At what age can you break to drive?

Question

At what age can you break to drive? I have been told 18 month to two years does this not seem a bit early?

Answer 1

About the age of 2 1/2 - 3yrs you should start, but before that try getting them use to bridle walking on a halter and leadrope, start placing things on there backs so when the heavy harness goesd on they wont misbehavve by the sudden weight.

Goodluck

Answer 2

i started ground training at about 1.5 then mouthing and getting use to equipment at 2 now he is 3 and he is starting to get groudn driven and hooked to the cart

Answer 3

break to drive?! What!!

Answer 4

I wouldn't do anything until 3, then break to ride first then start long reigning to drive.

Answer 5

personally i wouldnt put the horse in a cart until the age of 3, to give him/her time to develop both physically and mentally! although ground work should be done before hand, ie bonding work, long reigning etc... the horse and owner should have a strong bond and trust before any kind of breaking in should be done, especially on such a young horse

Answer 6

start long-reining as soon as they are broke to the bridle. this is very beneficial to all disciplines, not only driving. depending on the type of horse, you break to drive when they are almost done growing. for example, a pony might be broken at two, but a draft might be broken at four. it just depends on the horse, and their development.

**and to xBailsx, driving is pulling a cart.**

Answer 7

I would say 4 to 5 years.  Not only will the horse be quicker to learn, but hopefully fairly sensible by the age of 5.  Before then you would need to teach him lunging, long-reining, obedience to hands and voice, plenty of hazzards such as manhole covers need to be negotiated without fear, water, dogs barking, cars etc and wearing the harness of course.

So, there is plenty to do before hand to give your horse the best start in life.

Good luck.  Driving is great fun once you get the hang of it.  Also I would suggest getting a few lessons in driving yourself before you attempt to teach your horse.  Will help you with rein and whip control.  Vital for safety and comfort of the horse.

Answer 8

This is the age they break racehorses which is too early for any other equestrian sport as the horse is not fully developed.  You could start long reining at two maybe.  I would wait until 3 when the horse is more developped and less likely to hurt themselves:)

Answer 9

what age can you BEEK to drive

Answer 10

well I would wait to do any type of training until they are 3. I mean like the normal training but to drive if your road driving them then I would suggest until their like 4 or 5 becuase if you have a horse that would bolt on a road what are you going to do..

Answer 11

In the Saddlebred and Morgan world, most are started at the age of two years.  Most ASB's and Morgans and trained to drive....as a part of the standard training procedures.   There are alot of harness classes available for showing , and training/jogging even after broke to ride as an option to always riding under saddle!! At this age, most are physically capable of pulling a light cart when carrying a rider of average weight would be detrimental.

There is alot of good obedience training that occurs between the handler and horse when training to drive.  Of course, you don't go for speed and distance but, in moderation helps to build muscle, creates a good mouth and manners when finally introduced to a saddle and rider.  

They learn to bend, be responsive to the bit and develop a good mouth that is responsive to good hands,(my trainer has had me drive many a time to to become more in tune with a horses mouth) develop stamina...

In my horse world which are these breeds,  and Saddleseat and harness classes, some horses excel and go on to be great harness horses and that is where their career will flourish or it is a way to connect and train a horse for its future as a saddle horse by developing the horses physical and mental capabilities.

Just remember progression...start slow..a nice walk and country type of trot for short periods gradually working up to greater length of time and "speed"...I'm not talking roadster horse !!

Of course prior to putting the horse in shafts, you should have had him in a bitting rig, long lined..and introduced to the harness with a crupper, driving bridle with overcheck, etc.  We also work them first with the driving bridle with blinkers and stuff before just hooking them to the cart.

It should be done methodically..step by step..remember they are young and this is the beginning of their life as being a useful member of "society" so you want to get off on the right foot!!

Good Luck to you!!  Hope this helps!!

Answer 12

I start mine  2yrs.Driving training. Not riding, that is 4yr.