nappy pony

Question
Hi, my loan pony will not hack out alone, she will go from the yard and it takes so much effoort to get her very far, i take her out with other horses but i dont always want to go as fast as they do but if they go my pony goes too , i would love to take her out alone , she is very safe but i have just come back into riding after many years and am not comfortable with a fast canter or gallop yet although i have done it and am getting better , i just want to ride at my own pace and i know i could if she would go out alone , can you help?
Carol

Answer
Hi Carol!

By "loan pony" I assume you mean you are leasing this pony or have some sort of agreement with the owner to ride her.

I cannot give training advice to non-owners of the horse in question.  Training is the sole responsibility of the legal owner.  Any interference from another person, no matter how good the intentions are, can lead to bad feelings or at the worst a lawsuit.

I can say in the broadest of terms though, this is a common issue....as horses are herd animals and are loathe to leave the herd or their safe place.  When one is riding anothers horse.....either through a formal, paid agreement or on a handshake...the safety of the rider and mount are priority number one.  If the situation is not safe....in any possible way...even to a small extent, it could grow easily to a big problem if left unchecked. At that time,one should consider carefully the compatibility of the rider and mount.

Solange