I understand, sometimes it just isn't meant to be. The right one will come along.
Your Drive Day
- Thread starter MajorClementine
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I discussed Rowdy with my farrier today and he agreed with me that we might not be a good match. He said he will put the word out. I'm in no hurry to do anything. I thought of contacting the woman I got him from, but I am pretty sure she is in no position to take him back. I just wondered if I should give her the courtesy of asking. I don't want to give her any stress by telling her he isn't working for me. He was her pet.
Maybe Rowdy's old owner's situation has changed since you got him and she could take him back? That's a hard desicion. Did she say anything to you when you bought him about wanting to know if the time ever came?
Big Dee's is having a good sale and I bought another harness from them. My first one is a Big Dee mini harness and I liked it alot. They are on sale for $99. I thought I'd post about it just in case someone might be looking for an inexpensive starter harness. I'm keeping this one for "best" in case I ever get to show. Or for Cappy if my husband decides to drive him.
Big Dee's is having a good sale and I bought another harness from them. My first one is a Big Dee mini harness and I liked it alot. They are on sale for $99. I thought I'd post about it just in case someone might be looking for an inexpensive starter harness. I'm keeping this one for "best" in case I ever get to show. Or for Cappy if my husband decides to drive him.
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My first harness, which I still use, was from Big Dee. It is the nicest driving bridle I've ever seen. Don't know if the quality is still as good now. The work was all done in Mexico then; those folks know leather. Thanks for heads up on their sale!
The leather is nice and soft on my first harness from them, the bridle was pretty good, not fancy but safe and usable. The browband was cheap red nylon on top of leather and I did not like that but that's an easy fix. It fit Cappy better than Peanut so I bought Peanut his own, different bridle (he has a dainty head so I got a more refined bridle). It fit both minis with room to fit a bigger B mini too. Cappy is on the smallest adjustments, but it works. I just could not pass up a deal like that. Even if I just use it for spare parts it's worth it, if it is like my other one. The buckles are not "roller buckles" but I live with it. And both minis seemed very comfy in it.
It's not super fancy, but a nice starter/practice harness.
It's not super fancy, but a nice starter/practice harness.
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paintponylvr
Well-Known Member
Marsha - The picture of you and Rowdy at the Parade "belie" your experience, but I totally understand how that works, LOL.
I will be sorry to see him go - you've put a lot of training time, get to know you time and $$ sending him to your trainer for periods of re-learning time. You've shared that time and the various techniques you've used - which I have found very helpful and a great learning experience in and of itself.
HOWEVER, it sure is refreshing to FINALLY hear that someone is willing to re-sell/re-home a horse that is just not a match for their personality. I find it very frustrating that around here, folks consider you bad if you "outgrow" your mount or driving horse/pony and want to move on to something else and not keep the one that isn't the perfect match. I do get tired of hearing how a horse should have a forever home with his new owner. (Hmm, but then how would the next person ever find "THE ONE"?). Since I raise ponies and used to sell quite a number of them, I did have a policy where if a pony/horse truly didn't work out for a family - I'd buy them back or find another buyer for them. I held to that - even recently when I bought a pair back after just over 2.5 years (had I followed my normal instincts, I'd never have sold that pair to this family, but they insisted and we were in a spot where I needed t let them go.. big mistake - they both came home with some pretty serious issues that I have struggled with for 8 months now).
I've truly enjoyed leasing horses - both for myself and also leasing to others. It has been an option that has worked well for us. I have one pony (mini sized) that consistently goes out on lease - is in the "new" home for a couple of years and then returns home when the kids have outgrown her. Sometimes she comes back with new training/accomplishments and others she comes back and needs some refresher courses - in manners, riding or driving (never all 3, though).
I wish you luck and compassion as you go out on your hunt again for that new, better fitting partner. And support as you "suss-out" a new home for Rowdy!
I will be sorry to see him go - you've put a lot of training time, get to know you time and $$ sending him to your trainer for periods of re-learning time. You've shared that time and the various techniques you've used - which I have found very helpful and a great learning experience in and of itself.
HOWEVER, it sure is refreshing to FINALLY hear that someone is willing to re-sell/re-home a horse that is just not a match for their personality. I find it very frustrating that around here, folks consider you bad if you "outgrow" your mount or driving horse/pony and want to move on to something else and not keep the one that isn't the perfect match. I do get tired of hearing how a horse should have a forever home with his new owner. (Hmm, but then how would the next person ever find "THE ONE"?). Since I raise ponies and used to sell quite a number of them, I did have a policy where if a pony/horse truly didn't work out for a family - I'd buy them back or find another buyer for them. I held to that - even recently when I bought a pair back after just over 2.5 years (had I followed my normal instincts, I'd never have sold that pair to this family, but they insisted and we were in a spot where I needed t let them go.. big mistake - they both came home with some pretty serious issues that I have struggled with for 8 months now).
I've truly enjoyed leasing horses - both for myself and also leasing to others. It has been an option that has worked well for us. I have one pony (mini sized) that consistently goes out on lease - is in the "new" home for a couple of years and then returns home when the kids have outgrown her. Sometimes she comes back with new training/accomplishments and others she comes back and needs some refresher courses - in manners, riding or driving (never all 3, though).
