First, it is important to try to determine why the pony is acting as he is. Work closely with an experienced horse person and your veterinarian to systematically investigate the problem. Possible reasons are a health or pain issue, a training issue, or a behavioral issue. Initially, make sure the saddle is in good condition and fits appropriately. If the pony has had a poorly fitting saddle in the past and that has caused back pain, he may be very apprehensive about saddling. Gently feel over you pony's back and sides checking for any discomfort. Another health concern is that some horses with stomach ulcers will object to saddling. Once a pain/health problem has been eliminated, make sure that the training that the pony has received is appropriate. Work hard to instill in your pony that standing still is a much better option than kicking at you. Here is how it works: Stand your horse to be saddled in a halter and long lead rope. Attempt to saddle your horse. If he stands quietly, praise him and continue. If he kicks at you, immediately start lounging your horse in small circles, working him very hard. Stop and attempt to saddle again. If he kicks, work him harder. Eventually your horse will learn that standing to be saddled is much easier than the work that results from his bad behavior (the kicking). It takes tenacity, but the method works. Finally, if the pony has a behavioral problem and becomes obstinate about being saddled, one solution is to restrain him to prevent movement and kicking. Never attempt to use these techniques unless you are an experienced horse person. One method with this technique is tying up a hind leg using a bowline knot that will not tighten around the horse's leg. This would be much like hobbling a horse to restrict its movement and provide you greater access to work around the horse. You can view a short video on how to properly tie a bowline knot at: Knot Tying: Bowline Knot. Then view the "Sacking Out Process" of the next video to learn how to properly restrain a horse's hind leg at: Young Horse Management Series Part 3. The entire "Young Horse Management" series contains basic training techniques that can help you develop a better relationship with your pony. You can also check out the YouTube Channel "eXHorses" to view more of our instructional videos on a variety of topics.

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