Horse Supplies Check List?

[Tremor]

So, I'm going to start training my 11 year old (in May) stallion how to drive. I want to be able to show him in the AMHA horse shows. But we'll see how it goes!

But, before I do any training I want to have the right supplies!

I have a list of stuff that I would like to get:

Throat Sweat- $13-16

Belly Wrap- $41-45

Neck Sweat- 26-30

Lunge Caveson- $27

Long Lines- $26

Nylon Training Surcingle- $33

Draw Reins(?)- $29

Training Rings(?)- $6

Breaking and Training the Driving Horse by Doris Ganton- $15

Show Your Mini- $20

Train Your Own Mini- $24

What do you guys think of my list? Is there maybe something else that I may need? Or, do you recommend anything such as books, tack, or anything?

I would appreciate any help! I've never done anything like this, but I would love to train my stallion, his 2010 foal Pete (once he's old enough), and our mare (Pete's dam) how to drive.

Thanks!

-Julia

 

[Eohippus]

I use leg wraps when first training a horse how to drive and then when working on new things. Just make sure you learn how to correctly use them or they can cause more harm than good! Also, don't forget a lounge whip for when you're exercising him.

As far as the sweats/wraps go... I personally don't sweat my horses and if I were going to I'd only do my halter horses. Even then I'd evaluate what I can have them work off through exercise and what could really use that extra push the week/days/night before a show. I don't think you need them right away. Some others may have different opinions but since they're not vital to training, not getting them can save you some money to buy other things

Also, if you're only able to get a few things first.. Get the videos/books first. Check your local library too. I know mine has a lot of books on horse training, even driving. Just about all of it (unless its riding, really) can be applied to mini training. I learned a lot about training through books and videos I would check out of the library.

Is there a local trainer in your area who would be willing to give a lesson here or there in order to help you along/offer tips, etc? That was one thing that really helped me get my stallion trained for the halter ring. I didn't send him to the trainer, but instead we would pay a visit to the trainer every so often so she could watch us work and give us tips/advice on any problems we might be having and/or point us in the next direction to go (she also offered insights that only years of experience could give). So in the end she trained me and not my horse (I got to do that part!

) Maybe they would even let you do some work to pay off any lessons they give you.

 

[Michelle@wescofarms]

Do you know how to drive? Do you know how to train a horse?

If not pay for a lesson with a trainer. You don't necessarily have to have them train your horse 100%(but a good idea), but at least show you how to train and how to do the basics.

Seriously, even if you know how to drive, training isn't the easiest and if you give your horse bad habits (unintentionally), it will take a trainer that much longer to untrain.

As for your equipment, I wouldn't worry about the sweats for a driving horse. If you were showing in halter, maybe. I bought umpteen number of things when I was new and 11 years later much of that has been unnecessary and unused.

Good luck. A well trained driving horse is definitely adding value to them.

 

[Sandee]

So, I'm going to start training my 11 year old (in May) stallion how to drive. I want to be able to show him in the AMHA horse shows. But we'll see how it goes!

But, before I do any training I want to have the right supplies!

I have a list of stuff that I would like to get:

Throat Sweat- $13-16

Belly Wrap- $41-45

Neck Sweat- 26-30

Lunge Caveson- $27

Long Lines- $26

Nylon Training Surcingle- $33

Draw Reins(?)- $29

Training Rings(?)- $6

Breaking and Training the Driving Horse by Doris Ganton- $15

Show Your Mini- $20

Train Your Own Mini- $24

What do you guys think of my list? Is there maybe something else that I may need? Or, do you recommend anything such as books, tack, or anything?

I would appreciate any help! I've never done anything like this, but I would love to train my stallion, his 2010 foal Pete (once he's old enough), and our mare (Pete's dam) how to drive.

Thanks!

-Julia

\

I don't mean to be a grinch but you want to "do it right" and have "never done anything like this". Those 2 statements say it all. Get some outside help in the way of a mentor or trainer or at lest some lessons. You have a good attitude in wanting to do it right so before you get hurt or the horses have a wreck please find a person with knowledge to help you learn.

 

[Tremor]

Thanks guys!

There aren't many people that I honestly know that know how to drive....

But, there is one person. This one lady who bought a colt of ours a couple years ago offered to help me train on of our horses to drive. I never once took it up because I didn't have any use for the training. I will have to call her up and ask her if she's still willing to help me!

That, or email my herd's previous owners who used to drive their horses, to ask them if they know anybody who could help me.

But, I know that the first thing that I was ever going to do was read, read, read!

