Ponying

If you are the owner of a young horse, you no doubt want make sure they are as healthy and fit as possible. If you are a first time owner you may be wandering what exercises are best. If you have an adult horse which has recently been ill, you may be looking for an effective method to train them as well. Ponying is an exercise which all horses can benefit from, whether they are young or old.

Ponying is a technique which is primarily used for young horses. It will bring strength to their bones and tendons. Ponying is a natural exercise, and does not have many of the problems commonly seen in other exercises for horses. If you own a colt which has just been castrated, ponying is a great way to help it get through the healing process. Ponying also allows a young horse to experience many of the situations he will encounter when he becomes an adult.

It is very important for a horse to have proper balance. They won't easily learn this by themselves, and this is why it is important for the owner to properly train them while they're young. A young horse will learn this balance as they walk along fields which have terrain which is uneven. It can also learn how to cross water and ditches. Ponying will teach your horse how to move up and down hills without stumbling or falling.  You will find that your horse is easier to lead after it has been trained.

It is always important to make sure your young horse responds to you and is calm at all times. If it is not, this could put in you in a hazardous situation. Even if the young horse tries to rear or kick, they should not be aggressive. You will also find that the natural herding behavior of young horses will make them easier to train.  You will often have to use a pony horse to train the younger horse. The pony may become impatient and agitated with the younger horse while you are present, but when they are in the field together without you they should get along fine.

When you handle two horses at the same time it is very important to be safe. If you feel that you don't have enough experience, ask a second person to assist you. There will be days when you will have to be strict with the young horse, while on other days you have to be relaxed and patient. Ponying a young horse takes time, but the benefits make it worthwhile.