This message is from: "Michele Bigelow" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
We've had two foals, and I started ponying them on short trail rides...leading up to longer ones, as soon as they respected the halter and leading. I continued to do this until it was time for riding. I have a very special memory of my first foal (a B&W Paint), at the PtHA Futurity Show. My goal was to show the foal in the futurity (as well as give him experience at a show, trailing, staying over in strange places...), and maybe do a dressage test with my mare. The foal was 5 months old and not weaned yet. I was warming up in the ring, ponying him as usual, and didn't the little bugger decide that this nice soft sandy ring was a great place to lay down for a roll. practically took me out of the saddle, my trainer was hysterically laughing, as well as the small following of people we attracted. A freelance photographer got a few great shots of us......the three of us had fun (me the mare and foal) that weekend. >> > When you went on trail rides - do I understand that you just let the colt > > walk along with his mom/rider?? How long did you do this? Sounds like > such > > fun and great experience for the little one:) At what point did you > begin > > ponying?
