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In response to Julie's post on ponying her geldings, there are some very
important ground rules the rider must lay down to the horses as they
learn to do this. First and most important, both horses must know what
whoa means, by voice command, and do it consistently. This will save
you many problems down the road. While ponying a baby one day, she
spooked at a groundhog and the pony rope slipped away, then wrapped
around my foot. Thank God for whoa! Then, start your horses out at a
quiet walk in an enclosed area before venturing out in the open and use
all your voice commands. If you must, though I don't like to use them,
you may try a lead chain on the horse being ponied. At first, don't
give the ponied horse much leeway and try not to let them get in front
or behind you. After awhile, they usually go along quietly on a more
relaxed rope. Take it slowly because getting your coordination down is
the hardest thing. Also, pasture/ride mates don't always make the best
ponying buddies. My little mare could pony anything from the tiny
babies to the two year old TBs, but not her best riding buddy because
they were way too competitive. If you can get your buds to work
together, it's a great way to alternate riding and keep both horses fit.
At polo barn I worked at, we would ride one, pony two in the early
spring to start the fitness program. Good luck!
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