Talan
Well-Known Member
I'd take a slightly different approach. I would work the pony beside the gate, small circles, figure of 8 or whatever, but offer him the chance to leave that area at a relaxed walk - do this when he starts to relax his body and when his nose is pointing off into the school. It might need an adult to change the pattern to start off with. Just change the way the pony thinks about the gate area. When I say offer him the chance to walk away, it might only be a couple of feet before he naps back to the gate again, but that's fine, you just get busy by the gate and release him away. You need to be consistent, and be prepared to spend as long as you need to in order to get him walking away and staying away.
Once you've changed the association with the gate you can then start to work all over the school again.
This would work if you are patient, and you wouldn't need to try stronger bits or equipment, or get into fights and confrontation with the pony.
Once you've changed the association with the gate you can then start to work all over the school again.
This would work if you are patient, and you wouldn't need to try stronger bits or equipment, or get into fights and confrontation with the pony.