Training your Mini to drive

In answer to several requests, I'm going to start a series on how to train your horse to drive. First, I recommend that you visit my Horse Training Secrets hubpage: hubpages.com/hub/Natural-Training-Methods-for-Small-Equine and take your driving prospect through the round pen program outlined there. This can take as little as two weeks or as long as a few months, depending upon how diligent you are in working your horse and how quickly he learns. After he is respectful, responsive, and doesn't fear either you or your tools, you can proceed to Lesson #1, below.

LESSON #1 - Introducing your horse to the bit, surcingle, and harness

We're going to assume that you've done your homework and that your horse is ready to move into driving training. Take him to the round pen or to a safe, enclosed area. I recommend a nylon surcingle or a driving harness with the crupper and breeching removed. You only want the "saddle" and girth at this phase. I also recommend a bit with a simple bridle - no blinkers yet. (See the photo below) First, check your horse's belly for sensitivity. Wrap your lungeline or a seperate lead line around your horse's heartgirth area and draw it snug with your hands. Careful - if he's ticklish he might kick or jump forward. Tug on the rope several times, see-saw it back and forth and see if you get a reaction. If so, continue doing whatever bothers him until he stands there quietly and relaxed.

To introduce him to the surcingle, simply toss it across his back. If you've accomplished the basic round pen work and have desensitized your horse, this shouldn't frighten him. If it does, do it again and again until he accepts it. Resist the urge to sweet-talk your horse and to tiptoe around him. He needs to be able to tolerate you just walking up and tossing the surcingle across his back. Buckle it snuggly but not too tightly at first. Turn him loose or work him for a few minutes on the lunge line to let him get used to the feel. If he wants to buck or run, let him, but only for this one lesson. After this, you'll correct him if he tries to buck when harnessed. Whenever he's comfortable with the girth, bring him back to the center of your work area and praise him.

Now it's time for the bit. The bridle I use is nothing more than a snaffle bit and a single strap with a buckle for adjustment. This simple rig is easy to put on and to remove. Slip the bit into your horse's mouth, being careful not to bump his teeth, and adjust it so that it barely touches the corners of his mouth. Now is a good time to tighten up your surcingle so that it fits snuggly. Work him again for several minutes while he gets used to carrying the bit. He's going to chew a lot, so don't worry about it. Whatever you do, don't put a noseband on him to tie his mouth shut. Mouthing the bit and chewing it is important. He'll eventually learn how to comfortably carry it with his mouth closed.

After you've lunged him for several minutes, bring him back to the center. Using the halter, ask him to flex his head first to one side and then to the other. Then, snap your lead onto one side of his bit and gently ask him to flex with that. Don't pull too hard or you could pull the bit through his mouth. If this happens, don't panic, just slide it back through so that it's seated properly then ask him to flex again. Work on one side until he's doing it well then move the lead to the other side of his bit and work for awhile on that side. Your goal here is to get him soft and responsive and giving you his head easily. When he's doing that, it's time to end the lesson for the day.

Repeat this lesson over the next few days. You'll notice your horse getting more comfortable in the bit (although he'll likely still be chewing it) and much softer when you ask him to yield his head.