Q&A

Q: What are the best things I can do to help care for my senior pony?

A: Lots of ponies need a little extra care as they get older, so it’s great that you are aware of your pony’s needs and want to give him the attention he deserves.

Here are our top 10 tips for managing your senior:

1. Regularly check and record your pony’s body condition score.

2. If he’s a good doer, feed a balancer to provide vitamins and minerals without the unwanted calories.

3. If your pony struggles to chew, try offering him a soft, short chopped fibre or mash.

4. Older ponies often struggle with metabolic issues, so don’t let your pony eat too much lush green grass and make sure you don’t give too many treats.

5. Make sure your older pony isn’t getting too hot or cold as older ponies struggle to maintain their body temperature.

6. Add warm water to your pony’s feed if he’s reluctant to eat.

7. Try adding warm water to your pony’s water bucket if he doesn’t want to drink, as he may have sensitive teeth.

8. Avoid slippery or hilly paddocks for older ponies as they can increase the risk of injury and put more strain on the joints.

9. Choose paddock mates carefully to ensure your senior doesn’t get bullied and doesn’t have to move more than he is comfortable with.

10. If you are worried your pony might be getting sore with arthritis, speak to your vet.

Q: What does bridging the reins mean?

A: Bridging your reins helps you anchor your body in the saddle and stops you from being pulled forward if your pony gets strong when you go for a canter or gallop. To do it, hold your reins as normal, then turn your thumbs inwards. Hold the loose end of the opposite rein under your middle three fingers, so each rein is held in both hands. Then, slide your hands down the reins, so they sit on either side of your pony’s neck, just below his mane.

Q: My instructor says that because I am nervous about jumping, my pony is becoming nervous too. Is this true?

A: Ponies are very sensitive and pick up on our emotions, so they’re always aware of how we feel when we ride or handle them. If you are nervous about jumping, your pony will wonder if you really want to jump the fence, and he’ll be less likely to feel confident about it as a result.

Confidence is built over time, and can’t be faked, so don’t be too hard on yourself in this situation. We’ve all been nervous at some point! Plus, jumping should be fun, so if you’re finding it too nerve-wracking, why not take a break and have a go at some other disciplines or exercises for a while until you feel more confident again?

Alternatively, you could have a few lessons on a schoolmaster jumping pony to really get your confidence up before going back to riding your own pony.