What else can we do?

benson21

benson21

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I lunge Donovan about 3 times a week, over poles occasionally, I free school him a couple of times a week, and also go long reining down the track, practicing our direction problems! Anyone got some ideas to keep us both occupied?
 
Am I right in thinking that you had fairly major back problems and so are riding due to that and/or horse being new youngster?

You can do a very basic sort of combination between pony-club games and horse agility in an arena. Next time you free-school when he is calm and happy and listening to you try setting up bending poles - then get him to follow you around them, as though being lead, but no rope. (Some people call it join up and it is the same end result but you don't have to chase horse away first if you can get it with out.) Have a play with different obstacles (poles to walk between, sacking to walk over etc, etc). If you can't lift much at present you can bend around something small and light, (e.g. skip bucket), just as long as you have a marker you (and preferably horse!) can see.

Also: ground tying - very useful for many circs!
 
How about setting up a 'handy pony' type course to do in-hand? That will help him to get used to all sorts of hazards, in a completely safe environment and you can keep changing it to keep him interested.
 
Ooh yes, with the upcoming Royal wedding you can easily buy bunting and flags! Open up a feed bag and cut it into one inch strips nearly to the top, then a couple of cones with a 6ft bamboo cane stuck in each, then string the bag across and encourage Donovan to walk under the strands of plastic. A tarpaulin to walk over, carrier bags on plastic fence posts, balloons, umbrella, pushbike... ooh, I can't stop now I've started.....
 
Well if he's used to being long-lined, you've made a good start. I'm a rookie to driving too but I'm going to break my rising 2yo coblet to drive when he's older as when I feel I'm too old to climb aboard, I'd like to think I could climb behind instead!!

I think you need to get a harness first and then the first thing to do is get him used to dragging a tyre around. Not sure if you do this with blinkers or so he can see.... however, there are plenty of places around that offer driving lessons so it might be a good idea to book something. And there are some great books too, I believe :)
 
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