Teaching Kylie to Steer

We were trying to teach Shayne's daughter Kylie to steer the horse and not let it go where ever it wants. She had this problem of pulling both reins at the same time to turn and Nova would just stop. After a few turn stops she would put her other hand in the air so she wouldn't grab it on accident! It was cute. Towards the end she had Nova going all over the pen with no problems at all.

At the beginning:


At the end not alotta evidence but she was having alotta fun!

What a wonderful obliging pony you have there - just perfect
I know the technique isnt really the same but you could explain it to her in the way you think of riding a bike as the principle is the same
When I taught children - including my own I used to write L & R on the back of their hands as a lot really struggle with the left and right thing

That's a really good idea! Kylie knows her right and left but when it comes quick she goes the wrong way sometimes. You know it's kinda funny and I know alot of people will probably think I should use an older horse but Nova is just 2.5 years old now and as far as training, tolerance and temperment she's the best horse on our ranch, I trust her without a doubt with the children. She's so willing to please she's just the best little horse I've ever had.
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I think that's pretty good proof that ponies/horses are born with their temperaments - sure you can improve on them (or mess them up) but we found each foal we bred was different from the get go. Some were so laid back and placid and were quieter than an old horse all along, nothing ever seemed to phase them and others always had to challenge you a bit first