This is Dartmoor Hill Pony, Smartie, who came through the H.O.P.E. organisation and is already proving to be a nice little riding pony. We worked on asking her not to nip and not to fish for attention. Once her little rider was on board, we worked on breathing techniques, releasing tension, and using the very lightest of aids.
Next was 21 year old ex-Polo Pony, Presidente, who originally came from Argentina. All these years later he's still not sure about being caught and would rather avoid any risk of confrontation. We worked on body language for catching and using clicker training techniques for catching as an alternative. Later we looked at using clicker from the saddle in order to get a better halt and also as a way to undermine a pattern of napping.
Eighteen year old Quarter Horse, Goldie, offered some very challenging behaviour at close quarters and prompted a discussion about possible hormonal problems but when asked to work out of reach of people she worked very nicely indeed.
To finish I worked with Thorn, a mare adopted through the Mare and Foal Sanctuary and another pony with a very solid character. Once again we worked on groundwork including trotting on the lead rein where she had a tendency to hang back or to overtake and cut across her handler. This appeared to be resolved when given more space with the handler 'falling' into a run rather than setting off with a 'hop,skip, and a jump' of any sort.
"Just wanted to write and say thank you Sarah for a great day, it was lovely to finally meet you, and we enjoyed every minute. Learned so much! S is already happier leading her and we did some more ground work on Sunday, O had another little ride and is still amazed by 'thinking' her pony into a walk! Would definitely want to book another session with you..." MT
