Schooling exercises

[Lilly Harvey]

Can any one suggest any schooling exercises I can try with my pony, cos I can never think of what to do, but now I am going to start foreward planning my schooling and trying to achieve aims to help improve her, so any suggestions please

Currently we are doing about 10minutes trotting, and a little canter when I can get her to do it (she is very green)

Thanks for any help.

[Showjumper]

You could try serpentines, spiralling circles, trot to halt, and halt to trot. You could teach her lateral movements, and turn on the forehand/haunches...

[ajhainey]

Anything through pairs of cones (easy to come by which is handy) seems to entertain the horses at my school..for some reason even 20m circles become more interesting if there are 'gateways' or 'alleys' to aim for...

Don't have a horse of my own though so take my advice with caution - the above is just something the school horses seem to enjoy...

aj xx

[Volvic]

Anything through pairs of cones (easy to come by which is handy) seems to entertain the horses at my school..for some reason even 20m circles become more interesting if there are 'gateways' or 'alleys' to aim for...
It also makes life far easier for you!

LillyHarvey - What sort of things does your pony need to improve on? I mean does she respond instantly to you asking her to stop/go etc?

The most important thing with a green pony is to keep the schooling sessions short & fun - if she doesnt get something new, then dont push it too much as it will probably just stress her out.

Have fun with her!

[ponytude]

I agree with the serpentines- for bending- same with the cones! There always fun to weave through at different paces. Maybe some poles-trooting and cantering...?). but I really agree with the above. Have fun!!!

[Lilly Harvey]

Things we need to omprove on are:
correct bend on circles, especially the right rein.
Getting her to soften her mouth and salavate (I am having big problems with this)
and getting her to canter, we can do this on a straight line with me urging her on, put how do I get the aids more refined.

Thanks for all your help to date.

[Volvic]

correct bend on circles, especially the right rein
Using cones around the circle really helped me to see where I was going, so it helped the pony to get the correct bend.

In my experience, the canter will eventually come, but as she is green, I wouldnt push it. It will probably get better as she gets fitter (well thats what happens with the pony I loan anyway)

Good luck!