Mini horse driving commands?

Question

I just accepted a mini rescue. He is a gelding, 11 yrs. and pretty good in a cart.

EXCEPT, I can't figure out all his commands.

He 'walks', left, right.

Woah, is "stop' to him. I must say stop. Good.

If I say 'stand', he immediately turns left, and presents himself to me.

That's great, but, not in a cart.

Anyone have an idea what a command might be to get him to 'stop' in a cart and just stand there?

I've tried everything.

Also, he backs fair, but, I think I'm missing something there too.

He wants to back to the left.

Any command for backing I am missing?

Any and all advice will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

V

Answer 1

why don't you try to teach him a command?

have you tried 'halt'

where did you get him from i would love a mini

Answer 2

I agree with the above poster, you will just have to teach him the new command.

I know my mule/donk are trained with commands specific to me because I don't want them doing what someone else in the arena is commanding their animals to do.

Its not uncommon for them to not back straight in cart, you have to help them with the reins, or the whip.  Teach him to give his hip to the right to help even that out.

But for cues... I ALWAYS address the animal with its name first and then the cue that I want.  That way, the animal knows who I am asking it too, so its not some joe blow animal 2 strides away, they know its them.

Congrats with your new animal, and sounds like a winner in cart!