Driving a shetland pony

Just a thought MyBoyChe but would it be worth having a carriage driving lesson first to see if you like it. Not everyone enjoys being so far behind the horse or pony. Some of my friends who are good riders really hate the sensation of driving as they don't feel they are in complete control.
 
PP, I know what you mean about the odd feeling of being so far behind. I have had a go at driving, many years ago and it was with a friends pony who was totally bombproof to drive. I admit I did find it an odd sensation, not altogether in control, but I loved the experience and would love to try it with Bracken. Although Im happy longreining etc I wouldnt know where to start with actually breaking to drive properly so need to research the best way to start from the beginning. I also have a Highland pony who is my hack, he is 7 and Im hoping he will see me through my riding lifetime, if I can teach the littlun, I might progress to the bigger boy, then in our dotage when I cant manage to clamber on, maybe we could go for a gentle drive. Back in the 1930s my grandma used to drive my mum to school in a pony and trap, I have seen the pictures and always fancied a go!
 
MyBoyChe while I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm a novice driver teaching a novice pony is a recipe for disaster, given the danger from today's traffic. In your grandmother's day everyone respected a pony and trap, it was part of everyday life, but these days even the most experienced carriage drivers take their life in their hands on the roads so it is vital that you have a perfectly behaved pony. Why not try to get some professional help where you are allowed to join in and learn at the same time - it could be great fun and give you someone to lean on if anything goes wrong. A wonderful idea though and one I'm sure that will give you plenty of pleasure in the future.
 
Agreed PP, the traffic is the biggest issue, Pony is good in traffic but I understand what you are saying, could be a recipe for disaster. Do you know how I go about finding a good teacher in my area, is there an accredited list somewhere or is it a word of mouth thing?
 
I bought a second hand cart and harness from someone on HHO (apologies, I have forgotten your user name, but many thanks:))

I broke my shettie companion to drive - he is in his teens and had only ever been a pet. He loves it:) He is utterly bombproof, so has partaken in fancy dress parades, Jubilee gymkhanas and at xmas dresses as a reindeer to deliver presents round the village:D No pics as my daughters are in all of them and I don't want out myself, but I would highly recommend you have a go - it is great fun:D
 
MyBoyChe word of mouth is often best but if there is no one in your area why don't you book a little break away and go and learn from an expert where there is also beautiful countryside to enjoy. I think there are a few trainers listed on www.dragondriving.co.uk but always Google them first to find out if there are any bad reports about them. Hope this helps - good luck!
 
Hello, I live in Australia, and drive a 9.2 shetland called Fergus (Green Hills Memphis), and we have now bought another to drive as a pair..Frazier (something Gecko).
Fergus was broken to harness about two years ago, and took to it like a duck to water. We pleasure drive, show in cart, and in hand and have also compete in driven dressage and cones.
Never tell a Shetland he cannot do it.................as they can and will. He has just turned 4and this year when he lost his winter coat this year we realized he has finally grown up.
As someone said try driving first, driving clubs, at least out here have come and try days.
We also have, and drive a Welsh A, and Clydesdales, and by far the smartest are the Shetties, but as they are so darn cute, the main thing is to treat them the same as a 18h, manners and obedience at all times.
One of our club members after this seasons shows said that I should upgrade to a Welsh.................I told them no way I love wee hairy ponies with attitude.
 
I drive a mini shetland (as I've mentioned before) he's 9hh and can pull easily 2 medium sized adults. I had to give him a job as when he came to me (a freebie!) he had grumbling laminitis having just been used previously used as a lawnmower. I can honestly say its excellent fun - he 'hacks' out with the other horses (now they've calmed down about it...), takes me to the local in the summer, and is a bit of a mini celebrity in the village. Also excellent for Ben Hur re- enactments and Boadicea impressions!
 
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