I wish you luck and compassion as you go out on your hunt again for that new, better fitting partner. And support as you "suss-out" a new home for Rowdy!
paintponylvr
Well-Known Member
I hope that you all that are considering forecarts find what you are looking for!
I don't know much about the mini sized forecarts and the folks/companies that build them. My pony friend bought a pony sized one and I got a Hafflinger sized one through Pioneer Manufacturing (I was planning on driving a multitude of sizes of ponies and didn't want to have to get 2). We both got options we probably didn't need and a couple of others we wish we had gotten, but overall, we are both happy with them.
Generally, they are meant to be driven with an attachment - which balances the weight (considered to be weighted wrong to be driven by themselves by most driving experts). I have driven mine mostly without having weight (other than the hitch that we put on it and I don't remove) added. I have driven it by myself with a 3 abreast hitch of shetlands - trail driving with 3 mares and 2 foals. I not only walk them, but also trot, extend trot, canter and gallop them. I wondered if the Roman Charioteers felt the way I did when I galloped the "5" of them across a hay field one time! It was pretty exhilarating and fun!
Overall, with our ponies, they would probably be happier pulling the wagon or a better balanced 4 wheel carriage out on the trail drives. But it has worked for what it has been used for and I've been happy. I prefer to start a young or new, "playful" team to the forecart vs to the wagon. I hope to be using the forecart in the near future again - for what it is meant for, LOL.
My girl friend has tried it in almost all field/farm work type of activities (we haven't come up with a plow yet) - from dragging logs, to pulling the cart with broken cement pieces or dirt in it, pulling various drags for the pasture, pulling a disk, pulling my springtooth harrow.
I don't know much about the mini sized forecarts and the folks/companies that build them. My pony friend bought a pony sized one and I got a Hafflinger sized one through Pioneer Manufacturing (I was planning on driving a multitude of sizes of ponies and didn't want to have to get 2). We both got options we probably didn't need and a couple of others we wish we had gotten, but overall, we are both happy with them.
Generally, they are meant to be driven with an attachment - which balances the weight (considered to be weighted wrong to be driven by themselves by most driving experts). I have driven mine mostly without having weight (other than the hitch that we put on it and I don't remove) added. I have driven it by myself with a 3 abreast hitch of shetlands - trail driving with 3 mares and 2 foals. I not only walk them, but also trot, extend trot, canter and gallop them. I wondered if the Roman Charioteers felt the way I did when I galloped the "5" of them across a hay field one time! It was pretty exhilarating and fun!
Overall, with our ponies, they would probably be happier pulling the wagon or a better balanced 4 wheel carriage out on the trail drives. But it has worked for what it has been used for and I've been happy. I prefer to start a young or new, "playful" team to the forecart vs to the wagon. I hope to be using the forecart in the near future again - for what it is meant for, LOL.
My girl friend has tried it in almost all field/farm work type of activities (we haven't come up with a plow yet) - from dragging logs, to pulling the cart with broken cement pieces or dirt in it, pulling various drags for the pasture, pulling a disk, pulling my springtooth harrow.
I enjoy seeing how you use your ponies. That takes time to do; most of us just head for the power equipment.I hope that you all that are considering forecarts find what you are looking for!
I don't know much about the mini sized forecarts and the folks/companies that build them. My pony friend bought a pony sized one and I got a Hafflinger sized one through Pioneer Manufacturing (I was planning on driving a multitude of sizes of ponies and didn't want to have to get 2). We both got options we probably didn't need and a couple of others we wish we had gotten, but overall, we are both happy with them.
Generally, they are meant to be driven with an attachment - which balances the weight (considered to be weighted wrong to be driven by themselves by most driving experts). I have driven mine mostly without having weight (other than the hitch that we put on it and I don't remove) added. I have driven it by myself with a 3 abreast hitch of shetlands - trail driving with 3 mares and 2 foals. I not only walk them, but also trot, extend trot, canter and gallop them. I wondered if the Roman Charioteers felt the way I did when I galloped the "5" of them across a hay field one time! It was pretty exhilarating and fun!
12apr21ncwhma570.jpg
12apr21ncwhma576.jpg
Overall, with our ponies, they would probably be happier pulling the wagon or a better balanced 4 wheel carriage out on the trail drives. But it has worked for what it has been used for and I've been happy. I prefer to start a young or new, "playful" team to the forecart vs to the wagon. I hope to be using the forecart in the near future again - for what it is meant for, LOL.
My girl friend has tried it in almost all field/farm work type of activities (we haven't come up with a plow yet) - from dragging logs, to pulling the cart with broken cement pieces or dirt in it, pulling various drags for the pasture, pulling a disk, pulling my springtooth harrow.
Paintponylvr, thanks for the info on the forecarts. My hubby would use it alot, I bet. I wish I could find a skid or sled for winter. Right now when the snow gets too high to make it to the manure pile with the wheelbarrow we hitch the pony to a kids sled and have him move the manure. We use tubs that just fit on the sled. I'd love a sturdy sled that would hold 2 tubs! And me 
Something like a dog sled with shafts is what I envision.
