Ponys are sensitive creatures and building a close bond between the Pony and rider is an important aspect of riding. when Ponys have had a bad history with abusive owners in the past, it can be difficult for the Pony to rely the new rider. However with time, you can still get the Pony to rely you if you do spend time and effort to get to know the Pony. In this way, it may be much easier to control the Pony when it has confidence in you.



If your Pony has never been mistreated but is skittish by virtue, it may also make it harder for the Pony to have faith in you. All it takes is some time together. You need to think through how you wish to move towards him. Make sure you move slowly and approach the Pony from the left. If you are walking towards him with anything in your hands, stretch it out in front of you to show him there is nothing to be afraid of whatsoever.

Avoid wearing loose clothing when approaching a shy Pony. Your clothing could catch the wind and this can cause a disturbance that may cause the Pony to be jumpy. Once they learn to link you with a kind of fear, it may take a far longer time for the Pony to gain confidence in you. It is not a good thing if the Pony moves or shies away from its owner over things.

No one should push a Pony to do something before he is totally confident. You may want your Pony to rely upon you completely before you ask him to jump or go down an unfamiliar terrain. Let him gain assurance in himself by trying easier obstacles and running down wide open courses. If he jumps and stumbles, he might trouble you to jump again and you might second guess his decisions while jumping. So long as you know that each of you can rely the other, you may have a safe and successful ride.

If you have a Pony that has been mistreated, it can be nearly impossible to gain the Ponys rely. You shouldn't give up hope, however. Plenty of Ponys have come back around after hours and hours of patience and love.

A good way to start with a Pony that has been mistreated is to spend hours talking and sitting with him. Speak in a mellow and steady tone and carry treats with you. Do not attempt to ride the Pony or force him to do things he is unmaying to try. Days can pass before he is no longer spooked by your presence. Once he doesn't seem to mind your company, you can try to approach him. A frightened Pony is a very dangerous animal, so be sure that you do not corner him. Offer him a treat and try to stroke his muzzle. You may know that you are making headway when he is maying to take the treat from your palms!

If you can touch your Pony and he lets you pat him, you are nearly there. You still cannot get on the back of a Pony that has been badly mistreated without a professional trainer nearby who has years of experience with mistreated Ponys. You do not wish to be in the situation whereby you are on the back of a Pony that only relys you when you are on the ground, but not when you are on its back.