Do I have the right Welsh Pony?

[nrgy]

Hi,

I've just started taking lessons from the instructor/trainer that has taught my 11 year old for the past 3 years.

I am having trouble keeping the pony at a trot during lessons. I know I am doing so many things wrong - and probably confusing the poor Mare - (she's about 6 and carrying at about 5 months gestation) - but is this a good pony for me to be learning on? Someone said I shouldn't be on such a "lazy" pony to learn.

My thinking was - well, I'll learn more - I'll learn how to get her to move right off - but sometimes it is just so frustrating - she's figured me out already - she knows when she can get away with just stopping and walking - and she uses it every chance she gets with me. If my trainer makes the click click noise she'll get moving again - or keep moving - when I can't seem to make the right squeeze. But I'm in a group lesson - so I'm on my own plenty in the ring.

Do you all think this is too much for a very novice novice to start with? or will it simply start me off better? Opinions please!!! Should I ask to try another pony? Is this just normal when learning how to trot? I've seen experienced children cantering her easily around - and jumping, too.

I'd just like to make it around the ring more than once!

[chev]

Is she always lazy or is she maybe getting to a stage of pregnancy where she wants to start taking things easy? Very often at around 5 or 6 months gestation mares will want to slow down on ridden work. If that's the case it's really only fair (to both of you) to ride another pony.

If she's generally like this then it is a bit of a dilemma - in one way, she responds well to the instructor and is unlikely to frighten you so is a good pony to learn on. On the other hand, she's very young herself, and if she's not understanding your aids very well it could just make for some very frustrating lessons, in which case you might be better off with another.

Perhaps you would benefit from a few private lessons, just until you feel more able and you aids are a bit stronger and clearer? It would also give you the chance to make some good progress at this stage of your riding so that when you go back into the group lessons you feel you can hold your own a little better.

I'd certainly have a chat with your instructor though. I have a sneaking suspicion that this mare may be coming to a point in her pregnancy where she may be better out of lessons now.

[nrgy]

- thanks for the suggestions ...

I was thinking I should do a private lesson, also - so I'm signed up for one next Thursday.