Lead rein pony - ideas for exercises, training, games, playing?

[Orchardbeck]

Hi, have just bought a lovely little lead rein pony (sec A) for my daughters who we plan to show a bit and eventually work up to Pony Club stuff. She knows her showing stuff and has done a bit of cross country at camp as well as jumping, and is just generally fab. At home I'm teaching my 4yo daughter to do rising trot and hacking out, but looking for some ideas to keep her clever pony brain active both ridden and non ridden.

I've been lunging her over poles and small jumps, and we've been doing loads of transitions in hand to get her thinking and off the forehand. We've had a go at long reining which she was a bit nervy about (had never done it before) so that's something we can work on. We've been weaving in and out of cones in walk and trot too.

Just wondered if anyone had any good fun ideas for playing to keep her interested in her work and keep building her confidence - perhaps that will help us work towards Pony Club games etc for next year?

 

[ozpoz]

It's the child who needs to play, not the pony! All the good lead rein pony needs to brush up on is mirroring your paces, stops and starts. Lots of hacking, (treasure hunts can be part of this), and imaginary games in the school should keep them both ticking over.
If you praise and occasionally reward her for following your lead immediately her clever pony brain will soon be trying to please as a priority.
Have fun!

 

[rowan666]

i did lots of balance work with my son by taking reins and stirrups off him, arms out to the side and around the world, weaving in and out of cones collecting things and mini handy pony type things usually witha freind doing the same on her pony, i found the competition element kept things fun for him lol