Might be learning to drive... any tips?

Kathleen K · Well Schooled

Might be learning to drive... any tips?

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

Very cool! Does your mini already drive, or are you both learning? I had the opportunity to train some POAs on the cart for a lady, but unfortunately they were kind of brainless and broke the cart 3 or 4 times (along with running through fences/round pens/etc..). The lady bred for colour (as was clearly visible by their flashy coats and absurd sci-fi bug eyes, so it's no surprise to me that the ponies had no brains.

Anyway.. tangent aside.. it was really quite fun. I got a chance to drive an old seasoned pro Belgian gelding who had been used as a carriage horse in the streets of Philadelphia his whole life, and I learned quite a bit in the few times I had the reins in hand. I don't really have any advice as I'm no where near experienced enough, but Diamond_Jubilee might be able to give you some tips.

Best of luck! It sounds like you've got a lot of great opportunities around you!

Kathleen K · Well Schooled

I don't own the mini - my friend does. He is apparently broke to drive!

I will admit that driving kind of scares me -I feel much safer on top of the horse; as long as you stay on, you're fairly safe. However, I'm sure driving is a lot of fun and I will get over my fears. Who knows, maybe I will even fall in love with it!

Jackie Cochran · Advanced

Well, Kathleen, I am also afraid to drive/feel much safer on the back of a horse. But doing a mini sort of solves that problem, you are too big to ride them. Besides they won't get as fast as a big horse no matter how fast those little legs go!

Have fun.

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

Ah, a mini may not go -as fast- as a regular sized horse, but they can still cause some serious damage, and their little legs can sure be speedy when they've taken off! Not to instill any fear in you, but just because they're small doesn't mean they aren't mighty ;)

Diamond_Jubilee · Well Schooled

Hi,
Make sure you take an experience driving person with you. Even though the mini is small, they are mighty!! As long as you are in a ring of somesort and the footing is pretty firm, the mini should easily be able to take you and one other person, at least until you get comfortable. Its very different than riding. I actually did not like driving at first, and gave up for a couple of years before trying it again. Its very weird having them so far in front of you and only able to use your voice and reins for communication. Most of the commands are all verbal and touching of the whip here and there. I suggest you have the owner/trainer drive the pony for a bit with you beside them. Get some tips from them and then take the reins and have fun!! You will love it but it can be dangerous...Im not trying to scare you but I have seen a lot of preventable accidents...I can give you a story or two! Trust me, you want to have an experienced person with you. I never go driving without at least one experienced driving person in case something happens - even with our dead boke pair who have been everywhere...you never know what can happen and trust me, things happen fast!
Most of all, have fun and drive safe!