Hand in hand

Did you know that you don’t have to get in the saddle to give your pony a good workout? In-hand work is really enjoyable and it’s amazing when you notice the progress your pony’s made over a few sessions, so why not have a go at my top three exercises and see the results for yourself?

The benefits

Doing in-hand work with your pony is great for so many reasons! Without a rider he’ll have more freedom of movement, which means he’ll be able to use his muscles effectively and become super-strong and flexible. Plus, seeing him move from the ground and watching his muscles engage throughout the movements is really interesting!

Groundwork is fab for lots of different types of pony, too, no matter their age, level or discipline. If your pony’s unable to be ridden, be sure to check with your vet before trying any in-hand routines.

1. Hilly hacks

It’s pretty hilly where I live so I’m always taking advantage of the hills during my in-hand sessions. You might find that you don’t even need to leave the yard (if your yard manager is happy for you to walk around the fields) or, if it’s safe to do so, you can walk your usual hacking routes.

Make sure you do this with your pony in a bridle and a leadrope or lunge line so you have plenty of control.

As you power walk up the hills, try to encourage your pony to drop his head and when walking downhill, allow him to take his time and figure out where he’s placing his feet – it’s great for improving his balance!

Top tip

Avoid the roads where possible, but if you do need to walk along a lane to get to a hilly field, lead your pony from his right-hand side so you can see the traffic around you.

Discover more of Meg’s in-hand exercises in July PONY – out now!