Ponies are just like horses in many ways but they also have some distinct differences.

Happy Horsemanship

Horses are something to dream about and to wish for
Fun to watch and to make friends with
Nice to pat and great to hug
and oh, what a joy to ride!

For you to enjoy me (and for me to enjoy you, too) there are some important facts about me which you should know before you try to handle or ride me.


I am a HORSE


My name in Latin is Equus. From this name comes the word “equine”, which means something to do with a horse, and the word “equestrian,” which means one who rides a horse.


Getting a horse of your own

When you first start to learn about horses and ponies - how to handle them on the ground and how to ride them - you should try to find a horse or pony that has already had a lot of experience in teaching other young riders.


Seeking the Best Possible Place to Ride and Take Your Training Instructions


Such an establishment will have well-qualified instructors, calm and patient horses and ponies to ride while you are learning, and a proper ring for beginners.


DOs and DON’Ts for Horse and Pony Owners

 

DON’T assume you can just get on any pony and simply ride

You don’t want to start out with a young, inexperienced pony, who is just learning about things himself. The combination of a “green” (which means inexperienced) horse or pony and a green rider is usually unsuccessful, and it can be dangerous.


Not all ponies are alike. There are ponies you can get on and easily ride. Others are so green that you could easily be injured if you have little or no riding experience. The ponies that are easier to ride are typically older.


The older ponies have been ridden the most and will be more forgiving of a beginning rider’s mistakes. Younger ponies will be the hardest to ride.


DON’T assume one pony trainer’s technique is the only way to train a pony

When a novice owner starts to experience problems with their pony, they go looking for answers. They will talk to friends who own ponies and ask them what technique(s) they use for training. But when they can’t train their pony with that technique, they assume a dumb or a untrainable pony. The novice pony owner needs to know that there are typically lots of ways to train a pony to do one thing. If you try something and it doesn’t work, try something else. This is an approach that is very commonly used in horsemanship training.


DO make sure you ride your pony regularly

Another problem new pony owners experience with their pony is they don’t ride their ponies enough. The best thing you can do to have a good pony is to ride it and ride it and ride it. Don’t ride him just once every couple weeks. Ponies need to be ridden a lot to make them good riding ponies. A pony that just sits in his pasture becomes sour!


DON’T think a problem with the pony is the pony’s fault

If a pony has some problems, it is almost always a result of the pony owner. Very rarely is it the pony’s problem – it’s more likely a problem with the rider. For instance, if you can’t get your pony to ride away from home (this is called “Barn Sour”) it’s likely because you don’t have control over him. You can establish control with various techniques. A good training facility is a good place to learn control over your pony.


DO try to understand how horses think

Ponies are herd animals. In their natural state, they travel in groups. When frightened, they run. They have thousands of years of the “flight instinct” built into their brains. To successfully train them takes patience and understanding on the part of the rider that they are naturally fearful and cautious.


DO remember that every interaction with a pony is a training exercise

Every time you interact with your pony, you are training him - even if your pony is well-trained. Even when you pet your pony, you are training him. Novice pony owners must think through what they do when working with their pony, because they can easily and unknowingly affect a pony’s behavior.


DON’T ever ride a pony or horse if you have little or no understanding of horsemanship

Sometimes a novice pony owner will ride their new pony not knowing pony-riding skills. It is important to have an understanding of riding techniques because ponies react to leg pressure, how you sit in the saddle, whether or not the rider is nervous. There are so many things out there that could seriously hurt rider and horse.


Let’s face it. In order for a pony owner to be successful with his/her pony, he/she needs to understand the pony. The best thing novice pony owners can do is learn how to ride, learn how ponies think, learn what works good for the rider and the pony. Riding a pony often is just about the best thing you can do to have a good pony.


May you all have as much fun as we are having! Good Bye! Good Luck! Good riding!

 

 

Our Guarantee

We give the highest guarantee in the horse business. Bricker Performance Ponies - If for any reason you are not completely happy, return the pony in the same condition the pony was delivered to you. Effective immediately after 3 days the pony can be traded to another pony available on the ranch with 50% of the purchase price being credited toward the next pony March 1, 2007. The pony must be returned in the same condition it was recieved initially. We will replace the pony with a pony of equal or greater value. "No Cash Refunds"

Bricker Performance Ponies will replace a pony before leaving the ranch with a new pony. If it is determined, by a veterinarian that a pony has any soundness problems that would preclude it from doing it's performance or any health conditions.

 

Welcome to Bricker Performance Ponies - Our stock changes frequently!   

Please ensure that you visit us regularly to view new ponies.

 If you don't see your dream pony we may still be able to acquire it.

 

 

Bricker Performance Ponies

Laurie and Donnie Bricker
36925 Avenida Madera
Temecula, CA 92592

Barn:    (951) 302-6742

Cell:      (951) 719-6298

 

Email: brickerponies@aol.com

 

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