10 ways to get to
Ride with
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new pony
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c t u e t e e M Our top 10 tips for getting to know a new pony
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Our top 10 hether tips toyougetti havenag new to pony knowonaloan, newarepony having a lesson on a different pony for the first time or want to get to know your own pony better, learning new ways to bond with him will help you build a stronger relationship.
TOP TIP
Keep a diary with your pony’s fave things, routine, appointment dates and vital signs to remind you of all the things you’ve learnt about him already.
Question time
The best place to start wh en getting to know a new pony is by speaking to the people who already know him. That mig ht be his old owner or the yard staff who car e for him. They’ll be able to tell you all abo ut his routine, fave things and the other pon ies he likes, as well as any habits he has. Then, you can use this info to help you get to know him yourself.
Fave things Knowing a new pony’s likes and dislikes is a great way to learn more about him. Try to find out his fave... • treats • discipline • stable toy • flavour of lick • thing to do with you • weather • routine The better you know what he enjoys – or doesn’t – the more quickly you’ll bond with him and be able to have fun together, as you won’t waste time trying things he doesn’t like.
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TOP TIP
If you can, try to attend any vet or farrier visits, at least to begin with, so you can learn about your pony from them and see how he behaves.
Naughty or nice? All ponies have habits – some super-cute, but some quite naughty! Find out about your new pony’s quirks, whether it’s throwing his feed bucket over the stable door, holding your whip for
you or pulling the reins out of your hands when he fancies a mouthful of grass. Knowing his habits will help you avoid any naughty ones, and get your phone out in plenty of time to video any cute ones!
Day to day
Just like you, ponies enjoy having a routi ne they stick to each day. A routine gives them confidenc e in their handlers because they don’t get any surpr ises. So, try to find out whether your pony... • prefers to live in or out • has a fave time to be fed • likes being ridden at a certain time of day • wants to be in during the day or overn ight – if at all • prefers wearing a rug when the weather’s bad, and if he gets clipped during the winter Knowing your new pony’s routine is key to keeping him happy, as you’ll be able to stick to what he knows and loves. Even if you don’t own him, you might be able to organise your rides or visits to fit in around his preferred routine.
TOP TIP
If the new pony in question is your own, you might need to make some changes to his routine. Always do this slowly to give him plenty of time to adjust.
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Barrels of fun Have a go at our bril iant barrel ju mping ex ercise
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ho doesn’t love setting g up fun and funky jumpin go a ve ha to ses rci exe re at with their pony? He , So ! do nly at PONY HQ, we certai l rre ba nt llia bri r why not give ou t your pony’s exercise a try? It’ll tes racy, as well straightness and accu as his bravery!
EP ST
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BUILD IT
wings and two les, four blocks or You’ll need six po u could use yo ls, have barre n’t do u yo if – ls barre e effect. To start stead for the sam standing fillers in the centre line, the barrels along ng on the with, place one of their ends touchi th wi les po o tw then lay ds on blocks l and the other en rre ba e th of e dl mid ape. You can half a diamond sh either side, making to help guide your les as tramlines use the spare po ep the barrel in groundline to ke pony in and as a C position. lf ha nd co For the se M u’ll H of the exercise, yo t ou e lay need to mirror th y, ad re al ilt bu e u’v yo d on B am creating a di E 6.1-7.3m o tw e th th shape wi to barrels. You’ll need of one um im in m a ve lea F tween K jumping stride be uld u co the barrels, but yo A if you e re th or o tw allow have space.
TOP TIP
Need help getting to grips with distances? For the ultimate guide, visit bit.ly/KNOW_ THE_DISTANCE
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The first part of this exercise uses half of the layout. Start off by jumping one of the poles to the side of the barrel. Practise getting the perfect approach so you meet the pole square on. This is key because when you add the next half of the layout, straightness will become even more important! Make sure you jump both poles in both directions, so your pony gets used to them and focuses on your aids.
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Next, jump the barrel! It can help to adjust the poles resting on it so their other ends are on the ground to help guide your pony in. Ride straight down the centre line in trot with your legs on and your hands wide to channel him straight. Look up and over the barrel and be ready to nudge your pony forward with your leg if he hesitates.
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