Something like a dog sled with shafts is what I envision.
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MajorClementine
Well-Known Member
Just got the word that my father and the seller of the property down south have agreed on a price! This time next year my horses (big and small) will be enjoying a mild southern Utah winter and I will get to drive on the awesome desert trails down there! if anyone wants to take a trip to southern Utah to drive or ride we've got extra stalls. It will be so nice to use the horses year round AND I get the winters off from feeding and caring for the beasties. I'll miss seeing them every day but I won't miss breaking ice off frozen troughs or wading through thigh deep snow to feed.
Congratulations! The winter is just starting, is there any chance you can move there for part of this winter?
Frozen water buckets and thigh high snow I understand! I don't know how the pioneers did it.
Frozen water buckets and thigh high snow I understand! I don't know how the pioneers did it.
I also meant to say if you feel comfortable with it, I would love to see pictures of the new barn sometime.
MajorClementine
Well-Known Member
We won't be moving anyone south this winter. We've got them all situated for the winter here and the deal won't be closing until mid January. But come next November we'll be moving all equines and carts/carriages/buggys south for the winter
I'll post some pics for sure once they close on it.
paintponylvr
Well-Known Member
Cayuse - it sounds like you are talking about an "otter" sled!Paintponylvr, thanks for the info on the forecarts. My hubby would use it alot, I bet. I wish I could find a skid or sled for winter. Right now when the snow gets too high to make it to the manure pile with the wheelbarrow we hitch the pony to a kids sled and have him move the manure. We use tubs that just fit on the sled. I'd love a sturdy sled that would hold 2 tubs! And me
Something like a dog sled with shafts is what I envision.
Here's a discussion on that a year ago. I think the link to the video is here, too.
http://www.miniaturehorsetalk.com/index.php/topic/137193-connecting-shaft-and-tree-to-tub-sled/
paintponylvr
Well-Known Member
I think I really like this one! Can I have them send those helpers here???????
Yes,that it! Thanks for the videos!
The first video with the two minis is exactly what I imagined, big enough to put half a bale of hay to sit on. I can't
(or won't!) get down onto the little sled I have. Besides having old bones my butt gets cold!
I think my husband could attach a 2x2 underneath the front by bolting it on and then attach pvc pipe for shafts to that. I will have to ask him. Peanut sure needs the work, I was out lunging him in the snow today. He was a stinker, all that pent up energy. Wish I had an indoor or access to one.
The first video with the two minis is exactly what I imagined, big enough to put half a bale of hay to sit on. I can't
(or won't!) get down onto the little sled I have. Besides having old bones my butt gets cold!
I think my husband could attach a 2x2 underneath the front by bolting it on and then attach pvc pipe for shafts to that. I will have to ask him. Peanut sure needs the work, I was out lunging him in the snow today. He was a stinker, all that pent up energy. Wish I had an indoor or access to one.
paintponylvr
Well-Known Member
Snow in the sunlight can be so much more fun than a very cold indoor arena (though I DO know what you mean).
Patty's Place also now builds an attachment that will work on the "otter type" sleds (there are a couple of other brands out there and many different sizes).
Winter fun
Patty's Place also now builds an attachment that will work on the "otter type" sleds (there are a couple of other brands out there and many different sizes).
Winter fun
paintponylvr
Well-Known Member
My first driving experience was a ride in a pony cart in Hawaii - between the age of 7 and 10.
My 2nd was in Colorado - during the winter, in the snow and using lariats and western cord saddle girths hooking a 13+ hh pony mare to our little red toboggan and lounge lines for driving lines. Even then as a teenager, I didn't do well sitting directly in the sled AND you can't use your feet to act as brakes going downhill when you sit flat on your butt. So, we did put a bale of hay in it and flew around our little hillside paddocks (5.4 acres total)!! My sister and I had a great time a couple of winters in a row that way. We figured it was not the best way to do things and I don't remember ever telling our parents about that one, LOL.
My 2nd was in Colorado - during the winter, in the snow and using lariats and western cord saddle girths hooking a 13+ hh pony mare to our little red toboggan and lounge lines for driving lines. Even then as a teenager, I didn't do well sitting directly in the sled AND you can't use your feet to act as brakes going downhill when you sit flat on your butt. So, we did put a bale of hay in it and flew around our little hillside paddocks (5.4 acres total)!! My sister and I had a great time a couple of winters in a row that way. We figured it was not the best way to do things and I don't remember ever telling our parents about that one, LOL.
That attachment from Patti's Place is nifty. I think I might email her with a few questions. The curved shafts I'm not too sure about, I have never used them.
I remember getting pulled on a sled by my neighbor and her pony. Kids have no sense of self preservation!
I remember getting pulled on a sled by my neighbor and her pony. Kids have no sense of self preservation!
I emailed Patty's Place to see if she had any in stock and what size sled to get. We are "going for it" if she still has any. My husband is excited. Me too! And we can use it for chores too.
paintponylvr thanks for the links!
paintponylvr thanks for the links!
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