How long to drive?

[Widget]

If I sent Ruby away to be broken to drive, how long would it likely take/cost? She is 12 years old and a cob. Fairly bomb proof and non spooky and lovely when ridden so im not expecting trouble. Im fairly sure she drove as a youngster but wouldnt count on it as its a long time ago!

Also do you buy and supply the cart/harness or is it the norm to have the trainer use their own?

She long lines well and wears harness and blinkers happily and I would brush up on that before she went to keep costs down.:)

[Libbyo]

Depends on the horse. Ball park of about a month to six weeks for a good and thorough break.

[Wally]

I was speaking to a very well qualified judge and traiiner the other week and we were discussing the same thing. We both came to the conclusion that there is a quite a high percentage of horses that will never be safe in harness. We worked it out at 3 in 10, and another trainer agreed on this percentage.

Our experience is you never can tell until you get working with them, even the most dozy cob can come alive and refuse to work with a cart.

If all goes according to plan though, 4 -12 weeks depending on the horse. But a horse that has only been in the shafts for a month is not what I'd sell/describe as a driving horse!

Most trainers will want to use their own kit as they will be utterly familiar with it and know that it's sound and can work instinctively with it in moments of stress!

[shandy84]

Would agree with Wally from what I have seen over my last years worh of driving. Bramble is very slow to ride but pop her in the cart and she becomes a fire cracker :D good luck with her

[Wally]

One of the stumbling blocks of driving can come with a smiple change of vehicle, one that makes a different noise to that they are used to can cause mayhem!

[shandy84]

hehe I had that when Brambs went into her first four wheeler, ended up doing a 180 spin and bolting for home thankfully all in one piece and she's a lot calmer now

[Bobbin]

I have made a few contacts with regards to driving in the last few weeks. I know of a guy who will charge £150 a week to break them to drive using all of his own equipment. Obviously the more prep work you do, the less time they will spend with him.

Unfortuantly due to someone running into my car and not admitting liability, my driving idea is on hold as my excess is £450 on my car insurance.

[chickyd444]

i have been slowly braking our british spotted for the las 2-3 months and its going really well i hasten to add - he's a terrible riding pony - had all the obviuos checks done, just does not like being ridden, but is excelling at long lining in harness at home and out on the road. really pleased with him. i am taking the slow and steady D.I.Y route (cant afford the breaking fees) LOL.:rolleyes:

[Widget]

So fairly similar timescale to riding then. Thanks!:D