Is 7 too old to train to drive?

[runamuk]

Hi...I have just started in minis.. I have had horses all my life , I am 45 now and have been without a horse for 5 years now and want to start driving. I had a trainer tell me a 7 year old is past the training age and won't be reliable...I think they are being to judgemental without seeing her or even wanting to put 30 days one her for me...I really think she will do fine..I am just wanting to go down the road not compete or anything. Would like your input pro and con, Thanks Renee in CA

My opinion...the trainer is being judgemental and needs to go back to school

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I have found that often times older animals who are started under saddle are more reliable than the young'uns..................

The horse has had 7 years to learn about the world, fewer things are "new" and the brain is settled none of the 2-3 yr old "stupids" .....I love working with well adjusted older animals of any species. Find a new trainer who actually understands animal behavior

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[MiLo Minis]

I started my quarterhorse mare driving at 18 years old! Minis are no different than any other horse and if they have a mind and physique for driving they can do it at any age!

 

[whitney]

NO WAY! This little mare was 7 when I trained her to drive AND jump. If your horse has a sensible, solid mind, and no physical limitations, its a piece of CAKE. This mare is a SOLID driving horse.

 

[jlh]

I'm with the others who feel its the trainer who is past learning here.

I've seen one of the top trainers in the country start stallions in their teens.

we had a mare we foaled out, sold and bought back after several babies, and I always thought of her a kind of a flake. at 11, she finally had the mind to start performance training and be a rock solid horse who would do anythiing asked of her.

 

[Joyce]

I have heard of a 18 year old mare that learned to drive in no time flat.

 

[Tammie-C_Spots]

I've trained lots of horses, big and small, to drive when they were older- some in their teens. They did fine. Right now I have these guys in driving training-

3 year old stallion

4 year old stallion

5 yr old gelding

2- 3 yr old geldings

1-4 year old gelding and

1 7 year old gelding

I don't expect anything different from the 3 year olds than I do from the 7 year old

Tammie