Ponying from ATV

horses-n-greyhoundz · 10-01-2006, 08:36 PM

I have started ponying my 6 month old filly, both behind one of our geldings and our 4-wheeler. While we are extremely careful, especially while she is behind the 4wheeler, is there anything, in any way, wrong with that....ponying behind a 4wheeler that is...???

She actually is doing better behind the 4-wheeler. Our gelding is almost too nice in that he gives to her pressure too much. I am just wanting to make sure that I am not doing anything wrong here. Thanks.

chappel16 · 10-01-2006, 08:41 PM

I know someone who ponies all their youngins with a golf cart, so I guess thats ok with an ATV as well...lol.

**Promise Ranch** · 10-01-2006, 08:57 PM

I don't know anything about this subject, but I wanted to ask what the purpose of ponying behind an ATV or Golf Cart or any other vehicle is...

iris_surreal_euphoria · 10-01-2006, 08:57 PM

As long as you are careful, it sounds like you are conquering 2 things, leading and teaching the filly to not be afraid of 4 wheelers! Good luck

Logan-24- · 10-01-2006, 09:07 PM

I pony my guys when I'm being lazy, or just tired. Logan tends to want to get ahead of it, which proves a problem. So, I think as long as you keep 'em behind you, you're good to go.

There's nothing wrong with ponying them behind you in my honest opinion, as long as you know how your horses are, personality wise and how much they will tolerate.

horses-n-greyhoundz · 10-01-2006, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iris_surreal_euphoria

As long as you are careful, it sounds like you are conquering 2 things, leading and teaching the filly to not be afraid of 4 wheelers! Good luck

Yes....

We actually have two atvs and I also have my husband ride by her while ponying down the road with the other. We happen to have ALOT of 4-wheelers in the rural community where we live.

It is also my hope that being ponied by something other than another horse will help her in not becoming buddy sour.

**Promise Ranch** · 10-02-2006, 04:55 AM

Huh... Good to know.

alihspharaoh · 10-02-2006, 06:01 AM

I pony (the ones not broke to riding) from the 4 wheeler for exercise (when I am too lazy to do it on foot!

)
I also have been known to pony them from the golf cart, back of the truck, etc, from the barn to the pasture again for said reason(laziness).

I would NEVER do this with a horse or pony that was not already trained to lead and follow. Recipe for disaster.

nico_me19 · 10-16-2006, 11:01 PM

"It is also my hope that being ponied by something other than another horse will help her in not becoming buddy sour"

Hi, I know I'm a little late on this thread, but I have a 10 year old gelding who is so attached to 4 wheelers, he is classified at ATV sour...lol.

Seriously, My husband rides the 4 wheeler, I ride Rocky. I can only hope hubby doesn't drive away too quickly....

I just hold on....

foxtrottergal · 10-16-2006, 11:28 PM

I cannot say on training that I have ever done this, but I CAN say that the FIRST gaited horse I bought, My now passed on foxtrotter gelding Sam, was called up from the field, he came running, and the owner ponied him up from there to his house, which was quite a ways cause we walked it. I was impressed that day by that. I already knew then I wanted this horse, just for the fact, he was not even bothered by the 4 wheeler. Apparently it is quite common here in Missouri, as none of my horses are bothered by it and we use it quite often around them. You can drive right up to any of them on it. Even when bringing a round bale in the field, you have to move them out of the way of the tractor as they are not afaid of it.
All my horses I have kept have been able to be led by a 4 wheeler, so I would say YEP, definately a good sign.

Never thought about the herd sour thing, good idea.
Wow, sour to the 4 wheeler though, wow..

horses-n-greyhoundz · 10-17-2006, 08:49 AM

Hey! I'm glad this thread started up again so I could brag on my filly and our 4-wheeling fun! She is now totally acclimated to being ponied with the ATV and we are now taking up to two mile rides together. I alternate walking and trotting so not to wear her out. When we trot, I will always que her with a cluck and "trot" and she is learning that that means I am about to speed up. She will trot right along beside me and I'll reach out and give her scritches. TOO cute!

