Helpful Hints for Lead Rein Coaches & Parents
Safety and a fun learning environment is the prime consideration for these young riders.
1. The Coach must observe the pony, rider and the leader.
2. The first priority for any parent or coach is to help each rider feel confident and happy with his pony and ‘at home’ on his pony’s back.
3. Lead from a halter and rope or a leather lead attached to the nose band
4. If leading from a halter it must be under the cheek piece of the bridle so the rider is able to guide the pony without interference.
5. Always lead the pony from the inside when in an enclosed area/arena and from the pony’s side. Never in front of the pony.
6. Often the Leader needs help with the basics of leading. Show them how to hold the rope or leather lead.
7. Show the Leader how and where to stand for inspection. The Leader and the Coach should be on the same side of the pony.
8.The Leader has the rein in the left hand when rider is on the left rein. Leader has the rein in the right hand when rider is on the right rein. This leaves the hand nearest the pony free to assist the rider if needed.
9. When changing the rein remember to change the side you are leading from as well.
10. Show the leader where the inside track is as this may be needed in an emergency or to stop for some reason outside your control.
11. Use cones/markers, to mark the required track. Keep the riders on the outside of the cones/markers as this helps them from ‘falling in’.
12. The Leader must try not to control the pony but give the rider every encouragement to have control.
13. The Leader must not take the riders attention away from the Coach. The rider must listen and work with the Coach.
14. Young riders have a short attention span of approx 10 minutes, so give short lessons teaching one thing at a time. E.g. Mounting and dismounting.
15. Every lead rein rider should have a neck strap and in some cases ‘grass reins’ may be needed.
16. Five minute talks help to make the rally interesting and varied. Usually unmounted, the talk should be interactive and topics could include - ponies ears, paddocks, colours, what ponies eat etc.
17. Young riders love exercises at the halt and they are fun, improve the riders balance and give confidence. ‘Simon Says’ is always popular.
18. At the halt, pointing or touching parts of the pony will bring in pony care without riders realising it.
19. New skills learnt can be practiced by playing games, e.g. transitions from walk to halt and halt to walk by playing ‘Grandmothers Footsteps or Statues’.
20. Simple games are usually safer for the rider and leader if played individually. E.g. obstacle course etc, taking a message, barrel race at the walk.
21. Walk or trot over scattered poles on the ground. The NZPCA and their National Coaches do not approve of riders jumping at this level.
22. Keep the riders interested with many changes e.g. walkabout to look at different things around the Pony Club grounds. The coach must be observant as well and be aware of what is happening to the other groups of riders at the rally.
23. Suitable ponies are very important, it doesn’t matter how old or how slow they are at the beginning for the rider to gain confidence.
24. A pony should have an even gait and not be too wide or too big. If possible the stride should not be too long as this can unseat or unbalance the rider.
25. Ponies should know the basic aids and have been ridden ‘off the lead’ before being used as a ‘lead rein’ mount.
26. For lead rein riders to learn the basic aids they may find counting strides helps them to learn about an even pace at walk and trot or try patting the pony’s shoulder and counting. It doesn’t matter at first if they are not in time with their pony’s stride.
1. The Coach must observe the pony, rider and the leader.
2. The first priority for any parent or coach is to help each rider feel confident and happy with his pony and ‘at home’ on his pony’s back.
3. Lead from a halter and rope or a leather lead attached to the nose band
4. If leading from a halter it must be under the cheek piece of the bridle so the rider is able to guide the pony without interference.
5. Always lead the pony from the inside when in an enclosed area/arena and from the pony’s side. Never in front of the pony.
6. Often the Leader needs help with the basics of leading. Show them how to hold the rope or leather lead.
7. Show the Leader how and where to stand for inspection. The Leader and the Coach should be on the same side of the pony.
8.The Leader has the rein in the left hand when rider is on the left rein. Leader has the rein in the right hand when rider is on the right rein. This leaves the hand nearest the pony free to assist the rider if needed.
9. When changing the rein remember to change the side you are leading from as well.
10. Show the leader where the inside track is as this may be needed in an emergency or to stop for some reason outside your control.
11. Use cones/markers, to mark the required track. Keep the riders on the outside of the cones/markers as this helps them from ‘falling in’.
12. The Leader must try not to control the pony but give the rider every encouragement to have control.
13. The Leader must not take the riders attention away from the Coach. The rider must listen and work with the Coach.
14. Young riders have a short attention span of approx 10 minutes, so give short lessons teaching one thing at a time. E.g. Mounting and dismounting.
15. Every lead rein rider should have a neck strap and in some cases ‘grass reins’ may be needed.
16. Five minute talks help to make the rally interesting and varied. Usually unmounted, the talk should be interactive and topics could include - ponies ears, paddocks, colours, what ponies eat etc.
17. Young riders love exercises at the halt and they are fun, improve the riders balance and give confidence. ‘Simon Says’ is always popular.
18. At the halt, pointing or touching parts of the pony will bring in pony care without riders realising it.
19. New skills learnt can be practiced by playing games, e.g. transitions from walk to halt and halt to walk by playing ‘Grandmothers Footsteps or Statues’.
20. Simple games are usually safer for the rider and leader if played individually. E.g. obstacle course etc, taking a message, barrel race at the walk.
21. Walk or trot over scattered poles on the ground. The NZPCA and their National Coaches do not approve of riders jumping at this level.
22. Keep the riders interested with many changes e.g. walkabout to look at different things around the Pony Club grounds. The coach must be observant as well and be aware of what is happening to the other groups of riders at the rally.
23. Suitable ponies are very important, it doesn’t matter how old or how slow they are at the beginning for the rider to gain confidence.
24. A pony should have an even gait and not be too wide or too big. If possible the stride should not be too long as this can unseat or unbalance the rider.
25. Ponies should know the basic aids and have been ridden ‘off the lead’ before being used as a ‘lead rein’ mount.
26. For lead rein riders to learn the basic aids they may find counting strides helps them to learn about an even pace at walk and trot or try patting the pony’s shoulder and counting. It doesn’t matter at first if they are not in time with their pony’s stride.
