Ride and drive pros and cons?

[Dwyran_gold]

So I have a lovely 13.2 nearly 2 year old Irish cob. I’m expecting him to make 14.2 which would be a good size for me to ride (he’s thick set and I’m 8st7 5”4). So when he’s old enough It’s been suggested I should break him to drive and then back him to ride the year after. I’ve never driven a horse, I’m a rider. I’m wondering how it would effect his ridden training if I had him broken to drive first? I’ve been told by drivers that it helps the process.. anyone have any experience with this?

 

[cundlegreen]

So I have a lovely 13.2 nearly 2 year old Irish cob. I’m expecting him to make 14.2 which would be a good size for me to ride (he’s thick set and I’m 8st7 5”4). So when he’s old enough It’s been suggested I should break him to drive and then back him to ride the year after. I’ve never driven a horse, I’m a rider. I’m wondering how it would effect his ridden training if I had him broken to drive first? I’ve been told by drivers that it helps the process.. anyone have any experience with this?

If broken in properly with the voice, it's a doddle to then break to ride. I've done several, and just lunged with the saddle on, got on, and hacked straight up the road. They all took to it easily and ages from 4, to 10. They were all in full work driving though.

 

[Dwyran_gold]

If broken in properly with the voice, it's a doddle to then break to ride. I've done several, and just lunged with the saddle on, got on, and hacked straight up the road. They all took to it easily and ages from 4, to 10. They were all in full work driving though.

thank you for your reply, that’s exactly what I’ve been told by the drivers offering to break him to drive when he’s ready. X

 

[cundlegreen]

thank you for your reply, that’s exactly what I’ve been told by the drivers offering to break him to drive when he’s ready. X

They must be broken properly, no missing out stages because the horse is easy. That way ends up as a accident waiting to happen. Pm me if you want more detailed description of how I do it.

 

[Leo Walker]

Breaking them to drive isn't something most people should be doing. To do it well is a real art and isnt cheap. If your not going to drive him yourself then its a bit pointless. If you are going to drive him yourself then you will need to invest time and money in you learning to drive before you start driving a newly broken pony.

 

[Dwyran_gold]

Breaking them to drive isn't something most people should be doing. To do it well is a real art and isnt cheap. If your not going to drive him yourself then its a bit pointless. If you are going to drive him yourself then you will need to invest time and money in you learning to drive before you start driving a newly broken pony.

thank you for your advice. My husband and dad drive. I just I don’t and he’s my pony. The trainer who has said he’d be good for ride and drive trains for a living x

 

[Goldenstar]

I backed one at ten that had only driven it was a doddle to get on him the issue we had was getting him to canter he had been taught not too was not bred to for a great canter ( Dutch harness horse ) it took a long time to master cantering

 

[Leo Walker]

thank you for your advice. My husband and dad drive. I just I don’t and he’s my pony. The trainer who has said he’d be good for ride and drive trains for a living x

Then the only downside I can think is that some show a strong preference for driving over riding. Of the two driving ponies I've had, both from very different backgrounds, both were ride and drive and both very much preferred driving to riding. Obviously that isnt the case for every pony, but while the current pony does get ridden now and again, I couldnt in good conscience make her main job be as a riding pony.

 

[Dwyran_gold]

Then the only downside I can think is that some show a strong preference for driving over riding. Of the two driving ponies I've had, both from very different backgrounds, both were ride and drive and both very much preferred driving to riding. Obviously that isnt the case for every pony, but while the current pony does get ridden now and again, I couldnt in good conscience make her main job be as a riding pony.

thank you for your reply, that’s very interesting to know! I’ve decided to use this year to have some proper driving lessons with a local trainer to see if I like it and if it’s something I’d be interested in taking up and sticking to. If not then I’ll concentrate on breaking him to ride when he’s ready (probably to the dismay of my dad who has taken a real liking to him) x

 

[scruffyponies]

I have broken everything I have to drive. The little ones have all been broken to drive first, then to ride, purely down to the lack of competent small riders. They are a quiet, safe, made pony before they're ever sat on.

Can't think of any down side, so long as it is done carefully and sensitively. If breaking young, don't overdo it, and be aware of the mental as well as the physical strain. A pony is physically able to pull a light cart on the flat as a 2yo, no problem, but if after the first 15 minutes of long reining he will be so tired from thinking he'll be ready for a nap!!

 

[Leo Walker]

thank you for your reply, that’s very interesting to know! I’ve decided to use this year to have some proper driving lessons with a local trainer to see if I like it and if it’s something I’d be interested in taking up and sticking to. If not then I’ll concentrate on breaking him to ride when he’s ready (probably to the dismay of my dad who has taken a real liking to him) x

People either love it or hate it. There doesnt seem to be any sort of middle ground. I was hooked the first time I ever did it. I know people who have tried it and refused to ever get in a carriage again. So I think your idea is a good one. Theres always a driver nearby who will happily take you out and show you the ropes.