Extremely well trained pony -balky and wont move forward with beginner rider

Question
I bought a very well trained 12 year old 14 hand appaloosa gelding last summer for my beginner 10 year old daughter.  I ride him (30 years experience) 4 times a week.  He is very well trained .  Picks up WTC with light aids travels on the bit.  Occasionaly tries to stop with me but will move forward within a secord or so with a strong leg aid ( one leg only as strong aid with both legs will cause him to buck or rear)with a small amount of resistence. When my daughter gets on he immediately gets balky and stops have been trying to work through this for 2 summers as we like him so much.Try many changes of direction, stop walk back left right stop .  A constant struggle to get him to move forward some days only a few minutes of worthwhile riding when my daughter is on. If I get too agresive he will buck or rear which I would like to avoid with my daughter on board.  IF I get back on , once again he will move forward and go along nicely.  Am  seriously considering finding her a small horse and selling the pony thinking he is ruined for beginner riders.  IS there anyway to get him moving.

Answer
Hi Dawn!

It sounds to me that you have a lovely and useful pony that has a slightly sour personality but, gets the job done when asked correctly.  Horses and husbands....need I say more?  :-)

Now don't get all riled up, it sounds like pilot error here.  You cannot beat or trick your well-trained pony into being a beginner pony for a timid and inexperienced rider.  Tackle this issue from the human end and bring your daughter up to the pony's experience level and do not try to bring him down to hers.  She will catch up to him much faster than you think if you approach it logically.

Take her off of him completely.  Have her take formal riding lessons for a year and allow herself to improve not only her riding, balance and cues...but, most importantly, her confidence!  He has probably shattered it in her and she thinks she cannot ride.  Or worse, she is overconfident and thinks it is all the pony's fault.  She is very young and needs a kinder lesson schoolie that will baby-sit her a little and allow her to think only about herself and grow her abilities and confidence.

Exercise him regularly while she is off becoming a more informed rider and let them come together only when you and her instructor feel it will have a positive ending.

Giving your daughter the gift of riding is kind, giving her the gift of knowledge is the greatest gift of all.

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

Solange