When training the ponyboy, there are many important considerations that you should keep to. Just as all trainers are different, there are also distinct types of ponyboy and you should modify this guidance to suit the particular ponyboy who comes under your control.
However, you should treat a ponyboy as you would treat any animal at all times. If they show disobedience to you, you should be ready to use the crop firmly on their hindquarters to make sure that this behaviour is not repeated. Don't worry about leaving a mark, as the pain of this will remind the ponyboy of their correct place as a working animal.
In the first encounter with the ponyboy, after they've been fully equipped and kitted out, you need to establish your firm dominance over the animal. You should be equipped with reins and a whip, or crop. Using this, make sure that the ponyboy is in a suitable submissive position to yourself, perhaps on the ground beneath you.
Then, apply the reins and give them a firm tug. At this stage, it's essential that dominance is imposed upon the ponyboy. Using eye contact and eye restrictions may help. The ponyboy should be forbidden from making direct eye contact with you to establish their submission.
Using the crop, or your hand, you should make sure that the pony understands simple commands. A long rein, or leash, can be used for training your pony at this stage. Simple commands such as ‘stop’, ‘lie’ and ‘trot’ should be made clear to the pony.
Make judicious use of punishment if the pony does not obey your orders. Training the ponyboy harshly at this stage will mean that it does not become wilful in the future. It may be necessary to physically and emotionally ‘break’ your ponyboy now.
While training the ponyboy, it should always maintain a posture which is straight and true. Their hooves should be either always on the ground, or the front ones should be placed in front of their body in a pleasing manner.
If the ponyboy does not stand straight, then feel free to rebuke them verbally or to apply the crop. Examine the ponyboy’s gait at frequent intervals. Even the most highly trained ponyboy can become complacent if not frequently put in their place.
Come along, boy!
The most basic movement that a ponyboy can reproduce is a simple trot. The ponyboy should be trained to trot and neigh in a convincing fashion. Trotting can be achieved by using a training rein, or a leash. Make sure that the ponyboy has a good gait while they're trotting. Making a ponyboy trot with other ponyboys or ponygirls is a good way to find out if they're up to standard.
Once trotting has been achieved, the ponyboy will need to be able to canter. This involves increasing speed. You'll want the ponyboy to be able to both trot and canter with you on his back. Physically fit ponyboys will even be able to gallop with you on their back for some distances.
Hobbled with latex hooves, a ponyboy should be put through their paces regarding dressage where the ponyboy has to follow a number of pre-ordained moves with you on their back.
Don't be afraid to use the crop during dressage. If the ponyboy puts but one foot out of place during dressage, apply the crop harshly. This will result in increased motivation for training by the ponyboy. A series of jumps can also be used to test the ponyboy and can lead to a competitive streak. When competing with other ponyboys, or ponygirls, be sure to award the winning pony with a rosette and a pat on the nose, with a cropping for the loser.
Riding a ponyboy is an incredibly satisfying activity. When riding, make sure that you're prepared for the activity with tight jodhpurs and a firm crop. You should make this a special occasion while you're training the ponyboy. Practise racing and place him in a competition when he's ready.
Unfortunately, with hooves, ponyboys are unable to satisfy their physical urges in the same way that we can unless they're in the company of other ponies. If your pony does not have other ponies for company, then it may be necessary for the ponyboy to achieve release on occasion.
This can be achieved with a mechanical milking machine or through a gloved hand. You may eventually decide to breed your ponyboy with other ponies in your stable, or in the stables of others.
A ponyboy and ponygirl may be bred together and their efforts at sexual intercourse in harness and while wearing hooves is an unusual feat for a trainer to observe.
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