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Post by dancinwithhorses on Apr 23, 2008 21:28:42 GMT -5
Who or where would you go to learn how to train a horse to pull a cart? Or have your horsed trained?? I never see ads for this and I am interested in learning. Although miniatures would be intersting I was thinking about full size horses? What are your thoughts?  |
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Post by barbpurple on Apr 23, 2008 22:00:56 GMT -5
get ahold of tockita she knows.. lots of information!!!
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Post by Tockita on Apr 23, 2008 22:41:07 GMT -5
This is how I teach mine..
First your horse should know how to ground dive in long lines. Back in the day, western folk put a strap (or baling twine, a dog leash.. whatever worked) to both stirrups under the horses belly, and drove that way. (no silly surcingles for them cowboys! lol)
You ask the horses to walk forward (ok to have someone leadline at first)
They should be comfortable with you behind or to either side and be able to
stop,
turn both directions,
and back CONSISTENTLY before you go passed this step.
This is also handy for saddle starting.. when you pull one rein, let it lift the stirrup away from the horses side a bit as this will also apply pressure with the stirrup on the other side. (horse moves away from pressure)
But you can of course use a surcingle, or even a harness if you like.
Eventually with shafts you will not want the horse to turn sharply so keep this in mind at this stage as well. To turn a single hitch they will need to almost half pass, or learn to side pass (depending on the amount of room available to make a turn.)
Once your horse understands what you are asking it to do. Please work until they are relaxed, and soft about the ground driving because once you start adding shafts they have enough to think about, direction should be automatic by then.
You can use PVC pipes. Start by walking next to you horse dragging the shaft (on both sides) When your horse is consistently OK with this...
Either run the pole through the stirrup or the loop on the harness, and have your horse drag it (repeat on other side. ) keep working up to loosely tying it, When your horse is consistently OK with this at a walk and trot...
You can add a second pole, and make sure they are still comfortable. Lead them next to you dragging the cart. When your horse is consistently OK with this...
You can hitch them and drive walking beside or next to the cart. Do not, I repeat DO NOT get into a cart behind a horse that does not seem relaxed and happy to be moving at a walk and trot, stopping, turning and backing CONSISTENTLY.
Some horses progress quickly, others need repetition. There are clinics and books available, but no matter what I say, or you read, or hear.. Please use common sense and be able to read YOUR horse.
Driving should be fun for you and for them.
My old ponies favorite gait was a smart little trot, but some horses prefer to walk.
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Post by pnp4kidz on Apr 24, 2008 0:24:49 GMT -5
We are so lucky, and have a few excellent driving trainers right here near us...
look around, they are there, they just don't always advertise a lot...
I think Sundance will have to learn this lovely sport this year... a good preceptor to riding! no doubt about it!!!
but, can you even imagine a harness to fit a fat short pony??? LOL!!!
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Post by janet on Apr 24, 2008 12:17:14 GMT -5
It's also extremely helpful to have a second set of hands when starting new steps. When I break the minis to drive and I'm starting them out on the drive lines, having someone at their head is a huge plus. I also use pvc poles hooked together and the first one or two times, I have someone at their head and someone on the drive lines, just in case they spook. Also, drag anything and everything behind them! Make sure you can flick a whip around them too. I don't use a whip much in driving, but my horse had better be prepared for the person who is passing me in the showring, flicking away with their whip.
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