JoAnne · 10-17-2006, 11:28 AM

Do you hold the rope in your hand, or tie it to the vehicle? I havent seen it here, wondered how it was done. Great idea!

horses-n-greyhoundz · 10-17-2006, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoAnne

Do you hold the rope in your hand, or tie it to the vehicle? I havent seen it here, wondered how it was done. Great idea!

I actually do some of both.
I always have it tied, but alot of the time I hold on to it. There is also just enough traffic on these old county roads to give her vehicle experience, not to mention the dogs and kids biking that we encounter. I think it is great for her.

doyle82 · 10-17-2006, 06:58 PM

We pony w/an ATV, John Deer Ride on lawn mower, dump truck etc.
Anything w/4 wheels that can help.
I don;t see anything wrong with it, it assists in desensitization also.

On the flip side it has also come in handy w/a colicky horse that you need to keep up and moving or a horse that is sick for other reasons and needs to be walked.

horses-n-greyhoundz · 10-17-2006, 08:46 PM

This filly, "Penny", is my first baby to ever work with and I have just been utterly amazed at the difference the constant handling makes. I recently brought home a one and a half year old colt, and while I do believe he does have/will have a good head on him, the difference between who has been routinely handled and who hasn't is so evident.

alihspharaoh · 10-17-2006, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoAnne

Do you hold the rope in your hand, or tie it to the vehicle? I havent seen it here, wondered how it was done. Great idea!

I don't tie my horses to the 4-wheeler...I am scared they will spook and try to either come on top of me or pull the four wheeler. (I actually had one that could pull the 4 wheeler!!) So, I usually wear gloves and hold the rope.
But, I also am not near a road, we ride in the pasture or back in the woods behind the house...so if they got loose, they couldn't go anywhere except back to the barn.

horses-n-greyhoundz · 10-17-2006, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alihspharaoh

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoAnne

Do you hold the rope in your hand, or tie it to the vehicle? I havent seen it here, wondered how it was done. Great idea!

I don't tie my horses to the 4-wheeler...I am scared they will spook and try to either come on top of me or pull the four wheeler. (I actually had one that could pull the 4 wheeler!!) So, I usually wear gloves and hold the rope.
But, I also am not near a road, we ride in the pasture or back in the woods behind the house...so if they got loose, they couldn't go anywhere except back to the barn.

If she was bigger, I would same concern for sure. Right now, she's a pretty managable size.

10-01-2006, 08:36 PM
horses-n-greyhoundz Long Yearling Join Date: May 2005 Location: North Central Arkansas Posts: 1,121	Ponying from ATV I have started ponying my 6 month old filly, both behind one of our geldings and our 4-wheeler. While we are extremely careful, especially while she is behind the 4wheeler, is there anything, in any way, wrong with that....ponying behind a 4wheeler that is...??? She actually is doing better behind the 4-wheeler. Our gelding is almost too nice in that he gives to her pressure too much. I am just wanting to make sure that I am not doing anything wrong here. Thanks. __________________ If you can't be a good example -- then you'll just have to be a horrible warning. My house is where I live, but I'm at home in the saddle.

10-01-2006, 08:41 PM
chappel16 Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oviedo Florida Posts: 1,073	I know someone who ponies all their youngins with a golf cart, so I guess thats ok with an ATV as well...lol. __________________ www.sunlitstables.piczo.com

10-01-2006, 08:57 PM
Promise Ranch Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North Texas Posts: 1,537	I don't know anything about this subject, but I wanted to ask what the purpose of ponying behind an ATV or Golf Cart or any other vehicle is... __________________ Crafty Cowgirl - We have the perfect gift for the "Horse Crazy" girl in your life! Handmade Horse Treats also available! Cowgirl-a-GoGo - For fun & fabulous Cowgirl Western Wear, Art & Home Decor!

10-01-2006, 08:57 PM
iris_surreal_euphoria Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Somerset, Kentucky Posts: 1,077	As long as you are careful, it sounds like you are conquering 2 things, leading and teaching the filly to not be afraid of 4 wheelers! Good luck __________________ If wishes were horses this room would need a good mucking! Visit our website: http://www.freewebs.com/lazziassacres/

10-01-2006, 09:07 PM
Logan-24- Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 489	I pony my guys when I'm being lazy, or just tired. Logan tends to want to get ahead of it, which proves a problem. So, I think as long as you keep 'em behind you, you're good to go. There's nothing wrong with ponying them behind you in my honest opinion, as long as you know how your horses are, personality wise and how much they will tolerate.

