Retiring from driving

[Dinsarsio]

After thinking long and hard and taking advice i have decided to retire my driving pony so i am selling his little exercise vehicle and harness.He is only 12 and has been doing lead rein with my freinds little girl.He has just started being ridden by a 14yr old girl who is very capable and confident and seems really keen.
The last time i took him in a trap i put a new set of boots on him which he took a dislike to and went bananas in the trap.Kicked the kick board off,i couldn`t hold him when he bolted.I came out of the trap he ran into my son, my husband a five bar gate, electric fencing and finally a post.The trap stopped him.
After much thought i realised i won`t ever be able to trust him in the trap again.Which is a shame i broke him to drive when he was three.But i do have my driving cob so all is not lost

[Demson]

I had a very similar experience to you just three weeks ago to which I am still recovering from.

My 4 yr old pony took fright and took off with me, my partner who was at his head fell over and not sure if he tripped or was pulled but we think this contributed to scaring my pony.

I was thrown from the carriage threw a fence and sustained severe deep bruising across my back, hip and shoulders. Though I was fortunate not to break anything I did need crutches to get about.

I now don't need the crutches but I can only walk short distances very slowly and not often, I can't drive my car yet so pretty much house bound unless my partner takes me out.

I have decided to keep my pony and work with him on the ground using PNH and riding until he matures more and we both gain confidence and more trust in each other (I have only had him 5 months and 3 months of that I have been ill).

I will have him re-schooled to the carriage but only when I feel he is ready. Being in the carriage with little control is extremely frightening especially when you can see a fence coming at you. It shatters your confidence and that is hard to get back.

I am still 100% confident driving my other pony just not the one that took off with me.

[lisae]

Oh too bad - it is my understanding that once a pony has been through a driving wreck that they may never be safe to drive again.... Your stories really make me a little nervous as I am going to bring on my 5 yr old Haflinger to drive, but very slowly and in controlled environments until I can send her to a professional to finish her. But still, it's obvious that you cannot desensitive a horse to a cart accident,we can only follow the safety rules as best we can and hope for the best!

[Demson]

A horse can be put back into the carriage following an accident but a lot depends on the horses mental attitude, its age and the severity of the accident amongst other factors.

While competing and spectating I have seen many carriage accidents and the horse(s) get rehitched and set off again or if injured back on the circuit when fit and healed again.

Accidents are not welcomed but they do happen and it is up to us to help the horse in the best way we can.

I am hoping my fella is okay and when I feel the time is right I will have him re-schooled but if he doesn't want to take to driving then I won't push it.