training a horse to drive. . . . . .

[Genie]

I need a driving horse and I have a few prospects of my own, as I have had no luck finding something I like.

I am wondering if training a 14 year old stallion to drive is a ridiculous thought or would you think it possible?

I bought him last year and was told he didn't drive, as far as she knew.

He is wonderful on the halter and will do anything he is asked to do.

He would even try going up stairs if you took him that way. He does not shy away from anything.

He does not pull on the halter even when anxious to be with a mare. He talks to me about wanting to be let off the lead but does not pull.

Would it be fair to him to send him away for some training or would it be hard on him at his age to learn.

He is 29.5 inches and a fine boned leopard appie.

 

[Reble]

Just my opinion,

14 is not too old, & should not be hard on him, we broke a 15 year old to drive.

29.50" is small to get good leg action usually, Judges like taller, but Amy with Charmer has no problem

Have to decide what will cost more, training or buying?

Good luck maybe others can help?

 

[Keri]

Age is not a problem. As long as they are happy doing it, go for it!

The two concerns I have is like Reble pointed out, most of the smaller horses can't compete in the ring with the taller minis in that class. They just can't get the action needed (but there are a few little ones who kick butt!). And secondly, stallions can be a pain in the show ring under cart. My stallion was an angel in the halter and would do anything I asked (just like yours). But as soon as he got in the cart, he thought it was time to show off. Quite a pain to deal with at shows. So he was gelded. (plus I wanted to add, he was an angel in the cart at home. Only showed off at shows).

There are also a ton of cheap driving horses out there. I know a gelding here locally that is trained to drive and do a ton of stuff for $750.

Horse market sucks right now to sell, but you can sure pick up some gems if you're buying!

 

[End Level Farms]

14 is not too old. I have an 18 year old mare who Im planning on retiring from breeding and wanting to give her another sort of job to do. Shes doing awesome and shes usually pig headed about everything. NO I DONT WANNA AND YOU CANT MAKE ME type attitude.

But as its been pointed out the littler ones sometimes have more difficulties when competing. However if you just want to have a nice pleasure driving home companion hes fine. Just make sure your equipment is set up for him. I found that the odd little one doesnt train to drive like you would expect due to pressure or something not right with the equipment that is actually preventing them from being able to do what you are asking.

Also as everyone so far has pointed out if you are able to take on another mini I would pick up one that is already broke to drive for cheap. Specially when you ad up the training money youll spend you will end up saving in the long run would be my guess in that matter.

 

[Littleum]

14 isn't too old.

29 1/2" is probably too small. In the 2 pictures you have on your website he looks like he is long, long backed and built somewhat downhill (like a QH). I would worry he'd have a really hard time getting under himself and using his rump to push and motor along. But those are just 2 pictures so what do I know?

Historically I'd have said the $1,200 or so it would cost for a pro to put 90 days on a horse is money well spent. But with the market the way it is... $1,500-$5,000 WILL go buy you something really nice, really made and probably with a National show record. For a few extra bucks you can buy something that has proven it will do what you want to do.

I was trolling the salesboard last night and shocked to see a certain horse that I've known for years (this horse has a National record in halter/driving ten miles long) for sale, $5,000. I can only really keep one in training at a time or else I would have slapped my cell phone to my ear so fast.... LOL.

 

[Amy]

Just my opinion,14 is not too old, & should not be hard on him, we broke a 15 year old to drive.

29.50" is small to get good leg action usually, Judges like taller, but Amy with Charmer has no problem

Have to decide what will cost more, training or buying?

Good luck maybe others can help?

Thanks Reble -- Charmer is a real sweetie-- but one thing I can say -- John can really train a driving horse-- Charmer has his Hall Of Fame in Country Pleasure Driving -- 29 inches tall .

He drives single, team, unicorn, tandem & 4 horse hitch . Driving is our passion here,right on down to the kids . Joe has learned the hitch driving now as well.

Good luck Genie -- I know you love to drive too. sent you a pm LOL