Training a pony too small for me to ride

[skylavaulter]

I purchased a riding pony for my kids last summer and she does fine with the basic walk on, left, right, whoa commands for them. However they’re beginner riders and I’m interested in seeing what other training she’s had and if shes capable of more (trot, canter, etc). However, being 11 hands, I’m having a hard time finding someone small enough with the experience to come help me out. Any suggestions on where I could find a rider for her and what is the protocol for that? Would I typically pay someone (in this case, a child) to come ride or just offer free riding time to a more experienced child?

She’s also got a nasty habit of biting (unknown when I bought her). She’ll bite when the kids are standing around her or when we’re grooming her, etc if she thinks she can get away with it. Any tips on getting her to stop? Thanks!

[furlong47]

This forum is for technical help with the board You may get more response by reposting or having the moderators move your post into the forum for whichever discipline you ride. (Dressage, H/J, Eventing, etc) or the Off Course forum.

[Moderator_1]

Welcome to the site, skylavaulter! We moved your thread here to Off Course from the Help forum, since we’re not sure if your query is discipline-specific.

Thanks!
Mod 1

[Miss_Anne_Thrope]

I recently posted a similar question about training a mini to go under saddle. Somebody mentioned having Amish kids ride their little ones. You’re in PA, so that might be possible for you.

[findeight]

Try calling a local trainer who has a good reputation as a teacher. They can usually suggest some of their students. Might involve a visit to personally see them. It would be customary to offer a bit for the ride but most won’t accept anything, they want saddle time.

One caveat, liability for a guest rider. Is there any way you could haul Pony to a local trainer? Most take haul ins for lessons and can put the Pony in cross ties, work with the nasty Pony mare crap and teach your kids how to deal with it as well as provide and supervise a rider. Yeah, it costs but can really be worth it to go over a few times a month and come home with homework.

You also might try to find a good free lance trainer who carries their own insurance who can work with you and your children. Sometimes parents are not the best teachers, too close to the student. They need to hear it from another.

[2tempe]

If there is a nearby hunter/jumper type training barn, ask if they have a kid who would help you out. If you are looking for someone to do a test ride, one time, just to see what the pony knows, I’d just give them some cash - maybe $30? dunno on the amount. If you are looking for more rides, different story. A good rider of the kid variety probably has their own pony/horse available and won’t need free riding time.

Re the biting

[AlexS]

Where in PA are you? The height of the pony shouldn’t really be an issue, it’s more the weight of the rider.

As far as the biting, make her regret that decision every time. Each time she is allowed to do that, it’s making it ok.

[HungarianHippo]

What happens to her when she bites / what correction does she receive?

[luvmyhackney]

Have you tried long lining her? I ride my 12.2 pony, I look silly cause I have long legs, but am within his weight “Limit”.
The biting would get nipped in the bud real quick, she needs to fear for her life when she does it.

[Rohello]

^^ I second long lining the pony! Good luck!

[Chall]

Are you near a racetrack? A jockey, unknown and looking for extra cash might be willing. Hand track officials a flyer and ask them to post it on a bulletin board.
Just include "jockey, or small light weight rider,"and the height of the pony.

I’d not really want a kid training anything, besides liability I wouldn’t want to feel guilt should they get hurt.

[Stushica]

Can you send me a PM with where you are in PA? I live in TN now but am in PA quite a bit and frequently ride ponies for “tune up’s” or try outs. I’m 4’10/11 and usually about 95lbs. I also may know someone in the area that has an experienced little kid

Please no crucification for my lack of helmet. This was my first pony; I found his new owners and went to see him to pet him and give him some scratches when they asked if I could hop on and take him for a spin to see what else he knew. He’s about 10.2 with his winter fluff. Jake Pony!

I’m obviously too big to ride, ride a pony his size.