Pls suggest fun getting-to-know-you stuff I can do with loan-a-pone?

[Keen]

So I am a novice adult who has the chance to loan a pony (14hh, 9 yo, cob gelding) for three months over the summer at my RS I am very excited as you might imagine!

Pony is sweet, loves a good groom, but is quite a sensitive chap. He doesn't really 'get' schooling (and has had me off a couple of times ) He is happier hacking - I have taken him out twice in company and he was very sweet and well-behaved. I mainly plan to pootle down the lanes, once we are both properly acquainted.

Can you suggest some nice things we can do (in school, around yard and on lanes and bridleways) to help us get to know each other and build his confidence/enjoyment, when the loan starts in just over a month? We will be on our own together most of the time, between 3 and 5 times a week. (I will obviously also talk to my rs instructor- who is his owner - just looking for a few ideas in anticipation)!

He enjoys jumping, but because we are both inexperienced in that area, I have no plans to jump him on my own.

 

[debsflo]

How exciting for you. How about walks in hand round the village, washing tails ,groundwork in the school over poles etc.just spending time around him even if just pooh picking so that you get to know each other. hopefully youre instructor can give you things to work on in between lessons..

 

[rachelha]

how about try a bit of trick/clicker training? its really good fun and builds an amazing bond with your horse. when they learn something it makes you feel good too! i never realised quite how clever they were until i did it with mine

 

[catkin]

How lovely to have a new pony to get to know. Enjoy your time with him - he will pick up on your emotional state so if you're having a good time then he's more likely to too.

Take some time just to chill out with him and observe him - as he likes being groomed that's a good place to start - don't be in a rush, let him 'come to you' and he'll start giving you little signals of what he likes, how he's feeling etc - just be quiet and give him time, don't always feel you've got to 'do jobs' , the sensitive ones appreciate quietness.

One fun way for you both to see how each other tick is to set up Handy Hunter type obstacles/puzzles to deal with, either from the ground or ridden - things like weaving round cones, stepping through patterns of poles on the ground, maybe de-spooking stuff like bags, coats on jump wings etc. Your RI will probably have some good ideas, especially as they know the pony.

It's great that you both enjoy hacking out - plenty of schooling can be carried out whilst you hack.

 

[JustKickOn]

I play chase with my loan girlie sometimes Head collar on, walk in hand around the arena and then usually a bit of free schooling. Let her have her space but when called she'll wander over.
Grooming with a massage thingy (http://www.rideaway.co.uk/roma-massage-gel-comb/ one of these and use the bigger bobble side) and give a proper groom not just a flick over. I do this every week or try to, for about an hour or so. Pony loves it
Have fun!!

 

[Keen]

Ah! Great, thanks folks! Just the kind if thngs I was looking for!

I'll let you know how we get on

 

[Waffles]

Put on a pair of disposable, thin gloves (unless you don't mind messing up your nails/hands etc.) and without grooming first, go all over your horse doing little scratches with both hands (quite firmly) starting at the poll, and scratch hard on withers, neck and any other bits he likes. A thorough go at this takes about an hour or more.