Pony putting head down

[ness]

Bambi is usually a very good pony, but can sometimes be cheeky and pulls the reins out of Rhiannon's hands. We have tried a daisy rein, but not successful. Is it possible to break her of this naughty habit? I was thinking of asking a lady friend (much lighter than me) to school her a bit. So what is the maximum weight a 12.hh pony can acrry comfortably? Thanks, Nessx

[XxFudgexX]

when Amy was been a bit naughty earlier this year my sister rode her for me, Amy is 12.2hh and my sister is just short of 10 st she carried her fine.

[ness]

Originally Posted by XxFudgexX

when Amy was been a bit naughty earlier this year my sister rode her for me, Amy is 12.2hh and my sister is just short of 10 st she carried her fine.

Oh, thanks! (I think my friend is about 8 stone, so she should be ok!)

[banjo]

Banjo does this alot with Gemma when she rode him. Does Rhiannon wear grippy gloves when she rides. It might help.

[ness]

Originally Posted by banjo

Banjo does this alot with Gemma when she rode him. Does Rhiannon wear grippy gloves when she rides. It might help.

Yes grippy gloves and rubber reins!
Happy new year Lucy!

[Tiaki]

Might sound obvious but firstly check that Rhiannon isn't being to hard on Bambi's mouth as this can encourage the pony to snatch. Also, have Bambi's teeth been done recently? Would be worth getting her teeth checked as well as saddle/back as snatching the reins can also be a sign of discomfort elsewhere (other than the mouth)

xxx

[ness]

Originally Posted by Tiaki

Might sound obvious but firstly check that Rhiannon isn't being to hard on Bambi's mouth as this can encourage the pony to snatch. Also, have Bambi's teeth been done recently? Would be worth getting her teeth checked as well as saddle/back as snatching the reins can also be a sign of discomfort elsewhere (other than the mouth)

xxx

You could be right and Rhiannon is sometimes a bit hard on her mouth-I am trying to get her to use her legs to steer more!
Candy-I agree! I will see if she does it with my friend- who has very light hands!

If you decide it's not that your daughter is a bit hard on her mouth, then I use a pair of loosely fitted side reins on my daughters ponies - long enough to give no contact most of the time, but short enough so they can't get their heads down (mostly to eat in our ponies case...... ). Once they realise they can't get their head down, they tend to stop trying, although Paddy has realised that he can still reach the grass on banks......
Another thing you can try is changing bits - not to anything more severe or anything, just different - I had a pony when I was 11 or so who would get a bit strong every now an then, and I found swapping bits (or even riding in a hackamore from time to time) would really help.