I want to break toffee to drive,now my daughter has outgrown her,she is 12.2hh and 7 years old.I was told when i bought her that she had been driven before,i did look into sending her to be broken elsewhere,but i think i will have a go myself,i have a basic idea of how to go about it,and would be interested in hearing of anyone elses experience with thishubby reconditioned a old cart we bought.

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I have broke many horses to cart, you are better having some one that knows how to with you when doing this sort of thing. It takes two people any ways, maybe you could see if any of your mates have done it before?

Just to let you know though, I start with just regular ground driving, then do the same in full harness. After I am sure they are feeling good about the whole thing I move up to pulling tires, also if you can get you hands on some pvc pipes, they work great as fake shafts. Better if your horse freaks and starts kicking.

When they are ready to be put to them make sure the first time you don't actually hook the cart on, just put the shafts in the tugs and lead the horse, in case they freak out again that way your helper can just hold the back of the cart and the horse will come away from it.

Good luck let us know what you decide to do and how your pony takes to it.

Thanks,i have tied her up and put all the harness on,she didnt bat an eyelid,i lead her about a bit too.Looks like ill be clocking up the miles longreining

Well that is the first step! Good luck! Some take to it real easy and others, well I try to use a stable but not so great cart when breaking them in. Nothing worse than watching a few thousands worth of cart take a beating.

With any luck she has been driven and you just need to refresh her training.

I hope so,dealer didnt have any real reason to fib about that as i bought her as a second riding pony.She has a lovely calm nature

I will keep my fingers crossed for you!

Nothing beats being able to go for a drive though, especially in winter, with a blanket! lol

aww love the little cart! are you going to show with her?

No not really into all that,just want to be able to go for peaceful country drives,and pub crawls in summergiven up on riding after my last nutty chesnut tb mare nearly finished me off!

Cant wait to join ya!!!
I'll buy you a pint lol

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Hi!
Do you know of anyone who breaks horses to harness by any chance in the High Peak/Stockport Area please? I have a gypsy cob who has not been driven for a few years and also a young shetland. I can find contacts for driving instruction/courses for people, but not for breaking horses for driving. Can you or anyone advise me please?
Many thanks!!!