Best way to move a planted pony?

[shandy84]

I was just wanting to settle something in my mind as the best way to move a pony that is rooted to the spot.

Also when a pony is spooky and danching a bit, would you be safer to have them circle around you or would it be safer to have you go around them (I always thought this would make it easier for them to bolt?)

What do you think and how is it achieved?

[Showjumper]

If Dolly plants herself and says, "I don't wanna!" I ask her to go sideways, or backwards...anything that's more difficult than going forwards. She normally catches on quickly and is happy to move off.

If she's scared/spooky, the tactics are different. I walk towards the scary object (as long as it's safe!) and tap it or wave at it. Normally mummy being brave is enough to convince her and she'll have a good look, then not worry about it anymore.

[Mehitabel]

i'll spin a planted pony if i can - once you get the feet moving you can normally then channel it somewhere.
i find spinning them more effective than trying to push them one way, harder for them to resist. then if need be we'll end up facing the other way and reverse in the direction i want them to go.
would echo showjumper i nthat it's compeltey different if they're rooted in fear.

as for spooking, i doubt you'd get them to stay with you on the outside. i tend to stay still, then i can make sure they stay off my feet!

[SharlieJumper]

In order to move a pony that has planted himself I usually flick the end of the lead rope behind me, sort of like a crop, to encourage them to move. Or else I move their head to the side so that they are pushed off balance, and therefor are forced to move.

If a pony is skittish I would imagine it would be better for you to move on the outside of the circle so that they don't come in on you and either step on your toes or run you over.

[Bebe]

Depending on the horse/pony I do either of the things that Showjumper and Es suggested. With Bebe it depends on her mood, I generally start by asking her to move over or backwards until she works out that its easier just to move on. If that fails I'll spin her by driving her hindquarters and if that fails a stern, loud voice is usually enough to get my point across.

She does have a thing about refusing to leave the yard to go back to the field (weird horse!) and after spending what felt like hours over a couple of weeks trying to do things the nice way I ended up growling and flicking her hard with the end of the leadrope, she's been much better since.

[Miriam]

Planted on the spot cant help cause I had to get off mine (old one not current) and lead the begger out cause hew ould make no movement whatever.

Spooking. If I'm on the ground and she spooks at something then I tend to take her over to have a look at it. I find the same with Shojumper if I'm brave enough to take a look so is she. The next time she may give it wide berth.

I.e She took a real skeppy at some bricks which had been covered up. Whilst she coudl see the bricks she was not bothered but when they had disappeared under the ghost sheet she was terrified and kept jumping violently sideways. I took her ove tosee it and she then stated tocome towards it. Gave lots of praise and now she tends to look and give a wide berth than react violently

[shandy84]

Thanks for the the pony is planting when in hand which makes moving them very difficult, just wondered if there were any more ideas to add to the pot :)

[Mehitabel]

still spin them (i meant inhand, actually). turn the head as far as you can to one side, walk to the flanks and poke in the side or shove backside over, then keep going round unil you want to try again. ask for forward again, then if they say 'shan't', do it again. it must be quick - spin - go - no - spin. if they have time to stand and tihnk about planting again then it doesn't work.

does the pony know how to lead and follow and yield to pressure? one of your guys or one on the yard?

[LisaS]

Hi Shandy

I find the best way to deal with a pony that plants in hand, is to zig-zag them.

When the pony plants himself, move yourself at an angle to his shoulders and gently put pressure on the leadrope. This way the pony has to move as you knock him off balance. Keep going from side to side, I can assure you the pony will get sick before you do:D ;)

[chev]

Planted ponies - what Es said. Another method is to back them up - one gelding I had used to plant himself with his feet wide apart so spinning him was well nigh impossible. So I'd put my hand on the top of his nose, and push his nose in towards his chest. He would always end up stepping back - and the minute one front foot went back, I pulled his head round to that side and get him walking again. Failing that, insisting that he keep backing meant he'd willingly walk forwards agasin fairly quickly.

Spooky ponies running in circles - I try and stay fairly still, by the shoulder. That way, if they do take off, all I need to do is throw my weight back in towards their shoulder, their head will come round and they won't go anywhere. It's worked very effectively on a 17.2 Shire cross who learnt how to drag handlers where he wanted to go - as long as you have your weight on the end of their halter by the shoulder, they can't go anywhere.

Scared ponies - staying calm and investigating the scary object nearly always works for me.

[shandy84]

No not mine Es one on the yard who is a bit naughty, think they're insecure and napping really. The pony may not know how to yield to pressure they lean into it.