How to slow down a speedy 18 year old pony

Question
My daughter started leasing a former jumper/eventing 18 year old 14.1 hand pony who hasn't been consistently ridden over the past year.  He knows two speeds relaxed walk and fast trot or canter.  She is starting slow with him working on just walking him and doing circles and figure eights on the buckle, but the moment she picks up her reigns his head goes up and he's ready to go.  What can she do to teach him how to do a collected or relaxed trot and/canter?  Is it too late for a pony that old?

Answer
Hi Julie!

I understand your question and concerns but, I cannot give training advice to non-owners of the horse in question.  

The responsibility of re-training this horse must fall to the owner specifically.  You did not say your daughter's age or experience level.  I can only assume though, that since she is baffled by how to correctly approach this rather simple issue, she may be a little in over her head with this particular pony.

My only recommendation is to consider speaking to the owner about correcting this issue so you may safely continue the lease or ask them to release you from any contract.  Then, you will be free to look for a better suited pony for your child and her goals.

Your daughter's safety should be the only concern here. While you did not mention any specifically bad issues other than racing out from underneath her, it could escalate to much more if she doesn't get it under control.  Say, if you were to feel pressured to take him out of "his arena" to a show or such, the stress could make him turn ugly.

Little else is worse than for a horse than to be unprepared for coping and having a young child on him to boot....

Ask yourself this.  Why was the pony not ridden consistently for a year?  And is just the past year the truth?  Or has it in reality been longer??  

It has been my experience that a horse is not ridden or is given up on for specific reasons.  Oh, people say "School kept me busy" or "I have a full-time job now".  But, a good solid horse/pony that is a pleasure to ride is always ridden....no matter what.  People return to and make time for enjoyable things, right?   And if the owner is truly busy, then that said well trained horse/pony is sold for a considerable sum to the owner's benefit.

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange