I know I have to teach him on the ground before I even think about hooking him up to a cart, but i tried today (with a halter and two lead ropes-I'm still on the look for a harness) and he didn't seem to want to listen to what I was telling him to do....any suggestions? I know it will take time but any tips will help. Also, does anyone know where I can find a cart and harness thats not terribly expensive?-it doesn't need to be really fancy. Thanks in advance.
2006-12-20 12:18:38 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
What you need to do is work with the two lead ropes and have someone lead him as well. If you have never ground drove before, it is hard to try to get a horse to do it. If you can at least get a bridle of some sort it will make it a lot easier for you to train. A surcingle is helpful to put the leads through because that is the position they will be when actually driving.
Carry a whip with you and give him a tap (someone is standing at his head for the first few times) and if he doesn't walk, give him a harder tap until he starts going forward. Pull back on the lead ropes to stop, use words to help, such as Whoa. Just worry about straight lines with starting and stopping before even attempting a circle. When you turn, slowly pull on the inside rope, while still holding the outside rope so he can't spin and turn.
It is a LOT easier to train him once you have the harness and cart. The driving bridle has blinders on them- he will only see forward and he won't gawk or spin as much. The cart bars will also keep him in a straight position- he won't curve.
We have a 3 yr old mini that we have only lunged before, and hooked him up to a cart- after the first time and a few little bucks, he was a pro. He still takes off trotting when he should just walk; he listens to the trot command and whoa just fine though. Since we don't ever plan on showing him- we don't care if he breaks gait, as long as he goes comfortable where we want him to.
2006-12-20 12:44:21 · answer #1 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Miniature Horse Carts And Wagons
2016-11-02 23:46:47 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you need to get something that is a little heavy and tie them together. After you do that you put it on their back for about 5 hours a day for about a week. And then if you have a harness that fits them put it on and then connect it to a cart or a wagon(preferable a cart). and put something in the back of the cart that is heavy (not a person because the horse might buck). Connect the lead rope close to the bit. then pull one lope to the left and help them move that way (same for right). And eventually they'll be able to pull a cart or wagon.
2006-12-22 10:36:34 · answer #3 · answered by iloveschool 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Miniature horses can be very stubborn and hard to train. A harness is a necessity, as it distributes the pull force on the shoulders.
Train using treats and be patient, a few hours a day is necessary, always with the harness on.
If you just started it will take some time.
2006-12-20 12:34:19 · answer #4 · answered by Johnny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The challenge, at first, will be in getting him to walk in front of you and turn according to the reins.
Put just the bridle on him and get him moving forward by pushing his rump with your knees and giving him your "walk" command. Tell him "good boy," or click your tongue or a clicker when he moves, so he knows he's on the right track. Occasionally, after you click or tell him "good," step forward and give him a handful of grain or another treat.
If he starts twisting to one side, pull gently on the opposite rein. In the early stages, it helps to carry a stick to push his neck in the right direction without moving up from behind him. Walk him straight forward, stop him, turn him, and walk him back until he walks on command. Then start turns.
For turns, it helps to have two commands to use in conjunction with the reins: "turn," for when you want him to change direction, and "over," for when you want him to make a small sideways adjustment if he drifts around on the road. The stick is a real help until he figures out that he needs to walk in the direction the reins are pulling him, instead of stop with his head turned to one side.
You'll want to teach him to ignore barking dogs eventually. Good luck with that.
If he's small enough, you might be able to fit a large dog harness on him. It shouldn't be a problem if he only pulls light loads for short periods. Likewise, with a little creativity and some shop tools, you can turn a full-size tricycle or one of those luggage carts that hooks to the back of a bike into a rickshaw. If you use a rickshaw, you'll have to attach some sort of belt to the harness to distribute weight over his back.
2006-12-20 12:44:07 · answer #5 · answered by Rachel R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learn Train Your Horse Easy!
2016-07-14 07:09:01 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to a hobby shop and get a dolly stroller, after all it is a miniature horse.
2006-12-20 12:21:25 · answer #7 · answered by Mary 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you beat him
2006-12-20 12:19:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