Pony Play Training Techniques, part 3

This is the third and final part in the series about pony play training. At the end of this text you will find links to the previous two parts.

6. Hunter Jumper Play

• I have seen this play done in two different styles. One style is that the pony jumps the hurdles alone. In the other style, the pony jumps the hurdles while being reined by the Trainer. Either style is acceptable and it up to the pony and Trainer to choose which they prefer.
• If you have a pony that responds to jumping by whip and voice commands only, you may use this technique. The advantage of no reins is that the pony won't have any fear of being jerked or pulled and can relax and adjust to the obstacle.
• In my training of Loki, I rein him in circles at a canter and let out the rein for him to jump the hurdle which I have placed outside our inner circle. I use the command "jump." If you are handy at cracking a whip, you might use that as a signal to jump. In completing a hurdle course on advance level, the pony would be taking each hurdle at a canter and the curve of the track would determine the lead foot. As the course turns, the Trainer keeps to the inside of the "corral" and must switch sides. In novice level, the pony only needs to clear each hurdle however it can.

7. Cart Play

• On a level, smooth surface any play done ground driving can be done in a cart.
• Use the same techniques with a light touch and a driving whip for signals when hooked up to a cart.
• Be consistent.
• I like my cart play in parks, a fun ride to take in the splendor of the moment.
• Cart play can be a discipline when running an obstacle race blindfolded.

8. Blindfold Play

• Blindfolding your pony is a great technique to train the pony to feel the reining and tapping commands, relying on these commands rather than the pony's vision.
• It is a bonding experience that highlights the D/s relationship of Trainer and pony. The pony must take the leap of faith to trust the Trainer when playing with a blindfold on.
• Playing this way is a good source to define how competent the Trainer's skills in reining and signaling are. Deprived of sight, the pony cannot correct for the Trainer, and where the pony goes and how the pony goes there becomes the Trainer's responsibility; all the pony is doing is obeying.