| Author | Message | ||
     Catherine Gray Username: Catherineg Registered: 11-2003 |
We did it! Due to lack of personnel, it was just my husband and me, so we cut across one of our fields which was rock hard, and then got onto the side road for about a mile which cuts across the estate we manage, and then back var/www along a farm track. Ben was absolutely angelic, and was beautifully behaved when we pulled off the road onto the wide verge on three separate occasions for cars, all of which were extremely kind and careful when passing. I have to say that although he is very good ridden in traffic, I was concerned what he would think about vehicles coming from behind, but he was unfazed. We even managed a little trot on the flat which Ben thought was great fun; we arrived var/www grinning all round, and my poor husband rather out of breath as he'd stayed on foot the whole time! Thanks for your help and encouragement! | ||
| Judith Broom Posted From: 81.130.67.243 |
I hope your first road outing has gone well, however it is advisable to have a "groom" accompanying you at all times, incidents don't just happen on busy roads. | ||
| IHDTC Office Username: Ihdtcoffice Registered: 01-2003 |
Hi Catherine Your idea for your first outing is great just one suggestion, the person at the pony,s head would be better off the a lead/lunge rien attached to a well fitting headcollar underneath the bridle, not on the bit as this will interfere with your control. This will give not only you a bit of confidence but the pony as well. Do try to pick the 'right' time of day, a nice quiet early Sunday morning perhaps, you know the road best when to go out. Any books by Sally Waldron, Caroline Douglas, Ann Norris,are a great starting point. Good Luck. Rita Secretary IHDT UK | ||
| Catherine Gray Username: Catherineg Registered: 11-2003 |
Having finally got going with my pony (just about), I am starting to feel ambitious and planning our first trip on the road, as opposed to faster and faster circuits round my fields, going deeper and deeper. My main concern is how many people I should have to "protect" us on our first forays, given how busy the road that goes past my yard is. I only need to travel about 500 yards on the busy road (grain lorries, buses etc) and can then turn off onto country lanes and decent tracks. I was thinking that I should initially have one person at Ben's head, me driving, and one person to our rear, until we get off the busy road. Or is this excessive? Also, all suggestions on suitable reading would be very gratefully received. The seat of pants flying technique is only going to get me so far! |