Driving pony/training to drive!

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Horsespog

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So, I'm not entirely sure of my ponies age, but her previous owner said she was around 7 then so she should be around 11-12 years now. She is in good health, but I've unfortunately outgrown her, she's 13.2 and a welsh B- I'm just wondering if it could be a possibility to train her to drive? Is she a little to old to 'put her through' the training? I wouldn't say so, but just wanting others opinions. I would wait until spring, and see how she takes to it/if she likes it.
 
She could probably do it if she's sensible and used to traffic. Breaking to harness is very easy to get disastrously wrong so it might be worth sending her to a professional. Barry Hook has some great videos of his trainees on youtube and might be worth a look if your local, not sure where he's based but I think possibly Hampshire.
 
lastchancer said:
She could probably do it if she's sensible and used to traffic. Breaking to harness is very easy to get disastrously wrong so it might be worth sending her to a professional. Barry Hook has some great videos of his trainees on youtube and might be worth a look if your local, not sure where he's based but I think possibly Hampshire.
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She's incredibly sensible, and is brill in traffic, just seems a shame leaving her to no work when the dry weather comes(emphasis on the when!!), and I have considered a professional and already have one in mind, but thank you anyway, I'll definitely check out some of his videos. ☺️
 
You won't come to much harm if you start longreining her, see how she takes to it. You don't need harness to get started except a driving bridle with blinkers and a lungeing roller.
 
Oooh! you should definitely give it a go. I was gifted a small shetland who is prone to laminitis and was just used as a companion / field ornament. I knew I had to give him a job when he came to me to keep him healthy so I decided to break him to harness - one of the best things I ever did. He took to it really well ( aged 9) and (much to my surprise) so did I - hours of fun and a very happy pony. Now all the bigger riding horses about the place have got used to it now, and now hack happily up the road with the little chap. Its also an excellent way to entertain small kids (Boadaceia, Ben Hur impressions!) and taking Grannies out for a gentle plod.
 
Thankyou for all the advice! I think I will give it a go, take her to a professional and survey the situation and see how she takes to it. I already have a few cobs who drive, but I usually take the passive role and enjoy the drive, and allow my dad to drive rather than me, but always fancied it myself, so it could prove to be very interesting for me! Once again thankyou for all the advice☺️
 
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