Riding a workhorse can be fun for the whole family! Most horses and ponies, from the smallest to the imposing, specific for draft, can become accustomed to the harness. Among the horses and ponies for children, when they have surpassed them in height, many are sent to harness rather than be sold. Whether you want to train an old riding horse or a young one, it would be best to start with an animal that is confident and calm and can be easily handled with the help of the collar.
Steps
Step 1. Allow the young horse to experience getting it used to for example the sight of cars, flags, plastic bags, the cart you are going to bring, small children, dogs and anything else it might run into in the future
For a draft horse, being accustomed to "traffic" is even more important, as it will rarely be found on dirt roads.
Step 2. "Dress" your inexperienced horse with light blankets or some harness, so that it gets used to carrying something on its back
Make sure the straps are touching gently on his paws and get him used to keeping his tail tied. Delights can be great rewards.
Step 3. Bit the horse as you would get it used to the saddle, but remember to use a draft bit
Even if the horse is trained in riding, you should start him on the bridle gradually, as he will not yet be familiar with blinders (rigid pieces of leather mounted on the bridle, which prevent him from seeing the cart behind him). Most people start with a solid rubber jointed bite. It may take a while for the horse to begin to feel comfortable with bit and blinders.
Step 4. Have him walk harnessed for a while so that he gets used to it
If you've followed the steps well, your horse should accept the harness without too much trouble.
Step 5. Train the already harnessed horse with free-range ground or lead exercises and practice giving it voice commands to walk, trot or stop
He should come to fully understand your commands.
Step 6. Tie long reins or ropes to the bit and start leading the horse off the ground
During this exercise, you will need to walk behind the horse and teach it to respond to light bridle pulls and voice commands. To achieve this, have him walk towards the fence and, when he is about to stop, pull both reins lightly while giving the command to "stop", or just pull one to make him change direction. Most horses get the message pretty quickly.
Step 7. Continue to lead him off the ground until you are certain he understands your commands
In particular, he should be perfectly trained to stop and hold the position at the respective signals.
Step 8. For added safety, take some time to get used to the cart
Drag him close to the horse so he can hear the sound. Let me smell it and get familiar with it. Have it placed between the two rods (but don't pin them) and lead it while someone will push the cart forward to move along together. You could also have your horse watch another one push the cart.
Step 9. Calmly, and with someone's help, secure the cart to the horse
One person will have to hold the animal still and reassure it, while you tie the harness to the cart. Do not step on it until you are sure that the horse is calm and comfortable with this new arrangement.
Step 10. Repeat these operations the necessary number of times, you will be able to get on the cart and have it pulled by your horse
Make sure you wear a helmet and always have someone nearby who can help you.
Step 11. Keep trying until you and your horse feel confident in this new situation
Now you can start enjoying strolls in the suburban streets. Choose the safest and with little traffic.
Step 12. Try to make the lessons short and interesting
A young horse can only take 15 to 20 minutes of non-stop walking per class. Then, always remember to reward him generously. Good fun!
Advice
- Be patient with your horse. Give him an extra couple of weeks to learn what you want him to do and it will pay off in the long run.
- Training your horse is fun and rewarding and can strengthen the bond between the animal and the owner, but of course you may prefer a professional trainer. In that case, you will get a highly trained tow horse, with what it takes to participate in parades and exhibitions. Remember that a professional ensures that there are no training gaps and, on balance, it is cheaper than a helicopter ride to the hospital.
Warnings
- Remember that even the most educated horses and ponies can be unpredictable.
- Although children can learn to lead a well-trained horse, it is recommended that the actual training be done by adults or teenagers (if supervised).
- Remember that a frightened horse's first reaction is to run away. Always try to foresee any possible danger in your path, especially at the beginning. It is not easy to imagine what could make him escape.
- It can happen that smaller ponies and miniature horses are treated and spoiled as pets. This is unfair to the animal and could prove dangerous later on. Don't allow them to bite, kick, and develop bad habits as children, even if they may look funny and cute. These treats will not please you as much once the puppies are grown up.
- Always remember that a horse can hurt you. Be careful when you are behind him: he can decide to kick at any time! That's why you should pay constant attention to his body language.
