Need a bit of advice re cheeky pony!!

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suzi

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Ok, I'd say I'm a fairly experienced rider (riding for 20 years) but I'm having a few probs with my pony and hoped you lot could give me some suggestions . . .

He's a 14.1 NF. 8 1/2 years old but has been through 10 homes before coming to me.

When I got him he wouldn't trot - would do a stupid hopping skipping thing instead like he was trying to canter. Have spent lots of time schooling, hacking and just generally trying to get him to enjoy life. Had new saddle fitted, back checked, teeth done etc etc.

He's always been quite strong but has really started to lean, especially on the left rein. He bucks, squeals and has started to rear when excited. He calms down eventually and once he's concentrating he behaves quite well but he can be unpredictable.

So, any suggestions as to bits I could try to stop him leaning and excercies that might help. He's ridden in a plain snaffle at the moment. He's built quite 'downhill' so don't think I want anything with poll pressure. Instructor suggested a Waterford? Any thoughts or other ideas? It's more of a problem as I have injured my shoulder and when he starts leaning I'm in agony after less than a minute . . .

also, what to do about his rearing, squealing, bucking fits? Have had everything checked that I can think might be causing him pain and haven't changed anything. he did squeal and buck when I first got him but now adds a little rear every time he gets excited. I want to stop the habit asap before one of us gets injured!!
 
The leaning could be due to you being uneven, duaghter had this with her NF at the same time as she had problems with her legs growing unevenly, the bone growing quicker than the muscle meant she had tighter muscles on her left thigh. Several sessions of physio, daily exercises and a bit more growing solved the pony leaning too.
 
Sometimes it can take years of training to get them to stop leaning by engaging their back end. And if they are built downhill anyway there is only so much you can do.

You sound like you are doing lots of good things. You just have to make sure that you give the contact and use your legs to encourage self carriage. Any exercises to strengthen the hindquarters are good- raised poles, lateral work, transitions, work on a slope.

A waterford may be worth a try. or a thin mouth french link loose ring snaffle. ultimately though its a training issue. good for you for trying on this- i wish more people did.

As for the rearing, etc. If the horse is sent forward it is less able to start leaping about. A stern no and ride him forward should help
 
You could try a waterford as a short term measure, but they often end up sitting behind the bit, and if the issue is one sided ness , you may be better with a loose ring french link?

My friend was recommended a hanging cheek snaffle by a dressage traininer - she is currently waiting for surgery on her shoulder and was having very similar issues - she said it worked a treat as the horse had realised she was weaker on that side and was taking advantage, with the hanging cheek he became much more respectful.

Worth a try?
 
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