Boys Ride Too

The Think Like a Pony way demonstrates how looking through your pony's eyes can only take you from strength to strength.

I was 12 years old when we bought Bruce. He was a 14.2 Irish Sports pony and just six years of age. At the time, I was part of my local pony club and had been showjumping and eventing with my old pony, Gunner. Bruce came from a dealer, and as far as we knew, he had been show jumping successfully. He was well-behaved at home and did most things asked of him, but something was missing. I don't think I understood that at the time, other than just feeling I wasn't quite good enough for him.  

After a few weeks, we took him to our first competition. He stood bolt upright, spun around and refused to enter the arena. I couldn't get him to move, and my mum had to lead him in. He then went on to refuse at the first jump. As my mum was training to become a Think Like a Pony Instructor, I understood enough to realise that my new pony was not only genuinely terrified but also highly likely in pain somewhere. Mum had used LM saddles, so we knew his saddle wasn't an issue.  

The first thing to check was his teeth. The dentist was horrified by what she found. The teeth themselves were not too bad, but the horrific part was the bruising to his gums, no doubt from rough handling. Bruce had two weeks off, and I started riding him in a gentle snaffle with no nose band. He was happier but opened his mouth every so often when I turned too tightly. One of the pony club instructors told me one day that I should have a nose band on to stop him from opening his mouth. I also remember my slightly cheeky but honest reply - that he most likely opened his mouth when I used my hands too much, and if I shut his mouth, he wouldn't be able to tell me.  

The dentist returned after a month and sadly informed us that the bruising was so deep-rooted he would never be 100% comfortable in his mouth. Having watched my brother take Think Like a Pony sessions, I decided there and then that I was going to learn. We needed the groundwork. We needed Lynn Henry.  

Mum organised for us to go to the Think Like a Pony headquarters in Leeds for a week. Their mantra is "you ride what you lead", so that is where Lynn started with us. She taught me how to lead him properly, massage him, and try to see the world through his eyes. She taught me how to ride him correctly using my body, which enabled him to use his body correctly. We learned how to build each other's confidence and trust. Mum worked with us too, so that she could help us carry on with our journey once we were home.  

We went from strength to strength and competed successfully at Hickstead, National Schools championships, and many Pony Club competitions and events. I can honestly say that my relationship with Bruce was amazing and one I will never forget. He looked after me as much as I looked after him. Things still went wrong sometimes. I remember well an incident at Hickstead, jumping early on dewy grass. Bruce slipped over and rolled down the slope. With every ounce of him, he tried to stop himself as he was rolling on top of me. He couldn't, but he lay still with my head between his feet until help got there. They rolled him up enough to get me out, and then he got up.  

We still have Bruce, and although I'm now 22, I see him most days. He is enjoying a life of teaching other children the Think Like a Pony way. We are so excited to hear that the life-changing sessions we received all those years ago are now available to any child, anywhere, through the Think Like a Pony online Club. 

Story first printed in Horsemanship Journal March 2023.