pony training

Question
my friend is expecting a pony in May and she wants me to help her train the pony but i have little/no experience with training i have however been riding some with the foals soon to be mother so i know that the mother will trust me with the baby but thats not my concern. i do not know any thing about training foals so are there any tips or anything i should know before i jump into this please im desperate!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer
Dear Brittany,
             First off you should check your local library for any books regarding horse care, and horse training.

             Start from the time the foal is born, rub him with your hands everywhere, his stomach, head, rub his ears ETC. Groom him with a soft brush when he is about 2 months old, everywhere. When he reached 4 months begin halter training, by placing a halter on his head for a few moments then taking it off. NEVER leave a halter on a foal for to long or they could get it stuck on something.
                When teaching him to lead at about 4 months and 2 weeks, (YOU must take the halter on and off with in those few weeks, longer and longer every day) Run the rope around to his rump, Never pull or force the horse to follow you, you will only make it worse for him and more scary. As you pull gently on his halter have someone place there arm under his tail and push gently.
               As soon as the foal's hooves get longer you must teach him how to pick up his feet, Pick one up gently for one second and place it on the ground again. Repeating the process with all 4 hooves. Remember not to overdo this, to much in such short time will make it worse on him. And review all that he has learned the day before. Keep holding the hoof longer and longer. If he struggles let go immediately and don't do it anymore that day.
              Training a foal is a long and frustrating process if you push him to much. Remember that it is an animal and they do not understand what you are doing to them.
              The most important thing is to lean over him, not ON him, You will be to heavy for a foal. This gets him/her used to the idea of a human being above them, so they will be more ready for a rider. You should lean over them anytime you are grooming, or more as you see fit. But at least 3 times a day, just lean over him, let your body touch his back but do not put your weight on him. Desensitize him to any loud noises, animals, bags, etc. when he is younger. The younger you begin training the foal the less problems you will have when he is big enough to kick you around.
              One last thing to do, get a light blanket, and a rope, (lead line will do fine) all together it should not weigh more then 5 pounds, set the blanket on his back and LOOSELY hold the rope around his middle where the saddle cinch will go. This will help him understand early the feeling of the saddle.
              Remember that training a horse is very dangerous so always be alert to his body language. If he doesn't want to learn that day then both of you need a break. If he does something wrong like bucking or running away, don't hit him, bring his back to where you started and do it again.
              Do not overtax the young horse, he will be confused, Only do one thing at one time. One day teach him something, the next day something new, the 3rd day something else, and the 4th day review what was taught the other days. It is a long process but you will end up with a calm, sensible and intelligent horse that respects people if you take it slowly.
               A horse will be ready to take a rider between the agaes of 3-4 years old, depending on the breed, make sure all his bones have stopped growing and have "Locked" into place.
              Mounting an Green horse is very dangerous, if this feels like to much for you DO NOT MOUNT HIM!! Pay an experianced trainer to get on him the first 20 times or so. It is very important.
              Bridle training should take place at about a year and a half. At about 6 months he should start to be wormed, and you should start opening his mouth. Be careful at this stage because some horses will lunge at you. I perfer to use hackmores (bitless bridles) but it is all up to you.
Michelyn