Training a pony for Therapeutic Riding?

Question

I work at a therapeutic and recreational barn, and we've been working with a pony to become a good therapy pony. However, we've only been able to do ground work with him, since none of the experienced riders are small enough to ride him. He is really good when being led and tolerates a lot of annoying stuff being done to him. He pins his ears occasionally, but he never kicks or bites. We just don't know if he'll take off if we put a kid on him who doesn't need a leader on other animals.

He is broke, but he was used in Jumpers, so he thinks that faster is better.

To work with him, we've longed him to burn off a little of his energy, play with his ears and hooves, crowd around him, tug his tail, lean on him weird, and all sorts of other stuff that's scary to a little pony.

Any tips on making him usable off the lead? It's not practical to keep him on the lead forever, since he's only 7 years old, but we don't think we're going to get an experienced rider soon to work with him.

Answer 1

the best thing you can do is run him in the round pen with a saddle on. then try to have someone smaller, who is very brave and confident get on him in the round pen while someone else holds on to him tightly, then when the rider is completely on, wait for the pony to get used to a stand still. then have the person holding on to the horse use a lead line and slowly step away from the pony while keeping hold of lead rope, then have the person riding give the pony the signal to walk forward, if the pony fritzes out, have the person holding the pony take hold of the lead rope tightly so that the pony can't go far. repeat this over and over until the pony is comfortable. then move on to step 2 to free riding without someone holding on to the pony in the round pen. then just keep on moving into larger riding places. It may be a long process, but training is a long process

Answer 2

I'm not sure how long you have had this pony, but can you talk to his past owner? They'd know if he has ever ran off with someone (at least under their care).

Answer 3

try someone who is not a kid on him anyways. Trying him real quick with a bigger person is not going to hurt him at all, unless you do it everyday then yes it will. But his back is strong enough to hold a person just like a horse can. believe me I rode a shetland pony and I am 5'4 and a little heavy at the time mind you lol so he will do great and you will get your answer. Good Luck!