Ride & lead/ponying

G

Ginger_Thing

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 March 2008
Messages
96
Visit site
I know a lot of people with hunters/polo ponies do this, but it's unheard of round here, don't know anybody that does it. I'm looking for some advice/reassurance etc - I really am tempted to have a go, but am veering between 'I'm sure it can't be that hard' and 'OMG! How dangerous and irresponsible!'

Situation is, I can ride in the daylight when OH is at work. Our school is very busy with lessons, dog agility etc in the evenings, and also lights cost £10 per hour. As we have 2 horses, I was thinking I could get them both exercised at the same time without having to tack up and untack twice, and double the riding time. I do ride mine in the week, but would help OH if I could ride his too (but if I only have time to ride one, I normally choose mine
wink.gif
).

I have tried it in the school, they were fine, and they absolutely love each other, there'd be no risk of kicking or biting (don't react if they crash into each other).We have a very long private lane from the yard to the main road, then would have to do about 200 yards on the main road before turning right into a no-through lane which leads down to a bridleway. So its 2 quiet, dead end lanes, with just a short stretch of road going and coming back - takes about 20 seconds of trot from lane to lane.

Would ride OH's horse (who likes to lag behind and try to swap sides when we try it in the school!) and lead mine, who is very good and just keeps up and stays where he should. They are both fantastic in heavy traffic, artics, double deckers etc don't bother them.

So......question is, should I go for it? From what I've written, I've convinced myself, but I know most people round here would probably go
shocked.gif
if they saw me
grin.gif
 
I used to do it many years ago.
Had a few teething troubles sorting out the pairs and who was to be ridden and who was to be led but the pony's soon got used to it.
I will say though that I was never brave enough to go outside of the relative safety of the fields.
 
hi i ride and lead sometimes,as you say it exercises 2 ,i would say always have the horse which is lead in a bridle for more control,and have him on the inside at all times,maybe get someone to walk with you down the lane the first time just incase so they can grab a horse,and if your fine and both horses are ok then give it a go but only if you are confident that you can handle both horses.
 
I often exercise like this as my children are at school - on a quiet track and leading from a very sensible mare and have had no problems .
 
if they are both well behaved then go for it.
I've done riding and leading for years, in walk trot and canter and i can say i've never had any problems, ever.
I actually quite enjoy doing it and still do it regularly.
You'll be fine!
Have fun x
 
I do this nearly everyday. I have had two horses completely hate each other, which was fun and horses that have never met before. I'm sure you will be fine, have a go and see what happens.
 
Give it a go, put some Hi-Viz on as you have to go on the road though. I would also advise the lead horse is in a bridle too. I used to work for a hunt and nearly all the horses where exercised this way. Now if I as a midget 5'3 can take out 2x 16.3hh hunt fit horses, then I think provided you are confident, you should be fine.
 
Hiya, I used to ride and lead when I exercised a friend horse, I'm not sure I'd be brave enough now! However, if you trust your horses go for it! I would boot them both all round, make sure you have plenty of hi-viz so you don't give drivers an excuse to get ratty!!
 
Thanks for all the positive replies!

They always wear boots and we always use Hi Viz so that will be ok. Was planning on using a bridle with a coupler and leadrope rather than reins just in case I dropped them and he put a leg through.

Will try it with OH walking with us first, then if he's happy he might allow me to risk it!
 
A woman came out with our hunt on Thursday, leading a pony!!!!! I'm not sure of her reasons, and I think it is a pretty dangerous thing to do (when hunting!) as I have enough trouble getting my horse out of tricky situations if there is a kicker about etc, but she seemed to manage ok-ish!
 
I have ridden and lead with a beginner on the led horse, no problems, also used to ride one bareback and lead another back to the field. I think a lot is to do wit hexpecting them to behave
smile.gif
 
Midget 5'3''!!!! Hey i'm 5' and I big hunters!!! hehe getting on is an issue whe out hacking, I have to climb up everything.
Anyway one thing I would say is try and find an extra long lead rope because it gives you sought of an extra foot of space before you run out of rope, and wear gloves of course. Happy Hacking
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top