How to start an untouched/project pony - would love to hear stories/experiences

[Sponymum]

Just looking for some general advice and interested to see others approaches/stories to getting started with a unbroken pony or ponies that have had very little done with them. Would love to hear experiences good and bad! What made a difference what do you wish you had/hadn’t done?

We have a unbroken 6 year old Shetland pony whom we are keen to get started with. She’s pretty much been left in a field for the last few years however quite used to children and happy to have basics done. She has a fantastic attitude and is surprisingly at this point pretty chilled and taking all in her stride! Tbh she seems to enjoy having the fuss and a little purpose!
Hoping that she will eventually make a LR/FR for our toddler

 

[Carrottom]

If you haven't started a pony before the best advice is to seek professional help.
There are so many variables and it is much more difficult to correct mistakes that are left than to sort them immediately. The fact that the pony is used to children is great but the safety of your little one must be paramount.

 

[ycbm]

I broke mine to ride at 4 by having parents hold very tight to their children's coats while I led the pony around with the child on his back. Parent under instruction to lift the child off immediately if the pony put a foot wrong. He was fine and I sold him as a lead rein pony to knowledgeable parents with a tiny daughter.
.

 

[Sponymum]

If you haven't started a pony before the best advice is to seek professional help.
There are so many variables and it is much more difficult to correct mistakes that are left than to sort them immediately. The fact that the pony is used to children is great but the safety of your little one must be paramount.

Absoultley! Thank you. I probably should have said we have my daughters instructor also helping but keen to here how others have got on xxxx

 

[stangs]

Based on my limited experience of helping start ponies for LR, it's a rite of passage to have the pony carry around a big teddy bear until it is utterly unbothered by things flapping around on its back. (Also because it looks very cute.) Easier to back a horse for LR than FR too.

 

[maya2008]

The truly untouched (feral) ponies are the easiest to back. No hang-ups or bad habits around humans, well brought up, good on all terrain, able to make their own decisions.

In your position I would ask around and find a family with an older child who is experienced and is willing to do the initial work for you. Mine started backing ponies at 7yo and my older child at 10yo would still fit on most shetlands. My kids would do the starting work for someone we knew for some sweets and the experience (and have done so) with my supervision of course!

In the meantime, you could long-rein and teach basic voice/turn/stop aids on the lunge and long-reining. Get the pony used to saddle/bridle, sit teddies on its back, wave hands above head, desensitise to everything going… all that is helpful.

Once backed I would then find a confident child to ride your Shetland off lead once a week or so until your toddler grows old enough to do so themselves - otherwise you end up with a pony who only wants to follow!

ETA: the reason I suggest an experienced child is that while you can just park a toddler on after the Teddy (holding on ready to whip off if needed!), you’ll need a bigger child to finish backing and teach them how to go off lead. If that bigger child grips too much with the legs/gives off massive fear pheromones, accidentally kicks pony on the bottom on the dismount etc you can set the pony back quite a bit. Easier to have one who knows the drill for the first few rides.

 

[Sponymum]

The truly untouched (feral) ponies are the easiest to back. No hang-ups or bad habits around humans, well brought up, good on all terrain, able to make their own decisions.

In your position I would ask around and find a family with an older child who is experienced and is willing to do the initial work for you. Mine started backing ponies at 7yo and my older child at 10yo would still fit on most shetlands. My kids would do the starting work for someone we knew for some sweets and the experience (and have done so) with my supervision of course!

In the meantime, you could long-rein and teach basic voice/turn/stop aids on the lunge and long-reining. Get the pony used to saddle/bridle, sit teddies on its back, wave hands above head, desensitise to everything going… all that is helpful.

Once backed I would then find a confident child to ride your Shetland off lead once a week or so until your toddler grows old enough to do so themselves - otherwise you end up with a pony who only wants to follow!

ETA: the reason I suggest an experienced child is that while you can just park a toddler on after the Teddy (holding on ready to whip off if needed!), you’ll need a bigger child to finish backing and teach them how to go off lead. If that bigger child grips too much with the legs/gives off massive fear pheromones, accidentally kicks pony on the bottom on the dismount etc you can set the pony back quite a bit. Easier to have one who knows the drill for the first few rides.

This is super helpful thank you. We have a very lightweight 13 year old and we know a couple of small 9 year olds who will do the ridden work when ready. Keen to have actual children ride her rather than an adult. I’ve seen so many adults doing all the work and then selling as a child’s pony when never been ridden by a child. Although we have no intentions to ever sell her! I really appreciate your input thank you ? xxxx

 

[Sponymum]

Based on my limited experience of helping start ponies for LR, it's a rite of passage to have the pony carry around a big teddy bear until it is utterly unbothered by things flapping around on its back. (Also because it looks very cute.) Easier to back a horse for LR than FR too.

Thank you! Very helpful! Hadn’t thought of teddies we have loads so will dig some out!!! Xxx

 

[maya2008]

Percy Pig going hacking on the lead… this pony seems to want to be lead-rein (although I need her to go off so she’ll have to deal for now). We then bought some bigger bears off Facebook Marketplace and did the same with them!

I find lots of led hacking invaluable for them to find their own balance on different ground and to learn about the wider world with a trusted friend to learn the ropes. Much better to do all that without a child on board!

 

[AdorableAlice]

I did a lengthy report back in 2012 when I tackled a feral oversized shetland pony. It was quite a trip and he is now 11 years old and 17.2.

 

[nagblagger]

Remember to walk on roads, traffic experience is vital, passing 'horse eating' wheely bins and lawn mower/strimming noises are particularly scary.

 

[Sponymum]

Percy Pig going hacking on the lead… this pony seems to want to be lead-rein (although I need her to go off so she’ll have to deal for now). We then bought some bigger bears off Facebook Marketplace and did the same with them!

I find lots of led hacking invaluable for them to find their own balance on different ground and to learn about the wider world with a trusted friend to learn the ropes. Much better to do all that without a child on board!

This is actually brilliant!!!!! I bet you got quite the look when people passed ? totally agree no teddies harmed in the making ?? Xxxx

 

[Sponymum]

Remember to walk on roads, traffic experience is vital, passing 'horse eating' wheely bins and lawn mower/strimming noises are particularly scary.

Thank you! We are currently trying to tackle scary things out in the big wide world so far so good! Although haven’t managed to see any huge tractors or bin lorries yet!!! Must get them to creep up on us!

 

[Sponymum]

I did a lengthy report back in 2012 when I tackled a feral oversized shetland pony. It was quite a trip and he is now 11 years old and 17.2.

Oh wow! Do you have a link would love to read! Xxx