Newbie to racing forum with question about the "pony" horses at the track

[SteppinEasy]

As wonderful as some of the racing horses are, I have to admit that I'm always more fascinated by the horses that accompany them to the starting gate (is "pony" horses the right term?). Watching the Preakness, I feel the same way. Is there any information available anywhere about those individual horses? What about the way they're turned out--any significance as to the differences?

Sorry if these are stupid questions!:lol:

[tarragon]

Did you see the black and white Paint with no bridle? Just a string around it's neck?

I *think* it was Friesian Fire's pony.

[Larksmom]

but i nearly needed shades to look at the sparkling clean paints! Were they all paints? How cute! Kudos to the grooms, and of course, RACHAEL!

[Nes]

They weren't all paints. They are always gorgeous horses, but I was especially impressed today.

I'd be really interested to know if you could find individual information on each of the horses. I think for the most part they are all geldings.

[SteppinEasy]

Yes, saw that one and loved it! There was also a bay, I think, that had braids that stood straight up--very cute. I'm a huge fan of "behind the scene" horses (lesson horses, "practice" horses, etc.) no matter the discipline.

[allpurpose]

I was very impressed with the behaviour of the two that stood just outside the gate - on trackside - and had that thundering herd bearing down on them once the bell rang. Yikes! What is their purpose ?

[MunchkinsMom]

Did you see the black and white Paint with no bridle? Just a string around it's neck?

I *think* it was Friesian Fire's pony.

I noticed that today as well.

One of my neighbors picked up a very nice black and white paint at the auction this fall, supposedly he was a track pony horse, he is awesome, nothing rattles him, and her boyfriend trail rides him (and he is a newbie rider). I think the pony horses are worth their weight in gold.

[Mega Rock]

I was very impressed with the behaviour of the two that stood just outside the gate - on trackside - and had that thundering herd bearing down on them once the bell rang. Yikes! What is their purpose ?

Those 2 are outriders.......their job is to catch loose horses and help out if the jocks get run away with.

[SteppinEasy]

So there's no way to find out more about these horses? Are they privately owned by the riders or what?

[Larksmom]

there are several on this forum who post. maybe one will see this thread and post. I have never seen such dazzeling clean ponies as I did today-they were awesome

[jengersnap]

The ponies were on average better turned out then some of the racehorses lol Such a pretty post parade.

The two just outside the gate also are there to run down any horses that might break the gate, or any problem that might happen after the break with a horse/rider. They are very fast and very good at their jobs. We had a horse break through the gate before the start last week and the outrider's pony caught the errant horse, pulled them up and brought him back to the gate in about a blink. I trail ride with several of our track's ponies and their owners during the off season and on dark days and they are just the coolest horses. They can be owned by individuals (in which case the individuals usually have a string of 2-4 horses each) or owned by a stable and used with their own racehorses to accompany them to the track. They are stout, tough geldings who can take a horse basically trying to climb up on their withers or threatening to kick the crap out of their sides in stride and keep their minds on the job at hand.

[Acertainsmile]

The pony or lead horses are usually privatley owned by the "pony people"...

Sometimes a trainer will own a pony that does afternoon work, and an employee of the trainers will take their horses to the gate. It's also common for there to be a few people that have a "pony business" and own several ponies, and hire the "pony people" to ride them (giving them a percent of the money earned).

Some of the pony's are ex race horses... (usually the outriders horses are, because they need to be almost as fast as the horses running in case they have to catch one.) It takes a very well mannered horse to become a lead pony... and one with much patience. No kicking or biting allowed, they must be able to deal with horses acting up next to them, and leaning on them.

The good ones are really priceless at the track!

[rcloisonne]

I was very impressed with the behaviour of the two that stood just outside the gate - on trackside - and had that thundering herd bearing down on them once the bell rang. Yikes! What is their purpose ?
As someone already commented they're there to help catch a horse that breaks loose. Remember Barbaro burst from the gate at the Preakness before it opened? That outrider "pony" caught him pretty quickly.

[twofatponies]

I always was fascinated by them too - I wondered whether they were employed by the track itself, or hired "freelance" and how they qualified. They always seem like wonderful horses. Neat to find out more about them.

[Acertainsmile]

I thought I'd mention that it's the trainers that employ the pony people for that race, the pony people are free agents of sorts. But the track does employ the outriders, but doesnt supply the ponies.

