Introduction
In the previous section, we discussed rein aids, leg aids, a pony's gaits, and longeing your pony. Here, I will talk about a few more training techniques that are, again, still generally applicable regardless of what type of pony you have (or will have). Of course, please feel to skip around and only do what you think seems interesting. Below are some of the "advanced" topics; you can skim over the little blurbs below and follow the links to learn more:
The leg yield is one of the first lateral movements a pony should learn. It is not too difficult to perform, and lays the foundation for further lateral work such as the half pass, and side pass. The leg yield, just like the half pass, requires forward movement. While the pony is moving forward, he will yield to the rider's leg while maintaining his forward movement. In so doing, the pony will likely have to cross his legs to achieve the diagonal movement.
A leg yield can be formed at any gait, but let's start with a leg yield at the walk before trying it at other gaits. Let's start by trying to get our pony to leg yield to the left. At the walk, ask the pony for a little flexion to the right (since we will want a leg yield to the left). To get the flexion, apply a little tension to the right rein making sure to keep the pony moving at a nice walk along a straight line. Now, ask the pony to yield to your right "leg" by flicking his right side with you whip. He should now be flexed slightly to the right, but moving forwards and to the left.
Driving a ponygirl or ponyboy is one of basics of ponyplay that should learned as early as possible. More advanced driving techniques can be added later on in training, but how start, stop, and go faster or slower should be taught as early as possible. Driving is not just for cart ponies; it is useful in many areas and should be taught to any ponyboy or ponygirl.
Driving a pony involves guiding your pony while behind him. When driving a pony, it is easiest to hold one rein in each hand, but this is not necessary. To ask your pony to move forward, say "walk on," or cluck. A light flick of a whip or the reins may be necessary if the pony does not respond to your voice commands. If you wish the pony to move forward at the trot, then you can say "trot on," and cluck, and apply the whip if necessary. It is similar for the canter, but you would say "canter," or "canter up," and cluck to the pony.