People with driving ponies.

[Sugarplum Furry]

A question. Is there such a thing as a driving collar that opens at the top, so it can be put on without having to pass the collar over the pony's head? Or...is there a breast harness especially for use when using a pony for agricultural use, chain harrowing for example?

I'm asking as the pony I intend to use for farm type work is absolutely adamant that no way on earth is he going to let me put a driving collar over his head. I've tried everything I can think of, treats, clicker, loads of repetition Considering he's an Exmoor and originally came to me totally feral as a baby straight off the moor he's done really well. He's 5 now, he accepts a saddle etc, he's really great at long lining (you wouldn't believe the battles we had about that). He's not big enough for me to ride so he's potentially my farm work vehicle but aaargh! stuck now! Any advice welcome..

 

[Baggybreeches]

Yes there is, but I remember them being like hens teeth! A collar with a strap that fastened at the top keeping both sides joined.
Never seen a breast plate that you could use for work though, our ponies always had collars.
Maybe try a specialist sale like Reading Carriage sale (if it is still going).

 

[Sugarplum Furry]

Baggybreeches, YES, thank you, that's exactly what I had in mind. I think Reading carriage sales is still going (I'll check) although I haven't got a fortune to spend, if you say they are like hen's teeth I'd better start saving up!

 

[Brontie]

The full collars, with the buckle at the top, I believe are donkey collars which might help you with your search

 

[kate081]

Why don't you try a webbing collar for now? Then once you've sussed that, you could try the collar on him again. You wouldn't need to get the full harness so would be quite cheap. I know Bennington sell Tedex harness parts - http://www.benningtoncarriages.co.uk/accessories/zilco-harness/zilco-tedex-harness

Good luck!

 

[Sugarplum Furry]

Kate, good shout, thanks for the link, I'll give the company a ring next week and see if they can help.

Brontie, aha, donkey collars, I hadn't thought of those. (Having said that I just did a swift Google search and honestly, there are some very weird people out there!!).

 

[Baggybreeches]

Brontie, aha, donkey collars, I hadn't thought of those. (Having said that I just did a swift Google search and honestly, there are some very weird people out there!!).

Haha I can well imagine!