🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <SusanS.9.0@sunfish.ratsys.com> SusanS@sunfish.ratsys.com (Susan Sch
lenger) writes:
>My two year old pony, Poet, has recently had his wolf teeth removed. (The
>vet said they were the largest he's seen on a pony), and is resting his
>mouth prior to working on the bit.  The vet also said that his joints have
>not completely locked; that it may be six months until he can bear weight
>happily.  He had already been backed, and was working at the walk and trot
>without a problem when we bought him.  His previous trainer, (a friend), has
>told me that he had no trouble bearing weight up to 145 pounds; and did it
>very straight. (Of course, I saw him ridden when I bought him, and he
>surely looked fine then...). Although I have no desire to rush him, (and
>spoil him!), I also want to be sure that I'm not, in some way, allowing him
>to get away with an attitude.  We do plan long lining, and gentle longeing.
>Any suggestions as to what I should look for in terms of his being able to
>bear weight?  There seems to be quite a controversy on this.  Welsh ponies
>are notoriously strong; could this be an act?

The general rule of thumb is that the smaller the breed, the longer the
animal takes to mature (and the longer the life span).  I certainly
would recommend either not riding, or very light work, no hard trot or
canter, no small circles, and keep the sessions short.  Long lining is
much better as long as the circles are large.  Have you thought about
driving?  Most Welsh ponies make very good driving ponies, and it
builds muscles and develops balance without weight on the back.  I am
currently working a Morgan colt under saddle who will be 3 in April.
I started him last Oct. as a long 2 yr. old, and am just now beginning
to ask for a road trot.  Until recently, he showed no desire to go
beyond a jog, which, to me, indicated that he wasn't ready.  It takes time
for a young horse to develop the balance and confidence needed to move
under weight, and stumbling and missteps can strain knees that have
not closed.  If your pony seems to have an 'attitude' about being ridden,
I think he's trying to tell you he's not ready.
                           Karin Tracy and THE MIGHTY MORGANS