[twofatponies]

So does the trainer of each particular TB choose the pony for that racehorse? Do they choose them to match the needs of the racehorse, and do the TBs already know the ponies before they meet at the track? I mean, do they work together outside of the actual races? Sorry if that's a dumb question!

[jengersnap]

So does the trainer of each particular TB choose the pony for that racehorse? Do they choose them to match the needs of the racehorse, and do the TBs already know the ponies before they meet at the track? I mean, do they work together outside of the actual races? Sorry if that's a dumb question!

Not dumb! We have a "pony girl" (lady actually) who we pay to pony our horses in parade. She has a few horses, and in general we do not have to ask for anything special other then accompany our horses on the track, warm them up and hand them over to the gate crew. If she is committed to more then one horse in the race, she will decide which one she needs to personally accompany (usually the tougher one because she will know the horse better), and hand the other over to either someone who works for her and is using another of her ponys, or give or trade off with another pony person to take that race and she'd pay her for it or help out in another race.

There are times though that a pony person will know a horse is particularly tough and choose to use a particularly gutsy pony from their string, or a trainer may request the pony ask permission to accompany the horse in the saddling area or in the walking ring to keep them calm(er). Or a trainer can forego a pony altogether and leave the jockey alone in post parade. I personally find that cheaping out unless the horse absolutely is worse off with the pony, as a pony person can usually regulate the warmup easier and help the jockey and horse not do too much pre-race.

And lastly, some trainers do send their horses out to the track in the morning with a pony to exercise so they may meet there as well. Sometimes without tack, sometimes with, sometimes with a rider, often this all happens while starting the horse into race training or coming back from injury.

Hope that helps!

[Seven-up]

Did Funny Cide ever pony horses in the races, or did he just work in the mornings?

He's gotta be one of the most famous pony horses.

[Carolinadreamin']

OK, dumb question here. What's with the flowers and other stuff woven into their manes? We saw so many different styles, especially in the Kentucky Derby.

[up-at-5]

Yes, gorgeous ponies for sure....
This was the first race I ever watched, other than vids of my OTTB on Calracing.

What was the white tape or rope or whatever it was in some of the TB's mouths? I noticed a few had it.

[jengersnap]

OK, dumb question here. What's with the flowers and other stuff woven into their manes? We saw so many different styles, especially in the Kentucky Derby.

Many pony people take great pride in their horses turnout. You see a lot that have their manes done up and gleaming tack for big races, particularly when they know they'll be on national TV. Not so many do up manes at lower levels or for day to day ponying, but they still pull manes and keep them neat and trimmed, brushed to a gleam, great weight and shod.


What was the white tape or rope or whatever it was in some of the TB's mouths? I noticed a few had it.

I'm going to guess you're asking about the toungue tie, the purpose of which is to keep the toungue down and from going over the bit. It is said some horses risk "swallowing" their toungues without one but I've also read that is physically impossible and I've never witnessed an incident so...

[Linny]

Tongue ties keep the horse from getting the tongue over the bit. Some even "swallow" the tongue. (Not literally, but it can block respiration.) The ties are usually just cotton fabric, like a torn piece of a sheet. They cut them off right after the race.

On Belmont S. day the ponies all go out in green and white pom poms. I have a collection of the pom poms that I started gathering for my son when he was a baby.

[Acertainsmile]

Did Funny Cide ever pony horses in the races, or did he just work in the mornings?

He's gotta be one of the most famous pony horses.

I'm about 99.9 percent sure that Funny Cide never ponied a horse in the afternoon. I just cant see Barclay or Robin risking that!

[Linny]

I love Larry Jones' fast round palomino. There are a couple of ponies at Churchill that I'd love to ride.
The pony riders work very hard. Most are out there very early for training hours and then "do up" and get ready for the PM chores. I also have had the chance to see pony riders schooling their mounts in the morning. Those horses are trained.

[Patty Stiller]

This was my personal pony at the tracks in California .'Buzzing Rabbit' was his quarter horse name.We called him Buzzard. He was a vintage 1970 model. He was always a 'pony' and did that from age 5 to 25. got him from a broke trainer for an overdue shoeing bill of 360 bucks. Yep. He was 19 when we got him and the best horse I have ever owned .
He worked as a pony (lightly) for us until he was 25, and then lived a retirement life with me doing a little very light trail riding until age 30, then totally retired on a friends private farm until he passed quietly away at 33.
This 'unsung hero' helped start and train more young thoroughbreds in his life than anyone could count. He had been kicked, bit, had colts jump on top of his saddle etc, and never blinked.
These hard working, underpaid track workers are privately owned by the pony riders or the trainers.

