Leading out a child from other horse

[happyhacker]

Has anyone led another pony out on a lead rein from their horse. If so, could you tell me the safest place to attach the rope. My grandaughter will be on the pony & me on my horse. I've been given differing advice on the safest way to do this. Thanks

[KoLaTo]

Clip lead rope to nearside (left) bit ring, thread through bit ring and thru other side bit ring (offside) and up to your hand or get a bit coupling and use that. Out in public with small people I always err on the side of caution and don't take risks so want a say in where the pony goes hence attached to the bit rings, indoors or showing safely then attach to the back of the noseband.

[rosemaryhannah]

Yes - think of the lead rope as a soft curb chain, it runs behind the bit, from the side furthest away from you through the other bit ring, thus giving you emergency breaks and steering, similar to the emergency controls in a driving instructors car. As with those, you only put pressure on in time of need.

[Amanda Seater]

yes attach to the bit as aboe - rope in left hand! Also consider a longer rope than a 6 foot if you have one. put the end of your rope in your pocket or through belt loop, then if you do happen to drop the rope from your hand you still have time to catch the rope before it comes out of your pocket/ belt loop rather than the rope dropping straight to the floor.

[orangetails]

As others have said, clip on the left bit ring, then run the rope through the right bit ring to your hand. I would be cautious of the effects of this in particular if the pony wears a single jointed snaffle, as the rope does act to 'pinch' the bit rings together thus creating the nutcracker action in the roof of the pony's mouth! A bit coupling (if you can find one small enough for a pony as they all seem massive and then just bang around on the chin!) would be a good compromise.

Also it sounds like this is the first occasion the pony will be led from this horse? If that's the case I would have at least one practice run with no rider and preferably some on the ground in case the pony doesn't 'get' ride and lead. It also makes sure the neddies will be compatible - I get the impression you are doing this to give your grandaughter a safe 'pony ride' where you have control, and I suspect it won't be so enjoyable for her if the horses are trying to bite or kick each other all the time! My little Welsh A has done ride and lead since a 2yo and leads perfectly alongside either of my two bigger mares - even the one she didn't share a field with. In her loan home, she was a cow alongside the Mum's gelding! Even though they shared a field and were ridden a lot together. I'd expect most horses to be mannerly and put aside their differences whilst under human control, but some small ponies can be utter baggages and let their opinions be known regardless!!

[diggydoggy]

That's really useful info., especially the putting-end-of-lead-rope-in-pocket, etc. Brilliant!

[jen1]

i put end of rope under my knee, i used a micklem i never clip clip anything to bits, i trained hard all the horses concerned before venturing out, we have very busy roads here so it all had to be right,

[highlanderpony2002]

I used to leave the headcollar on under the bridle and clip the lead rein to the back ring of the headcollar you can of course leave off the nose band then. No tugging on mouths no interfering with the small riders reins and the ponies are all well behaved to lead anyway. I would guess that using a Dually would be equally effective if the ponies are not used to being led form another horse