Pony wont walk out alone

Question
I am working with a 5 yr old pony who is as mild mannered as they come.  She took a lot of time working through the "catch me if you can" phase but has been a dream to halter break, stands quietly for the vet/farrier, takes a bit and bridle as well as weight in the saddle without complaint.  My trouble is that I just can't motivate her to walk out without me at her side.  If I have a rider on her back and walk alongside her she's great but the moment I stop, there seems to be nothing the rider can do to motivate forward movement.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Michelle.
Thanks for contacting me. I'm glad you took your time getting her to accept you and you can catch her. You can't rush things with a horse. Everything is on their schedule. I haven't met a horse yet that has a watch on it or can read a calendar. From what I read the pony seems to not want to walk on without you by her side leading her. If I read that wrong please get back with me on it so we can narrow the problem down. Have you tried lunging the horse with the saddle on? It sounds like the only way she thinks she's supposed to move her feet is if you are by her side. Try saddling her and lunging her with no one on her. Get her used to the idea that she can move her feet without you standing next to her. When you do get on her, have a loose rein, soft hands. Squeeze with the calves of your legs. If she doesn't move, keep squeezing and cluck to her. If she still doesn't move, start with a gentle spank with your reins across her withers. Increase the intensity of the spank until she gives you ONE step. That's all your looking for. Remember. Reward the slightest try and effort. Be as firm as necessary but as gentle as possible. If she gives you one step. stop. Reward her with a gentle pat. Then do it again. This time ask for two steps. Stop. Reward her with a pat. Keep upping the number of steps. Soon she'll be walking all over the place with just a gentle squeeze of the calves. Don't kick her. Just squeeze her. Remember. SQUEEZE....CLUCK.....SPANK. You have to get her feet moving. That's the most important part. You can't train a horse to stop, back or turn if they aren't moving. Start first with the lunging with the saddle on. Make her move off at a walk, trot and canter. If you have any trouble with this please get back with me and together we will see if we can work through this. Good luck and stay in touch.