you know exactly what you would be doing? I know everyone has different methods etc but you can PM me if you want any help .

 

[Cadfael&Coffee]

IMO being good at breaking horses isn't completely about being a good rider, the most important thing is how you handle them on the ground.

Have you ever handled youngsters? Preferably regularly?

You need to be completely confident and quiet, and you at worst you should stumble through.

Do you know what breaking in entails? It's not all about getting on and teaching them to be ridden, you have to start all the groundwork etc to be able to produce a confident, capable young pony/ horse.

I'm not saying don't, by any means, just think it through before taking anything on.

The basics of breaking is handling, manners, bomb proofing, long reining, leading out, lunging, and THEN think about getting on. (I'm sure i've missed something )

If you want to go for it, and feel you Can, then the best of luck to you

The most important thing, is if you get stuck, or have any questions, ask for help!!
If you think I can help anymore then don't hesitate to pm me.

 

[Dizzyblonde99]

Thanks for all the replys, I think I will look into finding a native pony around 15hh (I'm 5"8 with a 16.3). I would say I am quite patient with horses, having spent 4 hourse loading a stubborn mare a couple of weeks ago (luckily she walked straight in a the other end)! I would have help from the others at my yard, and when breaking I would ask my instructor to make sure I was getting everything right.

Will try and answer all your questions

I haven't handled youngsters reguarly, all the horses on my yard have been aged six or older. But having had an arabX and a TBX I've had my fair share of tantrums and ponies taking the mick! I've helped friends break in their ponies so know a bit, and will ask for lots and lots of help should I need it!

I know a fair bit about getting them used to tack, machinery, bomb proofing etc. Thank you for all your replys again, if I do get one I will tell you all about it

I'd get a native for their kind temperments, lol maintence and how they make great kids ponys. And it won't cost the earth!!

 

[Aperchristmas]

As long as you have a lot of patience then you should be fine. However, you need to remember that most of the work of breaking in a horse happens on the ground so never underestimate the time you should spend doing groundwork before even thinking about getting on. If you do decide to go for it, then I'm sure you will be fine. Do you have a riding instructor or a friend experienced with youngsters who could help you? It is much easier and safer with two people and having an outside opinion is essential when things aren't going quite right. You will be more relaxed if you know someone is there to help you if you're not doing things correctly.

 

[LouS]

I'd get a native for their kind temperments, lol maintence and how they make great kids ponys. And it won't cost the earth!!

Just be careful what you buy. I've backed plenty of horses and am extremely capable, but I have a Welsh D and although he takes everything in his stride he has a serious attitude on him and would walk all over someone who didn't know exactly what they were doing. So just be careful, not saying all Welshies are like this, I'm just saying not all natives are quiet.