Riding one horse and leading a riderless pony alongside.

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Penks

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Hi, apoligies first of all as I am new to this forum and wasn't sure where to post this question.

I have a 15.2 and a shetland on part loan and was wondering if I could take the Shetland out for hacks (obviously at an appropriate speed for them both) alongside me on a ??long rein/lead rope? Wasnt sure what to use??

I wondered how common it was and if it was a bad idea or not, they both get on and are well behaved. It would not be out on the road.
 
Yes, its a good idea.

I used to do this with our old pony and my big mare. They were great together. I used to use a long leadrope, as she seemed happier than with a bit and bridle. A lot of people will only use a bridle as you have more control..

ps. Start off in the school or field until you know they are safe together, and always have the pony on the left, out of the way of any traffic.. Use lots of verbal commands so the pony gets used to them too.
 
Nothing wrong with ride and leading if your confident and both ponies well behaved and the shettie can keep up! in polo yards they ride one and lead 6 or even 8 at a time. A bridle is probably better for control if you have one, otherwise a headcollar and long leadrope will do as long as your in control doesnt really matter
 
Ride and lead, a good way of exercising two horses at the same time or to keep small ponies ticking over. Its a well established practice. A good idea to check that they are compatible together and for you to get the hang of it too, ride around a menage or field 1st. Pony should really have a bridle on if going on the roads. Have fun.
 
Yep I've done this in the past with daughter's pony from my cob. Works really well. Only I used to use a rope halter instead of a bridle as pony had a very soft mouth and preferred it to being led off the bridle. I never had a problem, and this was a pony who liked to stop and snack whenever it seemed remotely possible!
 
The hunters at our yard go out like this. They put the ones that are being lead in a bridle with no reins and attach a leadrope, just means you have control. Like someone said, practice in an enclosed space so you can figure paces, turning and stopping :)
 
Thank you for all your answers, there has been some good encouraging advice.

For those that have said to lead with them in a bridle with the reins removed and a lead rope would you use a coupling for this?
 
We take the polo ponies out in sets of 3, easy way to get them all exercised! They love it ( sometimes too much!)

We used rope halters to lead them, not bridles - but make sure you have a long rope just in case the little darling pulls back...gives you a little ever leverage!
 
I use a showing link if I use a bridle without reins. I also tie a knot halfway down the leadrope and at the end, so you have two "stops" if they do pull away at some point.
 
Used to ride and lead hunt horses. As long as both well behaved, have led horse on inside and with a bridle on for good control, it cuts down exercise time!
 
Shetland will need to lead well otherwise they pull yourarm off backwards!

I used to ride one lead two and one have a day off - worked my way through the lot so that everyone got ridden each weeek.

Will be a great way to keep the Shetlands figure under control
 
Tnavas said:
Shetland will need to lead well otherwise they pull yourarm off backwards!

I used to ride one lead two and one have a day off - worked my way through the lot so that everyone got ridden each weeek.

Will be a great way to keep the Shetlands figure under control
Click to expand...

Yes thats what I thought cos hes turned into a wee fatty lol! Hes quite forward going but will try them in the outdoor arena together first to see how compatible they are.
 
I do all the time. Our grazing is a mile just under from the barn, so hop on my boy daily to ride and lead various horses back and forth!

Or exercise my pony mare off the TB also, or take my youngster out hacking to see the world sometimes.

Far as what to use, to be 'correct' it should bridle on both with the reins either put through the bit to your side, or one rope either clipped onto the far side and through the nearest side, or with a coupling on the bit to make life easier. And obviously on the other side of the traffic etc [so your left side leading them off...so make sure they lead both sides!]

For me shock horror...well I ride mostly in a headcollar and bareback everywhere, and not a fan of using a bit on my youngster when he doesn't need it [ie, rope clipped on and the bit in action]...so he just goes in a headcollar too.
But, generally nothing we do is 'correct', so ignore us!
My point is really....just chill, don't worry and go with it!

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/67865_10151331009376753_252099091_n.jpg :)
 
Go for it, I can never understand why more people don't do it. I would say to get your groundwork up to a good standard to ensure both horses know to yield/give to pressure, don't just stick a bit in and expect the pony to know how to react to, I personally am of the opinion that a rope halter with correct training is going to offer the best control. You are going to have to control each horse/pony with only one hand so a horse that will move or stop with only light pressure is a must to avoid difficulties.

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