Question: I am starting to train an 18 y.o. pony who used to do eventing so all he knows is how to go forward. He doesn't understand what contact is, he doesn't understand bending, he doesn't understand how to collect, or how not to run into the canter depart.He doesn't understand either how to get his legs underneath him in a circle. He has an excellent disposition though. I just don't want to start in the wrong place or make him scared to learn by trying to train at too quick of a pace. Any suggestions where I should start and what I should start with??

Answer: Your animal is fairly old for "learning new tricks." If you stick to light work, it will probably benefit the pony; but you should avoid long work sessions or very stressful activities.

Start with work at the walk, trying to establish steady contact with the pony's mouth. Incorporate bending and transitions by doing various patterns, such as the circle and half-turn, and asking the pony to halt every once in a while. It is this type of slow, precise work that teaches an animal.

Once the pony can accept rein contact, walk in a steady rhythm, bend properly, and willingly halt, you can do the same type of work at the trot. Make sure the trot work is very good before you attempt the canter.

For canter work, concentrate on transitions, practicing them over and over again, rather than just cantering around the arena. If your walk and trot work are very good, you shouldn't have a lot of trouble with the canter.

Keep your work sessions short--no longer than twenty minutes--and be patient as you work with this older animal, remembering that it may have a few aches and pains that prevent it from doing everything you'd like it to do.