[up-at-5]

Tongue ties keep the horse from getting the tongue over the bit. Some even "swallow" the tongue. (Not literally, but it can block respiration.) The ties are usually just cotton fabric, like a torn piece of a sheet. They cut them off right after the race.

.

Thanks, I'd never seen those before.

on a side note:
I have a little 3yr old TB at home, 15hh, who has been called a "runt" by some.....hmmm, not much smaller than MTB:lol:

[Larksmom]

I seem to recall in Eventing, Marcus aurelius competed in '78 at the World Championships. He had only one stop.
The Brits had a 'pony' [hony?] in Show Jumping before that. His name was Stroller. Very good.
And of course, in racing, I think Northern Dancer was very small.

[Carolinadreamin']

On Belmont S. day the ponies all go out in green and white pom poms. I have a collection of the pom poms that I started gathering for my son when he was a baby.

How cool!

[Linny]

I seem to recall in Eventing, Marcus aurelius competed in '78 at the World Championships. He had only one stop.
The Brits had a 'pony' [hony?] in Show Jumping before that. His name was Stroller. Very good.
And of course, in racing, I think Northern Dancer was very small.

The great Thodore O'Connor was pony sized and a champ as well. Most track ponies aren't "ponies" by the stick. The term is an age old abbreviation of "pony horse" meaning a horse used to pony another horse. To "pony" of course means to lead a horse from the back of another. What many non racing regulars don't realize is that the pony riders are in fact leading the racehorses. They are holding a shank and they are largely responsible for managing the racer.

BTW, did anyone see the pony ride for MTB rubbing his nose before the race yesterday.

[Halfhalting]

I did notice that !!!! He rubbed his nose for quite a while, and both the pony rider and MTB seemed very at ease and happy with each other. :) I love seeing kindness like that.

[Acertainsmile]

Most pony people actually use a "pony strap or lead strap", just a thin piece of leather that is slipped thru the bit, then they are handed off to one of the gate crew who loads the horse, and returns the strap after the break. Occasionally there will be a bad actor who goes to the post with a chain over his nose. (Had one of those!)

[pinkdiamondracing]

Not dumb! We have a "pony girl" (lady actually) who we pay to pony our horses in parade. She has a few horses, and in general we do not have to ask for anything special other then accompany our horses on the track, warm them up and hand them over to the gate crew. If she is committed to more then one horse in the race, she will decide which one she needs to personally accompany (usually the tougher one because she will know the horse better), and hand the other over to either someone who works for her and is using another of her ponys, or give or trade off with another pony person to take that race and she'd pay her for it or help out in another race.

There are times though that a pony person will know a horse is particularly tough and choose to use a particularly gutsy pony from their string, or a trainer may request the pony ask permission to accompany the horse in the saddling area or in the walking ring to keep them calm(er). Or a trainer can forego a pony altogether and leave the jockey alone in post parade. I personally find that cheaping out unless the horse absolutely is worse off with the pony, as a pony person can usually regulate the warmup easier and help the jockey and horse not do too much pre-race.

And lastly, some trainers do send their horses out to the track in the morning with a pony to exercise so they may meet there as well. Sometimes without tack, sometimes with, sometimes with a rider, often this all happens while starting the horse into race training or coming back from injury.

Hope that helps!


I was going to post, but you've pretty much covered what we pony people do in a nutshell.
I will add that being a pony person is NOT as easy as it looks-- I have had horses flip over backwards, climb up in my saddle, and one even tried to breed my pony ( who incidentally was a gelding).
It is sometimes a thankless job, one of which doesn't pay well, no insurance if you get hurt and a lot of times, we mostly are freelance contractors,so getting your money out of trainers can be difficult. I had a pony bill that took me over six months to collect from a very BNT.
It's a tough job, but there are times I wouldn't trade it for the world, like when the cheer goes up coming out of the tunnel @ Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby- which I have worked twice-- or on Bluegrass Day @ Keeneland when the atmosphere is a little like a civilized Mardi Gras.

[kookicat]

Very cool! :D We don't have pony horses over here, so it's really interesting to learn about them.

