Getting a new horse or pony is so exciting, I only wish I knew what I know now when I started off owning them.
Before the little herd of 4 we have now I did have 2 others that unfortunately I didn’t then have the experience for, if I had the experience and knowledge I have now I probably would still have them.
The first thing to do to get to know your new horse is groundwork! If you’re not knowing and trusting each other on the ground then riding is going to be unpredictable and in some cases dangerous.
Here is a little simple exercise anyone can do even children with their own pony.
You have to be able to handle and touch your horse all over in order to groom, pet, tack up, check up and get the farrier and vet to safely visit.
Therefore checking where a horse may have an issue at being touched you can work on this together as a team.
It can be done completely safely at a distance with a lunge whip, and then once you know the pony or horse is ok with touch then use your hands. I hope you enjoy the video.