As long as there are ponies, there will be a need for pony catch riders. Tiny children matched with green or mischievous ponies present notable challenge, especially on a horse show day. A catch ride with a more experience pony riders is a useful training tool and remedy in the right situation to resolve a pony’s spoiled bucking, rearing, spooking, or refusing to jump. Young and often inexperienced riders can get scared when ponies act up and make things worse. Other times, trainers may just need a catch ride in the pony under saddle because a child has two ponies.
Regardless of the reason for the pony catch ride, individuals involved in the decision making process should know of potential problems and liability concerns that can arise out of a “simple” pony catch ride.
