Mary Allen
Introduction: American Walking Ponies
The American Walking Pony is a breed that originated in the United States in the early 20th century through the crossbreeding of Tennessee Walking Horses and Welsh Ponies. These ponies are known for their smooth, effortless gait and their ability to perform various maneuvers with ease. However, achieving such a level of performance requires a lot of training and conditioning, which starts from a young age.
Physical Training and Exercise
The first step in training an American Walking Pony is to ensure that they are in good physical condition. This involves regular exercise and conditioning to develop their strength, stamina, and endurance. The ponies are often turned out in pastures where they can move freely and play, which helps to develop their natural athleticism. Additionally, they are sometimes put on a lunge line or worked under saddle to build their muscles and improve their balance.
Ground Training and Desensitization
Ground training is an essential part of the American Walking Pony’s training program. This involves teaching the pony to respond to basic commands, such as halt, walk, trot, and canter. They also learn to stand calmly while being groomed, tacked up, and mounted. Desensitization is another important aspect of ground training, where the pony is exposed to different sights, sounds, and sensations, such as plastic bags, umbrellas, and loud noises, to help them become more confident and less reactive.
Saddle Breaking and Basic Riding
Once the pony has undergone sufficient ground training, they are ready to be saddle broken. This involves introducing them to the saddle and bridle, and teaching them to accept the weight of a rider on their back. Initially, the rider will only walk the pony around in a small area, gradually introducing more complex maneuvers, such as turns and transitions between gaits.
Gait Training: The Running Walk
The hallmark of the American Walking Pony is their unique gait, the running walk. This is a four-beat lateral gait that is smooth and comfortable for the rider. Achieving a consistent running walk requires a lot of practice and training, which involves teaching the pony to lift their front legs and extend their hind legs while maintaining a steady pace.
Gait Training: The Canter
In addition to the running walk, American Walking Ponies are also trained to canter. This is a three-beat gait that is faster than the running walk and requires more balance and coordination from the pony. Canter training involves teaching the pony to transition smoothly from the running walk to the canter and back again, as well as performing other maneuvers, such as lead changes.
Trail Riding and Exposure to Obstacles
To prepare the ponies for various riding conditions, they are often taken on trail rides where they encounter different obstacles, such as water crossings, bridges, and steep hills. This helps to develop their confidence and adaptability, as well as their ability to navigate different terrains and challenges.
Collection and Maneuverability
As the pony progresses in their training, they are taught to collect their gaits, which involves shortening their stride and lifting their front end. This helps to improve their balance and maneuverability, making it easier for them to perform more complex maneuvers, such as turns, circles, and lateral movements.
Advanced Riding Techniques
Advanced riding techniques, such as lateral work, flying lead changes, and extended gaits, are introduced to the pony once they have developed sufficient strength, balance, and coordination. These techniques require a high degree of precision and control from the rider and pony, and often take years to master.
Show Ring Preparation and Performance
Finally, the pony is prepared for the show ring, where they will be judged on their gait, conformation, and performance. Show ring preparation involves fine-tuning the pony’s gaits, polishing their appearance, and preparing them mentally for the excitement and pressure of a competition.
Maintenance and Continued Education
Training an American Walking Pony is an ongoing process that requires continued education and maintenance. The pony must be kept in good physical condition through regular exercise and a balanced diet. Additionally, their training should be periodically reviewed and reinforced to ensure that they continue to perform at their best.
Conclusion: A Well-Trained American Walking Pony
In conclusion, training an American Walking Pony is a complex and challenging process that requires a lot of time, patience, and expertise. However, with the right training and conditioning, these ponies can become versatile, athletic, and enjoyable riding partners. A well-trained American Walking Pony is a joy to ride, and a testament to the dedication and hard work of their trainers.