Training a pony to carry itself correctly

[oinkmoooink]

Like how you see the dressage horses and they really sit back and use their hocks, bringing them high underneath them
Id like to get my section b carrying himself properly, but on the lunge, ive seen him lift his whole body and move properly for short amounts of time...but he finds it a lot harder ridden or in the carriage, any ideas?
Hes 19, but incredbly fit and doesnt act his age, but i know getting him going completly right would probably be asking toom much of him, but hopflly ill be getting a bigger pony in the winter who i would like to bring on/train myself for driving.
So how do you get them going that well, i guess they have to get really strong in the back, but how?
Any ideas welcome!
thanks

[xloopylozzax]

erm just slow everything down and ask for collection. half halts to lift them. use sitting trot instead of rising so can get more balance (thats what dressage riders do anyway, and when i ask for an extended trot when changing the rein in showing i sit)

[wundahoss]

He's not too old to do this, especially as he's fit. If he learns to use his hind end better, he will carry you more easily, so may also have a lot more to give.

Firstly make sure the saddle is comfortable enough to allow him to do this. A saddle that is uncomfortable or painful will cause the horse to hollow his back and be unable to use his HQ properly. Unfortunately, saddles are way more likely to be uncomfortable than fit well. Next make sure you're also balanced enough that he doesn't fall on his forehand.

'Passenger lessons', where you control the gait & let the horse do the rest(go where you want, but only at the walk/trot/canter are great for teaching self carriage in the horse, as well as a good seat to the rider.

Hill work and backing up and downward transitions are also good exercises for this. Mixing up a routine so that he doesn't anticipate what you'll ask will also get him in the frame of mind to stay balanced, as he'll need it for quick responses.