Schooling tips

[windand rain]

I have a very fast forward going pony. She is like a donkey on the floor stands about isnt spooky at all and nothing bothers her. Tack her up and get on and she is very very fast, default speed is fast
Tense rider means she goes faster and bucks
Panic and she goes faster
pull and jerk on the reins she goes faster and through her shoulder if you pull her head round (only tried it once to see but was awful)
She has a soft mouth and is easy to stop most of the time but everything is done at 90 mph

So far she has a gentle and sympathetic rider who is not afraid of her and rides with very soft hands, by weight and balance. This works to a point but she needs more respect for all aids leg and hand

Instructor advised yanking on the outside rein but as she bends naturally to the outside I dont want to encourage her to bend the wrong way.

We are working on straightness and half halts and using the legs to get halt and slow rather than her thinking a leg aid means leg it as fast as you can away

Does anyone have any other ideas for a speedy, forward going pony who tucks her chin in but can run through the hand.

My contribution has been to long line her which she is brilliant at. I also have had teeth, back, saddle etc checked regularly

 

[pennandh]

Given you have regular teeth/back/tack checks, it's probably not a pain/discomfort issue, but it never hurts to check again.

Depending on whether she flattens as she speeds up, it might actually be better to put a bit more leg on (which sounds horribly counter-intuitive, I know) to encourage her to bring her hocks underneath her and come up into the bridle. Half-halts are good; keep up the good work there.

Having a rider with soft hands is great, and I certainly wouldn't advise any pulling, but from personal experience with over-enthusiastic horses, sometimes taking up a slightly firmer contact (it needs to stay elastic, of course) can work wonders: there is such a thing as a rider with slightly-too-soft hands, especially when you have a horse that needs a little more containment of forward momentum than most.

Lateral work can be very useful for engaging the hindquarters and steadying up a bit (they can go so fast forwards if they have to go sideways too), but be sure to build it up steadily so as not to cause sore muscles.

As with anything that bucks, put a neckstrap on. It doesn't have to be smart or expensive - an old stirrup leather will do if it's a sensible length - and having something to grab makes riding through hijinks much easier. Never let anyone suggest that neckstraps are only for beginners: they are a brilliant bit of kit, and the only time I don't like to have one (or a hunting breastplate etc.) is when I'm in the show-ring (which is purely cosmetic, of course, but I wouldn't show something I thought was likely to ditch me in the ring).

If she tucks her chin in to evade the bit, there are bitting/noseband solutions you may be able to try, but that's something you should probably consult a professional who is familiar with the pony about.

 

[only_me]

Have you done any lateral work with her? If she has to think she might slow down, and it's hard to rush when doing leg yield etc. It also means she has to listen to leg aids a bit more.

What is she like when you drop all contact and ride purely with seat? Does she run on to her forehand?

I'd also be trying that everytime she starts to quicken turn a circle or hold the outside rein a bit more, even though she bends naturally that way. Bend is easier to correct than rushing imo

It's difficult with a pony that leg = go!

These are things that I would try myself, I'm no expert though

Ets. What about lunging pony with the rider on? The side reins would hold pony straight and add some control, the rider could start to add some leg pressure while on the circle. You'd be able to control the pace, and the rider have no reins so not able to tuck behind, or rider could use reins. Depends on reaction of pony I suppose, but it might be worth trying!

 

[windand rain]

thank you a few ideas she lunges well but is recovering from a shoulder injury so have resisted doing it but as she is staying sound I will pop her on the lunge and see if that helps. Circles are another good idea now her shoulder is better she is only about 6 months into being ridden so will need to be taught lateral work. She does leg yield so will continue with that. We were thinking of training shoulder in too. She is going to lessons with a top rider soon her rider is having lessons with him and seems pleased he can also ride her if she doesnt understand something which is something I can no longer do. Thank you again that is a big help