I decided it was time to teach him about the hot walker and give him a chance to wear the saddle and bridle while he works off some of that extra energy. He is too slight of build to ride yet, and won't be taking a rider until he is 3 or 4. Although we have had Margaret on him before, it was not independently, nor would I consider him broke in by any stretch of the imagination.

The picture above shows Tiger groomed up and ready for his saddle. He has had a saddle on from time to time since he was about 8 months old. We started with a bareback pad. At a year and a half we started sitting Margaret on him with one of us leading Tiger and one of us holding Margaret. Of course, Margaret was small and light. Here are some pictures
of his first hot walker lesson. We
use the hot walker on youth that
are too slight for a rider, to diversify
their training from just the round
pen. Tiger gets to go on walks up
our quiet country road as well as
working on long lines. He is very
willing to please, a real sweet heart.

This saddle is too large for Tiger,
but it gives him an opportunity to
feel the saddle on his back. This is
my most "beat up" saddle, such is life!

Here is a nice pic of the hot walker, it can exercise up to four horses at once, we don't put four on it at one time, however. I find it much more effective to have only 2 on it... usually Tiger and Hearty. It has two speeds (low - walk and high - trot), forward and reverse. I find it very helpful for exercising the ponies who are too small to ride or too fat, like Hearty, who needs more exercise than the others. I don't use it for foals, pregnant mares, or horses who have issues with being tied.

Tiger wears his too big saddle well, and has accepted the bit. He is standing while tied to the walker. He has a LOT of growing to do yet... his legs still seem way too long for his body. This stance is his natural stop. I did not set him up, he just stopped when the walker stopped.

Tiger has such a good disposition, he will make a lovely pony. If you have kept informed about him, you know that he jumped a 3.5 foot fence when he was just 4 months old.

I have high hopes for his abilities as he matures. In the spring he will start training seriously, including more time on the long lines, using the long lines to teach him to jump. Trotting over poles, free jumping and beginning Dressage lessons using long lines and side reins.















There are many things you can do on the ground to prepare your pony for being ridden. These foundational training sessions are so important. I just can't emphasize them enough! I hate to hear of ponies who go to auction because they are not safe for children to ride. I believe strongly that it is because they are not trained like big horses... most adults are too large to ride them. They are also not given the proper ground work, which would save many sad moments for children, ponies and parents. If you would like to learn more about training ponies for kids and finding a safe pony, please visit our pages: The Shetland Pony - Getting a Bad Rep and Safe Ponies for Children.

All of our ponies are completely trained before a child is allowed to ride them. The same goes for our big horses, too.

Horse Walker as Equestrian Equipment

There are many people who show their fondness to their pets. Even so, a lot others fancy taking care of a horse for a pet. Ranches are common in various countries. Horses are most of the times used not only as favored pets but are treated for industrial and at times for commercial uses as well. As people search for some formal training with regards to rearing horses, they seek to become full fledged equestrians. Part of the training includes getting to know the appropriate equestrian equipment. Among of which are the horse walker and the horse tack.

Horse Walker for Equestrian Exercises

For a person who is definitely serious in getting on with bringing up horses and then its stabling, you must know how important the horse walkers can become. What benefits can be derived out of the horse walker? For one, the horse walker is a recognized equestrian equipment to saving time when exercising or practicing your horses and in the attempt to have them cool down after a long day's ride. Among the rest of the uses of a horse walker is for halter breaking and the other is for nursing back the health of the animal should any illness has occurred. The everyday use of a horse walker is certain to make the horse stronger and then more physically able. Furthermore, the utilization of a horse walker before any ride starts up would mean that the animal would be able to focus at the task that is on hand as soon as it is taken out of the stable and get to be tacked up.  

The Varieties of Horse Walkers

There are several kinds of horse walkers to choose from but the common denominator among them is that they have the same features. Many of these horse walker types are capable of handling four up to six horses at a given time. Likewise, there are horse walkers which are put up for sale in the market and are able to cater to all numbers of animals to be taken out for a ride.

The common models of the horse walkers include the flatly packed and readily assembled ones right there on the site. However, for some other specifications, there are those which may be bought along with roofs and fencing. Various controls and speeds are also included in the features. The horse walkers involve the forward and reverse motions too.

On the other hand, the higher end models of the horse walkers permit the taking off of the pressure from all parts of the body of the horse which are too prone to injury. Moreover, this equestrian equipment stops it from bucking especially in relatively open fields. When the animal gets any wound, it is important that it fully heals. With this equestrian equipment, such is possible. Be certain that the equestrian equipment has enough space that would allow the animal to relax especially during long rides.

Safety must be a top priority as always. Inquire on the safety precautions that come together with the purchase. You may also seek the help of the experts in horse rearing because they are knowledgeable enough in the field. Before you purchase any horse walker, be sure that it would work well both for you as the handler and for your horse.

Tiger is over three years old now and becoming kind of studly. We have left him a stallion to get the muscle developement. He has had a lot of ground work, but has also a lot of extra energy which he expresses by pacing around his paddock.

(Tiger found a new home in 2008)

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Training - Hot Walker Lesson