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  Discussion on Ponying weanling
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Member:
Heidim

Posted on Sunday, Jan 8, 2006 - 11:29 pm:

I'm working to get my weanling to tie at the hitching post, and it's going well. Next, I'd like to start ponying him. I've only ponied older trained horses for the exercise. Does anyone have any suggestions for getting a young animal started this way? Also, I have three mules that I might pony from. Any suggestions on what might make one better than another? This weanling gets along well with the one that is his stablemate; would he be a good option? Open to any and all suggestions.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Jan 9, 2006 - 8:21 am:

Starting with a foal that leads well and ties is a good start. First use an enclosed space and don't tie off the foal to the mule so that if he fights it you can let go and not get caught up in the rope. I think using his buddy makes good sense.
DrO
Member:
Heidim

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 - 8:27 am:

I should mention that the buddy is the same size as the weanling. Will that be a problem? I'm ask because I'm wondering if a young horse will jump around more and possibly right on the mule while I'm riding. These two play together often out in the pasture. The pro is that they get along; the con seems they may get along a little too well. My other option is to use my older mare mule. The only contact the weanling has with her is over the fence. Then again, he may be more anxious with her because he knows her so little. THoughts?
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 - 11:38 am:

When I'm ponying I use an older, very bossy mare. She doesn't put up with any shinanagins, and won't let the youngster get up past her shoulder. She gives them the "evil eye" and lays her ears back, and the get right in line. After a trip or two around the field, they are trained to pony. So, I vote for your older mule.
Member:
36541

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 - 1:00 pm:

My vote is for the mare too. Don't forget your gloves and helmet! It is optimal if your weanling understands "walk-on" or "go ahead" from your ground work. If he is not moving forward promptly on the lead, I'd put in another few sessions before I'd pony him. I have ponied everything I've ever bred or bought, and often wish for a ground person when I'm getting started, so be sure to use someone if you have the option. I also put bell boots on because the baby might crowd at times, and their feet can pile up. Have fun... Stacy
New Member:
Blwaufle

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 - 5:11 pm:

I would also use the mare and ensure that the youngster leads, and gives to pressure. Also start in an enclosed area first as Dr.O suggested.

Also when I pony I make sure the saddle is cinched up well and take one dally around the horn holding onto the tag end of the rope. This way if the horse being ponied should balk the rope will slip with some pressure around the horn yet not yank on your arm which can place yourself in danger plus being painful to boot.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006 - 8:34 am:

I agree that a larger animal to pony from will have advantages, however I am concerned about aggression towards the weanling. You will have to use judgement here, you know them best.
DrO
Member:
Heidim

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006 - 2:14 pm:

The mule mare I have in mind is a mellow 23-year-old. She's assertive but not aggressive. The only drawback is that a horse went bonkers behind her shortly after I bought her eight years ago and even now she is a little edgy about having anything follow close behind. I think I will "teach" her to pony first using the weanling's pasture mate, seeing as he is the same size as the weanling and yet older and wiser. Then I'll feel more confident about working with the young one. This is a plan I hadn't considered before, but it seems like a good way to go.

Everyone's comments proved useful from one vantage point or another. Thanks so much. Sometimes, I feel like I'm the one in training!
Member:
Contilli

Posted on Saturday, Jan 14, 2006 - 9:18 am:

What type of weanling is this? Be careful not to overdue it. Exercise is proven to strengthen bones but over-exercise can cause soreness which has been known to cause tightening of the tendons (slight contracture). And be sure to pony him equally - left side/ right side. Have fun!!!

Denise
www.BryantFarm.com
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