Oh yes, the old "I'm not too sure about this one" look at the balloons.
One can only surmise what a pony is doing in the Nationals balloon race if he’s that scared of balloons. Perhaps it’s a four person team.
Regardless, there are things that can be done—preferably long before the
competition! Whenever I bring in a new pony I intend to use for the
games, one of the first things I do is set him in a small paddock with
all of the equipment, including blown-up balloons set on the boards.
Nothing dangerous of course: just simple things like flags, poles,
balloons, etc. Horses are naturally inquisitive and after a week of living
with the equipment, rarely do I have one that even bats an eye at it. The
important thing is to take your time and do these things outside of
practice. Time spent with you pony on the ground can be just as important
as time on his back.
Insistently, the rider needs to relax big time. She is leaning
forward slightly, and the tension throughout her body is very evident. This sends a
huge signal to the pony that danger is just ahead! She needs to relax her
back, legs and arms, take a deep soft seat and squeeze from the lower leg
with shoulder further back. It may not work if the pony is too freaked,
but it is her best chance.
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