Filler fearless

Fillers come in all shapes, sizes and patterns, which can cause some ponies to spook, but with our helpful step-by-step you’ll be flying over fillers in no time!

Climb the levels

Taking things slowly is key to building your pony’s confidence – no matter what fear you’re helping him overcome. Only move on when you’re sure he’s ready to take the next step.

TOP TIP

If your pony gets worried or stressed, go back a step to regain his confidence. You won’t help his progress by pushing him out of his comfort zone when he’s not ready.

Step 1

Before bringing fillers into the equation, your pony needs to be confidently jumping over plain fences. So, while you warm up, jump a couple of different fences. Start with a cross-pole and build to an upright to give your pony a confidence-boosting start.

Step 2

Remove the poles from your chosen fence and place two fillers at the sides, in front of the wings, allowing plenty of space in between them. Walk, trot and then progress to cantering between the fillers. You can reduce the gap a little each time until they’re 1.5–2m apart.

Did you know?

Ponies see colours differently to humans. They aren’t colour blind, but have dichromatic vision which means they see colours in two wavelengths, rather than three – like we do.

Step 3

Move the fillers out again towards the wings and set up a small cross-pole. Jump it a few times, approaching from each rein.

Step 4

Bring your fillers towards the middle slightly and jump the cross a couple of times until your pony is feeling happy. Then, make the jump into an upright and slowly bring the fillers together until they are 1.5–2m apart.

Find out more top tips to help your pony fly over fillers in September PONY – get your copy today!