Teaching children to use the leg effectively

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SpeedyPony

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Any tips? Small pony has a fairly novice jockey who has thus far been on the leadrein.
The pony does understand leg aids, she was broken in as a ridden pony and moved off the leg well.
I remember my leg aids being less than effective when I was learning to ride, but I can't remember what changed in my seat/legs (attitude?) to resolve the problem!
Her rider has a decent seat in walk, which is all we're doing off the lead and can steer in and out of poles with me walking alongside (not going through the poles myself), but if I try and stand in the middle of the paddock the pony stops! (Better than too much forward TBF)
Any exercises we could try to help with forward and/or getting the pony to listen to her rider? I did notice she has an ear on me, but isn't really listening to/looking at the rider. On the ground she will lead nicely for her rider.
 
Long rein pony to remind her how to go forward without following. Teach the child to kick (because usually their leg aids wouldn’t effectively swat a fly).

Mostly though - a child should come off the lead when they can merrily lunge in all paces with their hands off the saddle; when they know how to use the reins effectively on the lunge or led on a long lead rope and can control the pace of walk or trot they ask for. If the pony thinks they don’t have a clue or are not balanced, pony will not go.
 
Thanks, it may well be that small pony can feel little wobbles that I can't see, she does look after her rider. A bit more practice on the lead rein is in order!
 
I think just as important is teaching them how to use their seat and weight. They really do not have enough coordination and strength for effective legs but teaching them to sit on their bum bones, and do things like turn their head and shoulders combined with voice aids off LR, means they gain stability and better control.
 
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