Pony probs & won't lead!

[Dolores]

I've just bought a pony for my daughter. Its only 6 but has been a lead rein pony for a riding school for about 3 years.
I suspect its bored of the same old plod round, because I have to drag it behind me.Foreward going, isn't exactly the term I'd use for it.
How can I put some zing back into its life? My daughter is quite young and I don't want her to learn to ride by thumping the poor things sides, which is probably what its used to anyway and she's still at the lead rein stage herself.
Its a really nice pony, and I'd like to establish some rapport with it because I get the idea it would be more than willing, if only it wasn't so jaded with life and a 3 year procession of little kids on its back.
Any ideas?

[Jay Kay]

Hi
Have you had the pony long? if not it will probably take a while to get used to the idea that life is now more interesting. The pony had an early start to work and its behaviour has probably ingrained itself. Try lunging at walk and trot to let him/her have an idea what forward going is about without being guided by someone at his side, include some trotting poles for added interest maybe a little jump (6 inches is enough ,just to accustom him to forward thinking.).Go for hacks if you are only currently working in a schooling area, it can work wonders for a bored school pony.When you require him to trot ask with a little brush of a schooling whip nr his girth and a squeeze of the leg from your daughter, he will need to get used to more refined aids than he has had at the school, it will take time, sometimes ponys don't show their true natures until they have been in a home for at least 6 months, but don't worry he will come round, he sounds like a genuine pony and he will try harder for you when he knows you better.
Whatever you do don't try and liven him up with extra food, it will have a detrimental effect in more ways than one.
Jay Kay

[Sharon H]

Why don't you try longreining out for a hack without your daughter on top? It would add a bit of variety to his life and it sounds as though he needs it! You could always break him to drive as well and then you could get some fun out of him.

[Dolores]

Thank you both so much for your replies. The driving reply has made me think what an exciting option this might be for all of us. I'm going to start looking into that.
Any advice on long reining?

In reply to what Jay wrote..We've only had her a couple of weeks so is a crop a good idea yet or should we try other tactics first? My issue here is teaching my daughter to use a crop when she really needs to learn her seat etc. and umm ok I know this sounds stupid, but I want the pony to know its going to be loved. Now I'm embaressed - (maybe I should have stuck to dogs.)Anyway, Its such a kind gentle,safe & willing pony..but its forgotten its legs are for locomotive purposes. I just wonder if its a good idea or not, but as a complete novice, I'd really appreciate it if you could set my mind at rest and advise re this.

The pony has been kept at the same school for the last four years life. The paths we are going down have already been well trodden so I was wondering maybe I should move it.
On the other hand, its stabled about five mins from my house, so I'd be loathe to do that, unless you think its going to be the best thing for it.

I'd also really like to find out how the equine mind works. Any suggestions on a book re horse thinking??

Thanks again, I'm so glad I found this site!

[Jay Kay]

Hi Dolores

If you don't feel comfy using a schooling whip just yet, then you can manage without, although it is not cruel if used correctly, it is meant to be a helpul aid and not a form of punishment, a very light touch is all that is needed, not a smack and it can be you who carries the whip. But it sounds like you would prefer not to and thats O.K. You are not being soft, you are trying as you said to build a relationship with him at the moment.
If you have had him for only a few weeks I wouldn't take his current behaviour as being permanent, he will change and come to appreciate the lifestyle and his owners,(he sounds like he has fallen on his feet) but it will be a while yet before that happens.Why don't you give him a couple more months before you decide a course of action.let him settle.
I know it sounds like a long time, but he was in the school for most of his life, it is a big change for him.
If he is only 5 mins away from home, don't move him, the change of scenery is only another idea not absolutely necessary
Driving him in the future is a good idea from Sharon H, the whole family could be involved then.If you havn't long reined or lunged before maybe its not a good idea to do it just yet, wait until you can be shown by someone first hand
Above all else remember you have had him such a short amount of time, he will change I guarantee it, so don't worry.
Can't think of any specific books re horse psychology, but if you put a thread asking the question under 'General' I am sure you will get many answers.
Has it got a name by the way, I keep calling it, he, whats he like, I expect your daughter is thrilled.
Happy Hacking
Jay Kay.

[Sharon H]

This will probably sound a bit priggish, but I wouldn't think now is the time to teach your daughter to use the stick. As you've only had him a short time, the pony probably doesn't realise that anything much has changed for him and is still in 'riding school' mode. I'm sure once he works out what's going on, he will be a different pony. Your daughter will probably benefit more in the long term, by learning that horses respond better to kindness than force. I would go with your own instincts, you're quite right, having someone banging away on their sides achieves nothing. The horses switch off and become dead to the leg aids. This is where long reining will come in handy, because you aren't using leg aids the horse will probably respond a lot better to your voice. There are plenty of good books about on long reining, or perhaps someone at the riding school could teach you? Richard Maxwell has written a brilliant book about horsey minds, but I can't for the life of me remember what it's called! Also check out the Intelligent Horsemanship web site http://www.montyroberts.co.uk They have a really good disussion group on there. Let us know how you get on, I agree with Jay, the pony sounds as though he has fallen on his feet. Good luck to you all.