Ken McNabb: Pony Up! Teaching Colts to Lead from Horseback | How to Teach Your Colt to Pony

PONYING is essentially leading a horse while riding another. It takes a great deal of focus and confidence from the rider, but is super beneficial for both horses involved. I like to pony weanlings to get them better halter-broke and introduce them to concepts they will need to understand later on when riding. Ponying is also great for saddle horses that lack just a little confidence. If you give your nervous horse the opportunity to pony a real solid/dependable horse, he will get a confidence boost from being successful in that leadership position.
Important Notes to Remember While Ponying:
1) PUSH, don't PULL. Be careful not to drag your horse around if he is having trouble staying with you - this will just get you into a tug-o-war, and it won't be constructive. Rather, use your saddle horse to get him moving forward until he gets the idea.
2) RELEASE is key. Release the horse you are ponying when he makes an attempt to move forward or move with you.
3) Keep the horse's NOSE TOWARD you, and his HIP AWAY from you. The horse you are ponying needs to know that he cannot move his hip into you or your horse, where he has an opportunity to kick.
4) Don't be afraid to use your SADDLE HORN. If your horse starts to panic and bolt, and you are capable and comfortable dallying, don't be afraid to take advantage of that saddle horn and get your colt stopped with the help of your saddle horse.
5) STAY SAFE. Your primary concern is always going to be for the horse you are riding, because he is attached to you. If your rope happens to get caught under your saddle horse's tail, drop your lead rope and turn into your rope hand. That will get the rope loose from his tail. It is important to use a quiet, steady saddle horse if you are going to pony a nervous or inexperienced horse.
6) Your ATTITUDE MATTERS. The tone you set now will carry over to when you start doing groundwork or working under saddle.
SELF-CONTROL
When I pony another horse, I am reminded how critical it is to have self-control. When you lose control of your own emotions, there's no way you'll be able to control your horse's emotions. And then it becomes a life-and-death situation for you. If we practice self-control in the small things, it will show up in the big things as well, and we will be able to keep our cool when it really counts.
Remember to stay safe, have fun, and keep it relaxed!
Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride!
Ken McNabb