by ponygalmaddy, age 13

Horses, like humans, have ‘off’ days where they may not be as good as normal. This, as I know, becomes very frustrating for the rider/owner. This is a little guide for how to get rid of your anger or stress without inflicting it on your pony:

CHANNEL GOOD ENERGY INTO RIDING. This means if your pony is playing up, instead of kicking and whipping your horse, direct the energy another way by riding firmly (I mean firmly, not roughly), becoming stronger, and using the feelings in a positive way.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH. In, out, in, out — BREATHE. Just halt and take a few breaths, shake out any frustration by removing your feet from your stirrups, and shake your feet about a bit. Imagine all the anger is running down to your feet and dropping out as you shake your toes.

HAVE A GOOD CRY. Yes, I know it’s a bit babyish, but it can make you feel better to have a cry. Everyone seems to think it’s a bad thing to do, but it always makes me feel better!

DO SOMETHING SIMPLE. Go for a hack in the fields. Just have a walk and a little trot round. Leave the more tricky stuff to another day when you and your pony are in a good frame of mind.

Remember, if your pony is a being an annoying little gnat, whatever you do — DON’T GET ANGRY! If you have read my other blog, Enforcing Bad Behaviour: Are You Doing It? you’ll see why not. It just makes your pony a whole lot worse, and in return your pony will lose his confidence in you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: If you *or* your horse are having an off day, don’t do anything that will compromise safety. Horses pick up on our emotions, and how they react to those emotions (especially anger) can potentially put you and your horse in an unsafe situation.