Problem Pony!

[Zulu_Pony]

my 12.2 pony has developed a bad habit of shooting off out of control everytime his hooves touch turf! PLEASE can some one give me some suggestions how how to break this habit. We dont have a school or a small enough feild to use as a school :S please help! its starting to become dangerous!

[Showjumper]

Sounds like someone's been having great fun teaching him this habit. I'd recommend planning ahead - when you see a patch of grass approaching, start schooling. Shoulder in, leg yield, etc. As his hooves touch the grass, get him onto a circle until he's settled. As soon as he's quiet and listening, let him go forwards (in walk!) If he starts to hot up, back onto a circle. Will most likely take a while but he'll soon re-learn that he can go slowly on grass.

[never again]

Is he evading his bit (if he does have a bit in his mouth) when you are not on grass?

[Zulu_Pony]

Thanks for your suggestion :D but i often hack out with my dad and his 15.1 mare, and although we often try to do nothing more then either a walk or trot on areas where he likes to shoot off, it ends up becoming a race and no matter what i do - half halts, trying to turn him in a circle - he just wont listen!

[Showjumper]

If you're riding out with your dad, can't he pop him on a lead rein and keep him at walk?

[Zulu_Pony]

we have tryed puttin him on the lead rope but he just kicks out out my dads horse so we have stopped trying to use the lead rope because we are worried he will hurt meg (dads horse) and because she is getting old we are worried she wont get better properly - shes 21 this year bless her! :P what exactly do you mean by evading the bit? - ive heard it used before but never bothered to ask what it means :S

[Joyscarer]

Stick to walk when riding and also try hopping off and leading so he knows you want to walk.

Only go faster when he can walk it without speeding up.

[Zulu_Pony]

Thanks every one for your suggestions ill give them a go :) and i sure hopes he starts to listen better when i give these a go :) :D