Pony falling in/ out on circle

Ginger Bear

Ginger Bear

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Pony is ridden by two 11 year olds, one is learning (can walk, trot & some canter) the child that owns him is a good rider, going on to more complicated things.. Pony has been with us since August, just lately he has decided that he wants to fall in but only in trot when ridden& fall out in trot while being lunged. He also does it on just one part of the circle (depending what part he chooses that day) both kids don't allow him to fall anywhere while walking but trotting he will really try it on. Is this just a case of really getting them effectively using their inside leg, opening outside rein, keeping inside rein close to his neck so he cannot pull in? Any ideas to help most appreciated.
 
Can you get a small adult to school him a few times a week?

My pony does the same with children and novices and I school her in between them riding her as neither have the leg strength yet to correct her.
 
Yes Im one of the girls cousins, I'm 23 but only 5'2, & light so I was planning on doing it.. I just was wondering if it's him starting to try them out.. As its a new thing.. He's not nasty or malicious & I find him quite easy to move around as he's very responsive. Its just a case of teaching the girls.
 
Yes mine is exactly the same. Nothing bad in her but she is too clever for her own good. I find her extremely responsive to hand and leg yet they struggled to get a trot originally. The child rider is learning to use her legs now but it's a slow process as she only rides once a week.
 
He is probably just trying it on - ponies are great for that. But you might just want to be sure his back is OK and his saddle fits. Less balenced riders can sometimes cause problems.
 
If they open the outside rein he will probably just respond by bending to the outside, falling in more through the shoulder. I would get them riding a diamond rather than a circle in walk then doing the same in trot, by trying to keep him straighter they should find it easier to hold him between leg and hand, 4 poles on a circle at the points of the diamond can help focus both pony and rider on where to go.
Lunging in two reins will help correct the falling out and give you more feel which will help with the ridden issues.
 
Thank you for your replies! Very helpful and I will try them. Although funnily enough after I write this post yesterday the less experienced child was riding last night & rode him beautifully! X
 
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