Driving Ponies

[montmol]

We went the the Equine Fair at Westpoint yesterday, and in the main ring was the Chariots of Fire display team. The lady said if you have a pony thatyour kids have grown out of, instead of selling it you can start driving it.
Well me and my mum heard this, and we are seriously thinking about it with molly, a 13hh little strong mixed up thing, as she is such a sweet little thing, and she is like the only pony that has ever got on well with monty. Im too big for her now and little sis is the perfect size for her. We know someone who drives loads of different size and types of horses and ponies.
Has anyone else done this? What do you guys think? Anywhere i can look for info etc

Thankies

 

[1275gta]

Oh my god the women wants shooting, you need to know what your doing and not all ponies take to it. You need expert help if you don't know what your doing. A pony in a vehicle can do an awfu lot more damage than a pony being ridden.

Please take some advice (and not from one of the so called experts who have only being doing it for 2 minutes and are now teaching) Look on the BDS website.

 

[Rollin]

I met the Chariots of Fire team at a BDS dinner before I left Scotland. They really know their business. I totally agree that carriage driving is an ideal sport for out grown ponies - I know a few folk who have done just that.

Ponies that are sensible and good in traffic are ideal candidates. I also agree on expert advice but that holds true for any new equestrian sport.

I would suggest contacting the area commissioner for BDS for a suitable trainer. (I have a CB mare and a stallion who took to long reins as if they had been born with blinkers on).

 

[Donkeymad]

I agree, it is an excellent thing to do with out grown ponies. It is true however, that you do need expert advice and that not all ponies are suitable.

You are best advised to take some driving lessons first, so you can learn what to do should any situations arise.
take a look at the BDS website and find yourself an LHHI, and take it from there.
I have broken two of my ponies to harness, and some donkeys and horses.

 

[rabatsa]

Driving is a great second occupation for outgrown ponies.

However if the pony is traffic shy or kicks do not bother going any further as it will be a waste of time.

It would pay you to have some driving lessons with a Light Harness Horse Instructor (LHHI) details of which are on the British Driving Society website. Then get the pony broken in by the same and have some lessons with the pony before trying unsupervised.

It is not cheap and shortcuts cannot be taken safely. Also you must always have someone else with you when you drive as you cannot leave the carriage and get to the ponies head without losing the only physical contact you have, the reins.

Good luck and happy driving.

 

[duggan]

If your pony long lines well and confidently its half the battle, you can safely do the basic work yourself to prepare for the breaking process.
Expert help is the way to go, many a horse has been spoilt by someone 'having a go' and the result is a horse that'll never go in harness again.
Don't dash off and buy harness, longline him in an open bridle and book in for a few lessons with the person you hope will break him. If they drive calmly and safely it'll be a good start to having your pony do the same. Once broken they should advise you re harness and carriage. Good luck, if it works out it is brilliant fun!

 

[tashpritty]

i thinks it great when outgrown ponies and horses can have a second use but please dont just 'have a go'

i suggest gettin in touch with the bds and have some driving lesson with a qualified instructor to see how you get on and most importantly enjoy it.

 

[Cobbysmum]

We taught our daughter's pony to drive, we were complete novices at driving but had expert advice from a good friend. We did all the ground work and putting to the trap as he told us and then he came, popped in the trap, round the field a couple of times and off we went. It helped that our pony was totally bombproof and the extra work took the edge off his naughtiness. We had had the pony for around 10 years and knew him well. We are hoping to start with our little welshie next year, time permitting.

 

[Tharg]

Is an open bridle one without blinkers?

 

[montmol]

Yes- we weren't jsut going to 'have a go'!! we were thinking of having lessons from a friend, and learning the ropes- then getting her to help us break in ours. She is very bombproof which is why we thought about it in the first place! I should add- we have been thinking about it for a while now, it isnt just some spur of the moment thing!!!!!!

 

[AengusOg]

I broke my first driving horse myself, with no help except when it was time to put him to for the first time. He was a very easy horse to work with and was born to drive. I've done others since.

There are a couple of good books which can give an insight into what is required of a driving pony, and what is involved in training a pony for driving.

Getting them used to noise around and behind is important, as is making them obedient to the voice, so lots and lots of longreining and roadwork will help.

If you feel you need help at any point, seek it.

Good luck.