standing still issues

Question
hello,
i recently acquired a 16 yr old  13.3h (standardbred mix!)pony gelding who has been ridden almost strictly in the ring the last 8 yrs (we don't know about before that).  he's divine in the ring; not polished, but sweet and happily obedient, forward, and steady at all 3 gaits and over fences. my mom (near 60, and a good rider with soft hands) took him on a couple hunts, and said he almost jerked her arms out of her sockets every time they had to stand still.  He jerks his head down repeatedly (and kept it up throughout the whole 3-5 hour hunts), not to rub or eat or buck, just a protest against standing, along with backing and foot-shuffling. he's in a snaffle bit, and he stands still in the ring just fine.  i've had some training experience--enough to know that enforcing a lack of movement is a lot harder than getting movement! What would you suggest to teach him to stand quietly on a light rein? i'm worried about my mom-- she's had her shoulder dislocated twice.  in addition, my boys are 5 and 7, and will grow into this pony.  i've seen little kids pulled off over a pony's head by this-- this behavior has to go! can you help us?
thanks! elizabeth

Answer
Hi Elizabeth!

Your pony is a game little fellow!  Their blood is really up on a hunt!  The hounds, the people, the horses!  It really is a high energy event!  Your pony is just saying "LET'S GO!!!"  

First and foremost, please do not pull on both reins.  Simply pick up on one rein and get him yielding his hindquarters.  This is like stepping in on the clutch of your car, the engine can still rev but you are not going anywhere.  Do not MAKE your pony stand still.  He can't.  There is so much energy out in the field that he just can't stand...yet. So, keep his feet moving by yielding his hindquarters softly to the left and to the right.  One rein only!  Let him step forward a step or two then bend him with one rein and yield his hinds again.  Continue this pattern until your pony can OFFER to stand with confidence and relaxation.  At any time when his energy is over the top, simply relax and start this pattern of bending deep and yielding the hind.  This will show your pony that you are not trapping him, but allowing him to change his mind and letting him know that he can relax and survive with grace and class in this very intense environment.  

Your pony can easily brace against both reins and pull the rider right out of the saddle.  He cannot brace and pull on one rein.  If you are not familiar with this technique, it really helps to see it.  You can find this in the Groundwork DVD by Buck Brannaman.  His link is on my website.  

Give this a try!  You will enjoy the change in your pony and your Mom will appreciate it as well.  I'm  so jealous of you!  I have no field hunters this year.  My gelding is now retired and my mare is in foal!  I will be attending the New Years Day Hunt in the car caravan...sigh.

If I have used terms or concepts that you do not quite understand, please let me know and I will clarify!

Smiles!  Denise