What breeds are they typically and how are they trained? :)

[EquineRacers]

Some of those gorgeous ponies, are ex racehorses! Its takes a good horse with a great mind to be a good pony horse. They must be tough enough to be pushed around by the racehorse and not chicken out, trained enough to neck rein well, sound enough to take a few horses, and honest enough not to do anything stupid while your working! LOL

I've had to help out poning when I worked for Salary at a couple barns and the pony was horrible! It would hit the breaks and try to go behind the horse I've poning, or it would take off and start hogging, and even sometimes it would spook and try to wheel to the right. HORRIBLE PONY!

Outrider ponies need to be even better! Very far and few inbetween make great outrider ponies. They need to be quick off the line and have awesome handling!

[jengersnap]

Outrider ponies need to be even better! Very far and few inbetween make great outrider ponies. They need to be quick off the line and have awesome handling!

All our outriders horses are thoroughbreds. I love trail riding with them, so sensible! Well, most of them. Heh heh. They all run down the beach and up hills nicely.

[EquineRacers]

I get beat up more when I pony horses then when I gallop them!

[twofatponies]

Do the outriders run the whole race, following behind the pack? I never noticed them, but I assume they don't get shown much in the TV coverage.

[Linny]

Outriders take positions around the track and ride to the rescue of imperiled riders and catch loose horses. They don't follow the pack around. In a 2 turn race usually one or two work by the gate then one rides up behind the race to the turn and the other goes up the homestretch to the "turn for home." Their ponies are usually TB's that were too slow to race or are retired.
Others are of assorted heritage. I've seen everything from QH's to Saddle bred types. They need a very willing attitude, to accept training and to tolerate some wacky things. Really good ones take alot of the onus off of the rider because they learn to "work" the TB like a broke cow horse works his herd.

[Seven-up]

I'm about 99.9 percent sure that Funny Cide never ponied a horse in the afternoon. I just cant see Barclay or Robin risking that!

Yeah, I went back and researched a little bit after I made my post, and apparently Tagg used Funny Cide as his personal horse in the AM. So he wasn't a pony horse but a stable pony. I got my ponies mixed up!

[imissvixen]

I was wondering what kind of saddles the pony riders use. Is there a specific brand that people like?

[doublete]

Re: The paint pony that someone mentioned they saw who only had a rope through his mouth. It is actually a loop of rope that she secures under his chin and that is how he goes. Scared the crap out of me when I saw it the first time and she was taking one of my "bad" horses. AND... If anyone remembers my post from Roedown/Marlborough Hunt about the outrider who had to chase the horse through the field and ended up jumping the tractor... That was Dakota. One and the same as the horse that goes with the rope through his mouth.


Most of the outriding ponies are exracers... Outriders need to have the ability to get up a good amount of speed to catch either a runaway horse or loose horse. Typically exracers do well with the job because they love the consistency and familiarity.
My pony horse used to pony afternoons and mornings. Now he just does mornings. He is an exracehorse. He HATES the starting gate, but if I spend a lot of time with him he will lead the racehorse straight to it. Our job in the afternoon is to make sure the racehorse makes it safely to the handler at the gate. Some of them are so wired during their warmup that they'd run off, or so wired that they won't march to the gate like they need to. In the mornings my pony has taken on the role of "babysitting" the bad actors that need company to even gallop. He's the soundest pony most have ever seen because he goes several miles a day easily, sometimes fast too.

[jengersnap]

I was wondering what kind of saddles the pony riders use. Is there a specific brand that people like?

Around here they are often ones that clean easily, either sythetic or a synthetic leather combo. Remember they have to ride through EVERY type of weather, including getting plastered with mud on those really nasty days. One pony gal friend has a mint green fabtron that I can only tell is mint green because the seat is somewhat the original color still :lol: Big horn, fabtron, abetta. Never seen a wintec in use though, kind of upholds my dislike of them. One outrider is in a weaver synthetic that's been black duct taped throughout the horn and front but it looks comfy and he's in it most every afternoon so it probably is. An outrider who retired a couple years ago use to ride in an aussie but she was the only one I knew to ride in one. I do notice most ponies use two thick pads, some even three.

[Acertainsmile]

Re: The paint pony that someone mentioned they saw who only had a rope through his mouth. It is actually a loop of rope that she secures under his chin and that is how he goes. Scared the crap out of me when I saw it the first time and she was taking one of my "bad" horses. AND... If anyone remembers my post from Roedown/Marlborough Hunt about the outrider who had to chase the horse through the field and ended up jumping the tractor... That was Dakota. One and the same as the horse that goes with the rope through his mouth.


