PONY Q&A

Q: My pony finds it really hard to stay straight on the approach to How can I improve this?

A: Staying straight when jumping is so important, especially when you start jumping higher.

However, it doesn’t really matter what height you are jumping; you need a straight approach to give your pony the best chance of clearing it.

TO PRACTICE:

1. Start by building a small fence at X and laying a tunnel of poles on approach and getaway. These poles will help guide your pony in a straight line before and after the jump.

2. To begin with, approach in trot and don’t come all the way down the centre line to get to the fence. Turn towards the fence sooner, so your pony has less time to wobble.

3. Remember to keep your leg on to support your pony. You want to use equal leg on both sides so that you can help to keep him straight.

4. As he starts to stay straighter, you can approach from further away to test and improve how long he’ll remain straight for.

5. When you are ready, try in canter.

6. Once he’ll stay straight all the way to the jump in canter, remove the poles on the ground, so he doesn’t have them guiding him.

Once you have completed all of these six steps, you and your pony will be used to approaching jumps on a good straight line, and this will set you up for success in the arena!

Q: What are sarcoids?

A: Sarcoids are a form of skin cancer that can affect ponies of all types and ages. These tumours vary in size, shape, and appearance, so they are not always easy to spot.

Although they’re a form of cancer, they don’t spread to other organs in the body. However, they can grow and multiply at the site they are found at or pop up on other parts of a pony’s body.

Sarcoids are commonly found between the front or back legs of the pony or even under the belly. They can be grey and scaly or can look like a round lump within the skin. Sarcoids often grow and can bleed or ulcerate if they get really big.

Sarcoids can be treated with surgery, laser removal, strong creams or even radiotherapy. Your vet will advise you on the best option for your pony.

TOP TIP

If you notice a lump or bump on your pony, you should always get your vet to check what it might be, as sarcoids are easier to treat when you catch them early.

Q: I’m nervous about hacking and haven’t been in ages. I’m going again next week. How can I make myself less anxious?

A: Hacking should always be fun for you and your pony, so it’s important that you both feel confident before you head out.

Don’t force yourself to do things you don’t feel comfortable doing, so if next week is too soon, then cancel now! You can go when you and your horse feel up to it.

When you do decide to go out for a hack, here are a few things you can do to make sure it is as fun as possible for you both:

• Keep it short. Don’t plan for hours of hacking if you are already feeling a bit nervous. Take a short hack, and then come home on a high!

• Take a friend. Having company with you will give you and your pony oodles of confidence. Just make sure that your friend is on another sensible pony so that you don’t get nervous because of their antics.

• Stick to places you know. Don’t choose a brand-new route for your first hack back. Instead, go on a route you are familiar with and that your pony has been on before.

• Time it right. Choose a time of day when your pony is used to working. Don’t try and take him away from his friends at dinner or paddock time – especially for this first time.

• Relax. We know it’s easier said than done, but don’t think of all the things that could go wrong. Instead, plan for the most fun ride you can imagine! A lot of riding success is in the mind, so keep your thoughts positive.