Help me! Want to know about driving...

[Dizzy socks]

So, I have a 9,2hh Shetland pony mare, rising 4 (March) that I would quite like to teach to drive. I think I may be a little too heavy to break her in - not sure though, opinions on that please to!)

Are the places you can take both your pony and yourself to be introduced to carriage driving? I have only driven a few times, and have been on 1 all day course.

Nothing fancy, would just like to potter about.

is there a relevant society, with branches? And where might I start?

I am Perth and Kinross. Thanks for all help!

We have a harness, and she can long rein in an elementary fashion.

 

[littleshetland]

I have a 9hh shetland that someone helped me brake to harness - one of the best things I,ve ever done - it's a lot of fun. A friend who worked for the RDA had the knowledge of driving horses - he showed me about the harness and the breaking process - it was all very easy and the pony took to it very easily. I got the little chap used to the bridle etc. lunging was a night mare (he was far to naughty..) long lining better (eventually we got him to drag a heavy log around) and when we put him too in his little buggy -he was excellent (the shafts stopped him spinning round, which shetlands do alot apparently) and off we went! Apparently (someone correct me if I'm wrong) but shetties can pull approx double their own weight, whereas other equines are expected pull the equivalent of their own weight. I know my little chap can easily pull two med/large adults no problem. Do It!!

 

[AengusOg]

Have a look on the Scottish Carriage Driving Association (SCDA) website; they often have days introductory days and/or instruction clinics.

One thing I'd say to you is that Shetlands should be treated like any other horse when being broken to drive, in that they deserve the same patience, tuition, and preparation for their job. Some people think, because they are small, that Shetland ponies are easily controlled and tend to cut corners in their training.

A bit of work on yielding to the bit on both sides usually dissuades them from spinning. Lots of stopping and standing on command helps them to be obedient and reliable. Desensitise to ropes over their backs and round their legs. A wee bit of light lunging, to get them active, listening, and obedient. Then a lot of long-reining with noise and activity around them will teach them their job, as well as letting you see how well suited they are for being driven.

Once the pony is going on boldly and with enthusiasm on the long-reins, you can introduce a bit of weight on the traces, a swingle tree, then a bit of log. Hopefully, after all of that, your pony will be ready to put to and get some driven mileage on the clock.

Pm me if you need any help.