Most of the outriding ponies are exracers... Outriders need to have the ability to get up a good amount of speed to catch either a runaway horse or loose horse. Typically exracers do well with the job because they love the consistency and familiarity.
My pony horse used to pony afternoons and mornings. Now he just does mornings. He is an exracehorse. He HATES the starting gate, but if I spend a lot of time with him he will lead the racehorse straight to it. Our job in the afternoon is to make sure the racehorse makes it safely to the handler at the gate. Some of them are so wired during their warmup that they'd run off, or so wired that they won't march to the gate like they need to. In the mornings my pony has taken on the role of "babysitting" the bad actors that need company to even gallop. He's the soundest pony most have ever seen because he goes several miles a day easily, sometimes fast too.

Isnt that Kay Maries horse? I havent seen her in a few yrs, if you see her, tell her Andi says hello!

[doublete]

Yup, that's Kay marie's. She does my pony work in the afternoons, plus we outrode at Roedown together.

[vacation1]

Great topic! I was thinking of this on Saturday too. They're so impressive, that they handle all that excitement so well. Of course, I remember one exception - a few years ago, I was watching NBC's coverage of one of the Triple Crown races and a 'pony' horse really acted up; anyone else remember that? The camera was following the post parade and the commentators were yammering on about the odds, and one of the ponies kinda lost it. The camera pans, the commentators keep talking, and in the background you see the pony continuing to give his poor rider a hard time. Eventually, I think the commentators even mentioned it because the pony horse was more excited than the racehorses at that point:lol:

[SteppinEasy]

So do most of the riders ride western? From some of the angles on tv, it was difficult to tell. I have to admit that watching the parade, what kept popping into my head was, "I want to ride THAT one!":lol: They seem so kind and sensible.

Another random question about the pony horses: how old are most of them? Any specific job requirements for them other than be sensible and sound? I get that the outriding ponies need to be fast, but do these guys? Can they be any breed, size, etc.?

[jengersnap]

So do most of the riders ride western?

Rider's choice. Whatever gets the job done.


Another random question about the pony horses: how old are most of them? Any specific job requirements for them other than be sensible and sound? I get that the outriding ponies need to be fast, but do these guys? Can they be any breed, size, etc.?

Anywhere from about 7 to 17 would be a fair range. Some much older, few younger because of the experiance and dependability they need to have.

Here's my friend (faces removed) ponying with the stable pony a normal sized TB. The pony horse is a stocky registered QH gelding and probably the most expensive pony horse I've ever heard of but he's dang good at his job and she's learning. They were going to the gate to school the TB.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p262/jengersnaps/blueshy2.jpg
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p262/jengersnaps/blueshy1.jpg

[DeeThbd]

A good pony has to be a combination of a lot of things....
It needs the patience of a saint, because they have to tolerate being kicked at, bitten, leaned on, run into - and they CANNOT kick back. My middle gelding used to try to breed my friend's pony when he was still racing - too many hormones!
A good pony needs to be sound and have endurance....they may have a lot of "jewellery" in the form of ankles, bowed tendons from previous careers and so on....but they are often expected to go several miles at an easy gallop in the morning, and again in the afternoon. A GOOD pony person will rotate his/her ponies so that they get a break - those that don't won't have a pony very long.
A good friend of mine has a pony who made over $360,000 as a stakes horse. He is an AWESOME pony! Some mares can make good ponies too - I have heard of several, but it's pretty unusual to see. I've known of ponies still working fit and sound into their 20s...a pony is the person's livelihood, and good ponies are made, not bought.
Ponying is hard, hard work. A pony person has to be flexible - able to reschedule, reorganize and have a sense of humour - in rain, sun and slop. They have to help keep riders safe as well. I love hearing stories from friends of mine who used to pony....like the time the racehorse's bridle came apart during post parade - all she could say to the jockey was "JUMP!" when she realized what was happening. Same person had a GOOD pony - she had a brand new string western girth, and as she was moving into a gallop, the pony stopped dead - and as she shifted her weight, the saddle slid off with the girth broken in half. Pony KNEW that something was wrong!
As someone else pointed out - sometimes the last bill to be paid is the pony person...but they are so important.

[jetandmegs4]

My OTTB used to pony when he wasn't racing. He's a total steady eddy.