10-02-2006, 04:55 AM
Promise Ranch Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North Texas Posts: 1,537	Huh... Good to know. __________________ Crafty Cowgirl - We have the perfect gift for the "Horse Crazy" girl in your life! Handmade Horse Treats also available! Cowgirl-a-GoGo - For fun & fabulous Cowgirl Western Wear, Art & Home Decor!

10-02-2006, 06:01 AM
alihspharaoh Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Georgia Posts: 888	I pony (the ones not broke to riding) from the 4 wheeler for exercise (when I am too lazy to do it on foot! ) I also have been known to pony them from the golf cart, back of the truck, etc, from the barn to the pasture again for said reason(laziness). I would NEVER do this with a horse or pony that was not already trained to lead and follow. Recipe for disaster. __________________ I believe you have my stapler.

10-16-2006, 11:01 PM
nico_me19 Newborn Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Brookhaven Ms Posts: 41	"It is also my hope that being ponied by something other than another horse will help her in not becoming buddy sour" Hi, I know I'm a little late on this thread, but I have a 10 year old gelding who is so attached to 4 wheelers, he is classified at ATV sour...lol. Seriously, My husband rides the 4 wheeler, I ride Rocky. I can only hope hubby doesn't drive away too quickly.... I just hold on.... __________________ I just consider it a healthy obsession.

10-16-2006, 11:28 PM
foxtrottergal Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 746	I cannot say on training that I have ever done this, but I CAN say that the FIRST gaited horse I bought, My now passed on foxtrotter gelding Sam, was called up from the field, he came running, and the owner ponied him up from there to his house, which was quite a ways cause we walked it. I was impressed that day by that. I already knew then I wanted this horse, just for the fact, he was not even bothered by the 4 wheeler. Apparently it is quite common here in Missouri, as none of my horses are bothered by it and we use it quite often around them. You can drive right up to any of them on it. Even when bringing a round bale in the field, you have to move them out of the way of the tractor as they are not afaid of it. All my horses I have kept have been able to be led by a 4 wheeler, so I would say YEP, definately a good sign. Never thought about the herd sour thing, good idea. Wow, sour to the 4 wheeler though, wow.. __________________ Our hoofbeats were many, but our hearts beat as one. (I miss you Sammy & Sarge)

10-17-2006, 08:49 AM
horses-n-greyhoundz Long Yearling Join Date: May 2005 Location: North Central Arkansas Posts: 1,121	Hey! I'm glad this thread started up again so I could brag on my filly and our 4-wheeling fun! She is now totally acclimated to being ponied with the ATV and we are now taking up to two mile rides together. I alternate walking and trotting so not to wear her out. When we trot, I will always que her with a cluck and "trot" and she is learning that that means I am about to speed up. She will trot right along beside me and I'll reach out and give her scritches. TOO cute! __________________ If you can't be a good example -- then you'll just have to be a horrible warning. My house is where I live, but I'm at home in the saddle.

10-17-2006, 11:28 AM
JoAnne Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 2,442	Do you hold the rope in your hand, or tie it to the vehicle? I havent seen it here, wondered how it was done. Great idea!

10-17-2006, 06:58 PM
doyle82 Coming two Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: MA Posts: 1,743	We pony w/an ATV, John Deer Ride on lawn mower, dump truck etc. Anything w/4 wheels that can help. I don;t see anything wrong with it, it assists in desensitization also. On the flip side it has also come in handy w/a colicky horse that you need to keep up and moving or a horse that is sick for other reasons and needs to be walked. __________________ â€œThe wind of heaven is that which blows between a horses ears.â€

10-17-2006, 08:46 PM
horses-n-greyhoundz Long Yearling Join Date: May 2005 Location: North Central Arkansas Posts: 1,121	This filly, "Penny", is my first baby to ever work with and I have just been utterly amazed at the difference the constant handling makes. I recently brought home a one and a half year old colt, and while I do believe he does have/will have a good head on him, the difference between who has been routinely handled and who hasn't is so evident. __________________ If you can't be a good example -- then you'll just have to be a horrible warning. My house is where I live, but I'm at home in the saddle.