Comment

Comment by KM Adams on April 20, 2010 at 11:52am

We have tied PVC pipe onto the saddle and dragged it behind -- not only do they get a tad bit of noise, but also feel it bouncing off their leg desensitizing them to the shafts and traces. We have taken bailing twine and tied a few plastic milk jugs or cans with a few rocks, coins, beans in them to get a totally different sound behind the horse. Chains clanking from behind are also a good noises for them to hear. Then we would move to dragging a tire in order to get a feel of some weight on their collar or breast strap so they learn to pull. If you have a sand arena, the tire will sometimes fill with sand -- as it should so they continue to get used to moving forward against the pressure.

Comment by Brenda Gordon on April 20, 2010 at 3:08am

How should I start my Morgan with a cart? He line drives now, wae toldnot to put pvc pipes behind him to drag itwould scare him.
What did you do first?

Comment by Jennifer Moore on April 18, 2010 at 8:03pm

Went to my first learn-to-drive clinic yesterday at Relhok Farm in Barrie. It was a lot of fun, and I'm sure with lots of lessons and 15 years or so I'll get the hang of harnessing, putting-to and perhaps even driving, lol. It was a good clinic at a lovely facility; I'm glad I went!

Comment by Debra McDaid on April 18, 2010 at 2:29pm

Does anyone other than myself drive standardbreds? Any breed can be driven, but not all individual horses like it.

Comment by Debra McDaid on April 18, 2010 at 2:26pm

As to closed bridles, they only cause trouble down the line, as the horse is never truly broken in. I have trained stbs. for over 20 years and my husband has been at it for over 40. Most people opt for the quick fix, but we have always broken our horses in opens. Most of our horses go their entire careers in open. We then use the odd closed, or Kant-see-back bridle for a race or two, or on an old sour horse but for the race only. Our colts, and horses have always been the best broke, and considered bomb proof. Most people in racing just act as if this was by chance, but it is due to consistant and calm handling, added: an open bridle for the horse to see and understand.... they may spook, but once by with an open they calm down, a closed bridle means they don't know when they are by the object, and they can't see you in order to get cues from you other than by your voice... so your choice (slc2) was a good one... My photo in this box will show just how little equipment I like on my horses, ie as little as possible, Che has just gone a work mile in this photo. He is the only standardbred horse I know (in race training) that is safe enough to get off and change his equipment, including hobbles when other horses are training, or jogging... he will walk with you in the cart or out of it, stop and wait for you, he has even been driven and trained in a hackamore for a while. This all took time and patients. take care and good luck, I'm glad to see there is a discussion for driving, although this is not my end game for my horse (eventually he is to be an eventer), it is fun to drive him, and hopfully race this year or next. deb

Comment by Bruce Hann on April 12, 2010 at 9:29am

I know it ain't easy, but I've transported two Percherons (one 18hh) in a two horse straight load bumper hitch trailer.. I wouldn't do it again! Scary!

Comment by Tom Bridgman on April 12, 2010 at 4:59am

Thanks all for the advice, finally found a local person with big enough trailer to haul the hors

Comment by Tom Bridgman on April 11, 2010 at 5:00am

Need help have a 17.3 hh horse I need to transport asap but cannot find any one in the area that has a trailer big enough I live in central IL anyone out there with large horses that can help or know some one that can help???

Comment by Sonia on March 21, 2010 at 6:06pm

If anyone is looking for a sturdy well-trained driving/riding horse I have some wonderful horses available. Please contact me through private message.

Comment by Jennifer Moore on March 21, 2010 at 12:55pm

So excited - I've signed up for a learn-to-drive clinic April 17! I'm looking forward to learning lots, and getting started driving.

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