New POny. Wont work on sand? Is he phobic!

[Libbyo]

Ive had Dani just over a week. Hes 4YO British Spotted Pony gypsy-broken to drive.

Ive taken him back a step and back to long reins and will not put him into his carriage until we are working as a team in all areas. In fact he will first be sent to Pippas or she will come to us for that part of his schooling.

When I trialed him we went down busy roads, narrow lanes etc in the cart.

He was excelent, very bombproof! well manered, light to drive etc.

My problem.

If I take him into the sandschool, he seams to go odd. I wont respond to comands at all. He backs up, or turns in.

If I walk him down the lane, hes fantastic. VERY responsive and incredibly light in my hands.

How do I get him working on sand? Is he phobic??????????????

[Palomino Mare]

Hi,

could he be struggling in the depth of the sand?

[bazzarider]

My pony HATES the school - sand is her worst hate but she doesn't really even like it when there's rubber on top. Having tried to run in there with her, I get her point entirely. It is hard to run in there. She has neat little feet, and isn't shod. I think she feels it's unfair to ask her to work in a place where even walking takes more effort than it usually does. With time and effort my girlfriend and I have convinced her that this is what we want her to do, and gradually she has become fit enough to cope. She still doesn't like it though...

[conkers]

I'm having the same problem with my youngster at the moment. It has been so dry recently that the school is really deep and 'kicks up' at her belly. This was really upsetting her, causing her to buck and kick out - not behaviour I want to encourage!! She had been working well before the surface dried out. The older horses don't seem to be struggling as much so I am putting it down to being young and not as well balanced as she could be.
I have been working her in the field temporarily and she is working much better.
As your pony sounds to be working well on a firmer surface, maybe he is finding the sand surface unsettling. Do you have somewhere else you can work him until it rains? Or maybe try turning him out in the school for a while so that he can get used to the surface without the pressure of having to work.

[Libbyo]

Turning him out Now there is a thought. Will see what the YO thinks of that idea.