Real questions from real riders
Got a pony puzzle? You ask and we answer! Whether it’s weird behaviour, training troubles, or just pony quirks, HQ Pony’s got you covered.
Q: My pony rushes after every jump. How do I slow him down?
A: He’s not being cheeky; he’s either excited or nervous! Ponies often speed up because they think jumping means ‘go faster!’ or because they want to ‘get it over with’. The trick is to show him that slowing down is part of the game and will make everything easier for him.
After each jump, ride a big circle or a few strides of trot before the next fence. Praise him when he listens. Calm riding and breathing slowly helps too – your pony matches your energy, so if you stay chilled, he’ll soon get the message.
Q: Do ponies get bored with arena work?
A: Absolutely! Just like you wouldn’t want to do maths homework every single day, ponies get tired of the same old routine. Try mixing things up: poles one day, a hack or hill walk the next, or even a groundwork session in-hand.
A change of scenery keeps your pony’s brain busy and their body happy, and you’ll have more fun too!
Q: My pony sometimes refuses jumps he’s already done before. Why?
A: Ponies remember everything – good and bad! If something scared him before (a pole rolled, or he slipped), he might feel unsure next time. Go back to basics. Start smaller, praise him for every try, and rebuild confidence one step at a time. Once he feels safe again, you should see those refusals disappear. If you don’t, chat to your vet, as it may be that your pony has hurt himself in some way and is now finding work he used to do much more difficult than before.
Q: Can ponies remember when we get cross with them?
A: Oh yes – ponies have brilliant memories! They remember tones, tension, and energy. The good news? They forgive easily, too. If you lose patience (and everyone does sometimes), take a breath, soften your body, and start fresh. Ponies live in the present – show them kindness, and they’ll always give you another chance.
Q: Can ponies feel lonely?
A: Definitely. Ponies are herd animals, so they love company and need it to thrive! If your pony goes in a stable or is in a paddock on his own, make sure they can still see or touch other ponies, horses, or even goats or donkeys. Spending more time grooming, leading, or hand-grazing with them helps too. Companionship isn’t just cute – it’s vital for their mental health.
Got a question?
Email lizzie@hqmagazine.co.za and your question might be answered in the next issue!
