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Post by hollyandpebs on Apr 3, 2012 12:51:24 GMT
Hello there, i have a section D 2 year old gelding. I want to have him as an all rounder but want to drive him. what age can i start to harness him up, and is there any websites or information on how to do it all properly. I long rein him now and he took to it like a duck to water, i heard that pulling a Tyre is a good start should i try this?
I would send him away to be taught to driven, as iv never done it before what age would i send him? and can anyone suggest anyone in the north west that could maybe teach me and him together.
Thanks Holly ;D
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Post by zoonie on Apr 3, 2012 13:18:06 GMT
Hi there hollyandpebs - first of all I think your sec D will love driving as part of his all round education however I have found that Ds are very slow to mature mentally so you won't want to do too much with him for a wee while yet. If you plan to start riding him in the spring of his fourth year then you could start his driven training about six months before this and it will make a huge difference when you start riding him as he will understand word commands and also what your rein aids are all about. So this year I would concentrate on taking him out short walks about the place, let him see the world a bit and get him used to spooky things like wheelie bins, baby buggies, people with umbrellas and maybe some traffic. You can do this in an open bridle and by the end of this year he should be happy and confident with most things you meet. Teach him your word commands and how to halt and stand still (PERFECTLY still  ) and to walk on smartly with you at his shoulder. You could also rope a friend in and ask them to pull a wheelie bin around behind him and also get him used to things like wheelbarrows following him and different noises. Next winter is plenty of time to try him with a tyre however if you are going to send him away to be broken I would leave it all to the same person so you don't muddy the waters too much - some trainers are quite wary of ponies that have been 'started'. Where abouts do you live? I might be able to point you in the right direction of some experienced drivers in your area. |
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Post by penduk on Apr 3, 2012 18:00:38 GMT
I agree with Zoonie, and spend this year having some driving lessons yourself so that when the time comes you will have an idea of what you are asking him and why. As you are starting from scratch get someone who will teach you how to drive "coachman" style as it is easier to learn that now rather than later when you are two handed.
Good luck and enjoy.
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Post by hollyandpebs on Apr 6, 2012 16:22:06 GMT
thankyou, yes he is very good with lots of things such as bags, i make him stand on them, he has his bridle on and iv just started longreining him. He is very responsive and im just getting him use to the simple things. Im in the north west cheshire if you know of anyone to help me. Thank you again.
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) and to walk on smartly with you at his shoulder. You could also rope a friend in and ask them to pull a wheelie bin around behind him and also get him used to things like wheelbarrows following him and different noises. Next winter is plenty of time to try him with a tyre however if you are going to send him away to be broken I would leave it all to the same person so you don't muddy the waters too much - some trainers are quite wary of ponies that have been 'started'. 
