GETTING READY FOR YOUR FIRST PONY

Text | Skye Littlefield

So, you’re getting your first pony? How exciting! There are a few things that you can do to help your pony arrive and settle in happily and with minimal stress. Let’s get down to it.

Familiarisation

When your pony arrives, they may be a bit jumpy and nervous around the new yard and new people. This is entirely normal, and your pony should settle in in no time at all. To better understand this, imagine how you feel when you’re in a new place with unfamiliar people; a bit nervous, right? To ease your pony’s transition, make their stable and paddock comforting, and try to keep the same layout for a few weeks to build familiarity. This means keeping their water and teff in the same place and keeping the neighbouring horses the same. You can also provide some enrichment items for your pony, including mineral licks and horse balls. These give them something to keep their brains engaged, and watching how they play with them is always fun.

Relationship building

Building a relationship with your new family member is the next important step, and you must remember to do it safely. Grab your grooming bag and see if your pony will allow you to give them a gentle groom; take your mom or dad with you if you need some help. It’s important to give your pony a choice of where they spend their time while they’re settling in. If they’re not enjoying the grooming and choose to walk away, that’s fine. Even spending non-demanding time just standing with your pony is important. If your pony is enjoying the grooming, that’s great - keep going. Take notice of where your pony likes to be groomed and where they prefer not to be touched.

Walking your pony in hand is also a great way to build a relationship, and your walks can be as long or as short as you and your pony need. Try to start off with shorter walks closer to home, so you’re both comfortable.

Remember, settling in can take anything from a few days to a few months. Patience is key to a happy relationship.

First rides

If both you and your pony are happy and confident, it’s time for your first ride at home. Make sure your instructor is there when you get on to ensure everyone is safe.

Get those riding clothes on and grab your pony’s tack. Remember to tack up slowly, letting your pony process that you’re taking the next step in your relationship. If you’re feeling a little nervous, you can have someone help you while you’re mounting, and they can walk with you while you ride. When you hop on, use a mounting block to protect your pony’s back.

Your first ride should be easy and calm, with minimal pressure on you or your pony; remember that you’re both here to have fun.

The future

As you get to know your pony a bit better, you’ll start building confidence together. Pretty soon, you’ll be cantering up to that big jump and flying over it together.