How long should i wait??

[cloverleaf1985]

Hey following on from previous posts, i have had my 13hh unbroken pony for about 8 weeks. hes 4 and has been previously bitted/lunged. i have been lunging him once a week with 2 lunge lines and long reining him around the lanes. today i had a friend lean over him and we walked a circle in the field. he seemed totally unfazed by it. when should i progress to sitting on him?

 

[soph21]

if he doesnt mind you leaning and walking in circles, next time you do it, lean over him several times so he remembers what its all about and then sit on him very gently (depending if he's flighty!!) and walk in small circles and hold on tight to you're friend!! good luck!!

 

[cloverleaf1985]

thanks. will try. do u think it is better to do it with or without saddle?

 

[GinaGem]

I would do the leaning over several times and do plenty of walking about and changing the rein so the pony is used to the weight shifting as you change direction.

Also lean over and slide off a few times in the same session.

Make sure he's happy being touched all over by the person leaning over and being patted.

I would use a saddle as there's more security if something goes wrong but either keep your feet out of the stirups the first time or just have the toes in so you can make a quick dismount. Obviously make sure he's complety used to the saddle especially stirrups etc flapping.