[chika1235]

i have heard to pony my halter prospect colt to get him into condition. the problem is when i pony him he doesnt like it at all and he pulls back even at a walk. he goes super slow also. how can i get him to pick up the pace without having to constantly tap him with the whip?

 

[AQHA]

I just wrap the lead around my saddle horn and let them come if they try to refuse. I do lots of turning, to cut their balance off and make the better choice to follow. I think he just needs to learn how to pony. Reward him often.

 

[wild_spot]

Maintain the pressure until he gives and walks forward. A ponying issue is simply a leading issue.
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[iridehorses]

I just wrap the lead around my saddle horn and let them come if they try to refuse.

You have better have a **** good saddle and pony horse to even think of doing that. An ill mannered horse that you are teaching to pony can cause a terrible wreck if he is tied to your saddle. I'm would never recommend that to someone who has never done it before.

Get in an arena, or pasture - some place with some restriction and try having a friend follow behind with a lunge whip to encourage your colt to move forward. Start slowly and take your time working up to a faster gait. Be sure the colt is snubbed up close to you since you don't want him to be able to get behind you, or worse, get to the other side and throw you off balance. Remember, sometimes things happen in the blink of an eye and you want to keep yourself safe.

 

[PaintHorseMares]

You have better have a **** good saddle and pony horse to even think of doing that. An ill mannered horse that you are teaching to pony can cause a terrible wreck if he is tied to your saddle. I'm would never recommend that to someone who has never done it before.

Get in an arena, or pasture - some place with some restriction and try having a friend follow behind with a lunge whip to encourage your colt to move forward. Start slowly and take your time working up to a faster gait. Be sure the colt is snubbed up close to you since you don't want him to be able to get behind you, or worse, get to the other side and throw you off balance. Remember, sometimes things happen in the blink of an eye and you want to keep yourself safe.

I agree with all of this. I pony the young ones a lot and am lucky to have a lead mare that is an experienced pony horse. Both being a pony horse and being ponied are not something that just happens...it's a skill to teach them. Also, make sure you never have the lead wrapped around your hand..if the lead gets tightened, you're in for a major hurt.

 

[Painted Horse]

I pack a lot and just expect my horses to lead in a pack string. Its just never been a big deal to teach them to follow. Usually, I'm spending more time teaching them to stay in line and not try to pass. Occassionally they stop and refuse at a stream crossing and I have to use my saddle horn to offer a litte more encouragement to follow.

Never loop the rope around your hand, Allways be ready to drop it if the situation requires it. Same with using the horn. I never tie it off, Just a wrap and if needed, just let go and let it slip off.