Ride & Lead

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Honey'sMum

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So my daughter's pony is getting a bit on the chubby side. He's a stocky sec B type standing around 13/13.1 but I think at 5'7 and 11st I'm too heavy to ride him so rather than lunge the legs off him, I'm thinking of riding my 17hh gelding and leading the midget out with me only around the bridlepaths near our yard and avoiding main roads etc. I have BHS Gold membership which covers me for insurance but I'd need to check the small print on this. Both horses are generally very well behaved and it would only be walking. They are both field mates so do know one another. I've never done this before so any advice appreciated.
 
Practice in the field before you go out, make sure you have both under control, and they're happy in each other's space. Then crack on!

I ride and lead a lot, especially in winter. Mine are closer sizes (14-15,2) which is a bit easier, but they're all used to being in each other's space, responding politely and moving in all directions, and we quite happily go out on quietish roads (they don't actually take up much more space than a single horse as they tuck in together) and at all paces off-road. It's not hard, and it's a hugely useful way of getting everything exercised in half the time.
 
Thank you JFTD. I was thinking maybe the exercise field would be best to start. The midget does have a cracking walk for a pony so he should be OK to keep up. Working full time, with a mini-me and 2 horses is hard work. Just trying to save time and get them both exercised. Do you put a bridle on the one that's lead and/or side reins (loose fitting) and roller? Sorry for the questions, just trying to prepare myself :)
 
Honey'sMum said:
Thank you JFTD. I was thinking maybe the exercise field would be best to start. The midget does have a cracking walk for a pony so he should be OK to keep up. Working full time, with a mini-me and 2 horses is hard work. Just trying to save time and get them both exercised. Do you put a bridle on the one that's lead and/or side reins (loose fitting) and roller? Sorry for the questions, just trying to prepare myself :)
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They get used to jogging if they can't keep up. I use a bridle on my big mare, if she's being led, but I often take one of the ponies out in a headcollar. I've never used a roller, or side reins - I'd advise against using side reins as there's a risk of them getting tangled up as they're around leg / stirrup height. The only reason I'd use a roller would be to secure a hi vis sheet.
 
As JFTD says, practice, and practice :)
Then the first couple of times get another person on the ground to walk along, just in case you need help.
I find it's the getting on that can initially be hard, and also the slowing down from canter or trot.

My bigger mini (33ins) has happily been led from 13.2, 14.3 and 15.3, only posing a cheeky issue when she wants to carry on in canter :D She is usually led off a head collar, with half a lunge line attached.

That said, I'd use a bridle, remove the reins and thread a lead rope through the bit. Def no side reins!
I used to do ride and lead in riding schools, then with polo ponies and then with my daughter when she was small.
It's v good practice, but can get complicated when you are riding with 2 reins, hunt whip and a very naughty pony with cross small child when out hunting! :D
 
The Fuzzy Furry said:
It's v good practice, but can get complicated when you are riding with 2 reins, hunt whip and a very naughty pony with cross small child when out hunting! :D
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I've had two ponies in double bridles and a third in a snaffle, plus whip, to juggle before... I've no idea how the polo folk do half a dozen at a time!
 
Just like everybody has said practise at home first with a person on the ground .
I also prefer to have another horse and rider with us the first couple of times .
I ride and lead most days .
 
Oh dear lord I thought riding and leading 1 was being brave! I take my hat off to anyone who can do as you do Fuzzy Furry. I think riding and leading may be the way forward to keep my 2 boys in some form of shape. Might help the midge to see more of the world too :)
 
I would check your insurance i think it is supposed to be in a bridle for insurance and you are supposed to thread reins through the bit but i use a lead rope.

My max was lead three off one bareback down the fields when bringing in, if they know the drill its only keeping hold most of the time they just match pace with the ridden one.
 
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