It is difficult to read the mind of a pony, so use your hands always. If it is dispirited loose it and let it graze and it will regain its spirit; if the animal is of high spirit, shorten the girth, use your hands sparingly and rest it between rides.
If it does not trot well two men will hold it on two sides, one will drive from behind, rider will mount, make an incision in the mouth, take out every two days and make use your hands sparingly. If the habit is not rectified keep it in a bending position and fasten its cord to the roof of the stable. If the defect is not yet removed use ghila on one side and the cord on the other.
If the animal limps obstinately, use a ghila in the defective leg, if it does not give up the habit yet, cut the edge of the hoof as far as possible.
If it groans raise your hands and make it feel, and apply the Nagara ring.
If it shakes the body in a walk, use your hands lightly, shorten the girth and ride occasionally.
If it is unwilling to move the hind legs, use the ghila.
Even when there is no indication let me say something, i.e., a few instructions or hints to the rider.
Measure from the joint of the forelegs to the joint of the hind-legs and take your seat in the middle. If the saddle is shifted towards the rear bend your body the opposite way and if towards the front bend your body to the rear. Sit always firmly and make the animal move easily and sit straight with weight on the buttocks leaning slightly backward so that it stops at a pressure when desired. If it overstrides in front tie strings round the hocks and the steps will be shortened. Lean towards the side to which the horse is moving. Sit firm and all will be well.