[Jessi P]

Just a short comment about the pony's tack - most tracks they ride western. However, pony riders at Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga usually ride mostly in English tack. They either use english or exercise saddles, often over top a western pad and saddle towel. :winkgrin:

[pinkdiamondracing]

Just to add a little info: My best pony had over 100 lifetime outs, made every nickel the hard way, retired SOUND and is still working at the ripe old age of 24!! He tends to be much better behaved if he is with a fractious horse than a good one, if there isn't a problem going on for him to deal with, he will make one!!!
I have had other people ride him, and without exception-- the men hate to ride him!!! The girls, love him!! He pulls every dirty trick he knows of if a guy is on him, but a woman gets the smooth as silk ride from the rotten old bugger.

I love him with all my heart-- he and I have been together longer than either one of my marriages (18 years), and he will always be with me, even after he stops breathing!!

[Alibhai's Alibar]

Here are some photos so you can get an idea of the breeds/types of ponies and tack used for their work. Some trainer ponies, some outriders, some track ponies...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/2699958411/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/3509370818/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/957578675/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/3508545775/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/2700600010/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/1327286970/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/2736984525/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/3262799140/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/2759093720/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/2641411560/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/3069105291/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/208738538/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/729997473/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/2829259275/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/3506517994/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/1926809796/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/1254821098/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/2708890687/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/1364249066/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/2727304772/

[Alibhai's Alibar]

Also, a little info to add...

A friend of mine is a pony girl. She owns four ponies (one Paint, two QHs and one TB) and rotates them through the season/days. They get the winter off and work during the race meet. As mentioned earlier in this thread, she has a tougher horse for the difficult horses and a more bombproof horse for the big racing days. All of her horses have lovely dispositions.

[texang73]

Sarah, Nice to see John's Call! Love that war horse! :)

[Jessi P]

Sarah I had to post to tell you that I really enjoyed looking at your photographs. :D:lol: Seriously - lovely photography that captures the spirit of racing.

[jengersnap]

Your album is stunning, Sarah.

[Alibhai's Alibar]

Thank you very much! It's my pleasure to share them.

I had childhood daydreams of becoming a pony girl so the subject is near and dear to my heart :)

[Jessi P]

... not sure how I ended up with a laughing smiley up there! It was supposed to be :D :D but ended up :D:lol:

:winkgrin::winkgrin::winkgrin::winkgrin:

[Alibhai's Alibar]

... not sure how I ended up with a laughing smiley up there! It was supposed to be :D :D but ended up :D:lol:

:winkgrin::winkgrin::winkgrin::winkgrin:

Ask anybody who has ever met me and you'll find that I spend half my waking hours laughing :lol:

[Jessi P]

I'd rather laugh than cry any day. :winkgrin::lol::winkgrin::lol::winkgrin:

[2boys]

Some of those photos are stunning. One of my faves is the very first one.:cool:

[spooky01]

"Some mares can make good ponies too - I have heard of several, but it's pretty unusual to see."

The last time I ponyed, back in 2001, I ponied off a 10 year old ottb stud. He had even bred a few mares the previous year. What a saint he was. Never made a bad move, was tolerant and never studdish. The only time he got "attitude" was ponying a particular stud that he didn't like, but the only thing my pony would do was pin his ears and make faces. He made my job easy (or as easy as could be ;) )

[hipy]

WOW I really enjoyed seeing those photos,you really captured them. THANKS for sharing!!

[QHJockee]

I used to pony off a mare and she did just fine. I only took fillies and geldings. Pam Fitzgerald who is an asst for al stall jr has a girl pony - she, like a lot of girl ponies, have had an ovariectomy.

Gene, the outrider at Keeneland, sometimes rides a stud. He's a good looking horse too

[carrie_girl]

I have had a really fun time reading this thread, and have learned a lot. I have an OTQH and was told that after he retired from racing was used as a pony for a couple years. I don't know how good he was though because although he has never bitten or kicked another horse (and the horse we trail ride with is a basket case who has run into him full bore countless times) he does pin his ears and make faces. He is definitely a solid citizen though. Probably the most dependable horse I've ever owned.

[Gunnar]

WOW I really enjoyed seeing those photos,you really captured them. THANKS for sharing!!

I too loved the photos! Thanks for sharing!!:yes:

[Louise]

I enjoyed the photos so much that I was sorry when I clicked on the last one. Beautiful shots. Thank you for sharing.

[Lincoln]

Sarah - those pictures are just achingly beautiful. Thanks so much!