 

[Eohippus]

Try looking up local trainers. Again, many big horse concepts transfer over to minis and there might be a full size horse trainer who trains how to drive. Just make sure you check out the trainer, horses, and facility. Even if you aren't keeping your horse there the condition of the horses and property will speak volumes for the type of trainer the person is. And make sure you're ok with their training methods. What works for some/what some like isn't what works for others/what others are ok with. Kudos for wanting to do the best for your horse though

 

[Minimor]

Save your $29 and skip the draw reins. Draw reins have their place, but they are not for an inexperienced person.

It will definitely help you out a lot if you can find someone to give you some instruction and and some help with getting started.

 

[RhineStone]

There are quite a few good drivers in Iowa, and yes they don't have to be mini drivers to give good information and instruction. I would look up the Best of Iowa in Traces Society, generally based out of Ames area, but their club members are from all around Iowa. www.bitsiowa.org Three G Farms Equine Center in Ames also gives excellent driving instruction on "finished" driving horses. www.threegfarms.com You need to learn how to drive before you can teach your horse. Otherwise, like I said on a different forum, it is like trying to teach a Jr. High Science class with only a student textbook and no hands-on experience!

Even if those resources above are too far away, they might be able to help you find help that is near you. Driving people are VERY nice.

Myrna

 

[disneyhorse]

I would suggest to any "newbie" to just GO to the horse shows and make contacts with people who are near you, especially trainers, and NOT worry about training or showing any horses. It's stressful enough to show when you have shown a lot, much less trying to go in and "fudge it" with information you have tried to collect on the Internet.

My first Nationals, I had shown locally but just flew out to watch classes and talk to people (many I met online!) and check it out. I am VERY glad I did that, next year I was ready to bring horses with me!

It is VERY hard to train and show a green horse, let alone an 11 year old stallion, let alone in DRIVING! I have broke many minis to drive in the show ring and it's still pretty nerve-wracking for me because I know all the terrible things that can go wrong. If you already had a dead-broke show gelding to drive, that might be one thing...

I just recommend going to the shows next year to watch or help out even! Some people might be happy to let you take their horse in to show halter, or maybe even driving once you get to know them better. I've had friends come help me groom horses and take them in some easier classes like color or halter to start them out. Once you've got an idea in person what to expect, then you can work on your own horses.

Horses just aren't something I feel you can learn from reading books or browsing the Internet. I think they are definitely a "hands on" learning experience, from basic ground manners to something complicated like driving. Driving is a LOT more difficult and a LOT more dangerous than riding, because you are adding a whole lot more complicated tack AND a vehicle and you are losing some aids that you have when riding such as your seat and legs.

I hope you don't take any of my advice the wrong way, but I do know how exciting it is to want to do something and a bit frustrating to start out when you are new. If you haven't seen this video, check it out. This is what goes through the minds of experienced people... horses are unpredictable and dangerous and everyone wants to decrease the odds of "something" happening. The less competent the people in the arena, the higher the odds are going to be. I desperately want everyone to enjoy their horses and be safe, because these things happen. A lot. Because they are horses.

Horse Show Driving Class Gone Wrong

I'm not trying to scare you, but I've had my share of runaways, horses flipped upside down in the cart, and other adrenaline-inducing incidents that I have had to rely on my confidence and experience to minimize injuring myself, my horse, and others.

Good luck,

Andrea

 

[Miniv]

THIS is the time to find a driving trainer in your area through your local CLUBS. They can give you some one-on-one advice before they start training their clients' show horses. But do it SOON.

 

[JMS Miniatures]

IMO it is not necessary to buy all those stuff right when you are beginning to train and show. Out of your list if your planning on showing in halter a throatlatch and neck sweat can be helpful. I would not waste my money on a belly sweat, exercise can get that belly off.

You can also get a lounge line and lounge whip but I don't see the need for a cavesson. I just lunge my horses in their rope halters.

If you want to start driving I just wouldn't get all complicated about it. Find yourself a nice leather harness and a easy entry and find someone that can help you. Get videos on driving. Go to shows and learn.

But before you buy all those things I would just go with the basics first.

 

[RhineStone]

Find yourself a nice leather harness and a easy entry and find someone that can help you.

Not in that order, though. It is a lot harder to fit a mini harness than any other size horse. Half and quarter inches matter and your standard off-the-rack mini harness may not fit your horse. If you get an instructor first, they can help you measure properly to get a great fit. A harness that doesn't fit is a waste of money, dangerous, and potentially uncomfortable for the horse.

Another good idea is to find someone that has a "finished" horse that you can show. We have had "rent-a-kids" and 4-Hers that we take to the shows to help them learn on our horses. We have even done that with adults. That helps eliminate the potential of "green and green equals black and blue"!

Myrna

 

[~Lisa~]

How excitng for you to get ready to show your horse. I know in the winter we all dream of show season

I see you are in IA so you have a lot of great mini owners/breeders around. My suggestion would be to join your local mini club and just start talking to people. I am sure it wont be long till you can find a person experienced in the show ring who is willing to help you out.