Training Ideas 4 Pony

[2pinkmom]

July is this month. What's the rush to show him? A horse that is bolting and that does not have good brakes under normal circumstances shouldn't be forced to perform in a show environment. Something has changed for this horse, and he's depending on you to find out why. Back to basics, and I think asking the trainer to have a vet out to take a look see if the horse is having an medical issue would be good. Then, if you insist on the showing thing, don't enter any classes. Just take him and walk around the show grounds, take the opportunity to use the schooling area, etc. See how he does in the whole show atmosphere. Do the next show if he takes it all in stride.

 

[Redcatcher]

Since you are training your trainer's pony, she should be working with you. I am guessing that size is an issue and she is having you train her pony because you are young enough and small enough to ride him without looking ridiculous. It sounds like you need to go back to the basics for awhile. As much as you dislike dressage, EVERY horse can benefit by dressage basics. Especially hunters and jumpers. Just like you have to learn math in school (or pick any subject you dislike) but you need math skills to make a living in this world. Same principle can be applied to horses.

 

[babyblue]

Quote:
I agree. I prefer wp and other western style events, but the fundamentals of dressage are useful for every single discipline.



Also, when is the last time the pony had a medical check up? Pony's can be very good at hiding aches and pains and sometimes the only indicator that there is a dental, joint or other body problem is the pony suddenly turning into a raging flaming moron. Bolting and running away is a deadly serious problem and honestly its often a serious training issue or a pain/panic problem.

 

[BobwhiteQuailLover]

Quote:
I am as tall as my trainer..

2pinkmom: the show is at my trainers farm and it is small.

 

[2pinkmom]

I understand it isn't the Washington International Horse Show, buy that doesn't change my advice. You want to train horses, and you want to be the best trainer you can be. You've said as much in your other threads. Here is this pony that presents the perfect opporunity to hone your skills. As PP have noted, this bolting and refusal to stop that suddenly came out of nowhere is a medical issue or a serious training issue. Aren't you curious to know what the root of the problem is? This pony is depending on you. Listen to him. This is the juicy part of training a horse, after all