"Ponying", which there does not seem to be an online definition for, means to lead a horse while riding another. This is a good skill for both horse and rider to have when out on the trail, whether for catching a loose horse or for bringing along a pack horse for long trips.
It took only four or five sessions of leading Leo from another horse before he began to understand what we were asking him to do. I found out he can be quite stubborn; the trick is to be more stubborn than him. (And, of course, reward him for his good behavior!) For awhile, he didn't want to go when the riding horse went forward, and he didn't want to stop when the riding horse stopped, but he got it eventually.
We started this training in mid-December, and by early January, he was easily following the lead of the riding horse (her name is Jackie-O).
On a Friday afternoon in January, we took Leo on his first trail ride, being ponied, of course. Seeing him take in all the new sights and smells with ease was exciting! He didn't bat an eye at bicycles flying past, he picked his way through rocky terrain, and he wanted to say hello to every passing pedestrian.
Just as an aside, in case anyone is curious: though my trainer is pictured handling Leo, I also spent lots of time working with him. I just happened to be the one taking all the pictures!
