Breaking to Harness

[clairev]

I have a five year old 15.2hh heavy cob type gelding. He is quiet to ride considering his age and inexperience and we would love to break him to harness so that both my husband and I can enjoy him together (should be cheaper than buying another horse for hubby to ride!). I have no experience at all in this area and would welcome any advice about anything!!! Would probably buy a synthetic harness and would like a four seater if poss - I think Bailey would be strong enough once he got fit!;)

[Kanuma]

if you have no experiance of it then i would seriously consider getting it done proffesionaly or at least by someone who has experiance of that sort of thing,

[Wally]

Join the BDS, get the video called Between the Shafts and get some lessons so you know how to aviod the dangers associated with driving.

There are some rules which you NEVER EVER ignor, an accident with a horse is bad enough, add a cart to it and you are in trouble.

There's no reason why you cannot train him yourself with a little experience, but it's important you know a little first so you don't scare him in the first few drives out. It's easy done in harness.

I'd keep to a 2 wheeler while you and the horse are still novice, you can get 4 seat, 2 wheelers. 4 wheels turn over much, much easier than 2 wheels. ONce he's ben going in harness for a while and is trustworthy and you know you can conotrol him in most situations then look at a 4 wheeler. Never train in a 4 wheel vehicle.

Any book by Sallie Walrond is good, she takes longer to train them than I would, but she tends to work with hotter bloods than I do, so caution on the ground is sensible.

You are wise to go for synthetic harness rather than cheap leather, it will serve you much better.

Seriously you must get a few llessons first so you can see the pitfalls and aviod them. The BDS are a great bunch, Jennie Dillon is the Sec. in Dugard Place, Barford, Warwick. She's so helpful on the phone. I just took one of my driving exams and as Esther D will confirm it was far, far stiffer on safe proceedure than any BHS exam. With driving EVERYTHING is done for a good reason, not tradition..cept in private driving classes!

[Esther.D]

As usual I agree with everything Wally has said:) Good Luck!

[Chip]

Wally has given some pretty good advice here. definately go for a two wheeler rather than a four. four wheelers easily jack-knife and need more experienced drivers. Seek some professional advice. I broke my first pony to harness with help from my husband who was experienced, but my new pony has just been broken by a professional.

I wish you the best of luck and much enjoyment.:D

[clairev]

Thanks everyone for your advice! I have taken two steps so far - have ordered a few books on the subject and have spoken to an experienced friend! I realise I will need loads of time so I am going to study everything and get as much advice as I can with the intention of starting him after Christmas when I will have much more time.

Thanks Wally - I will do everything you say! I am looking for a good, trustworthy professional in the area for lessons. I have been told about one chap who takes horses in for breaking but wasn't entirely sure about it and there is no way I would send him away to a stranger.
Everything has to be done under my beady eye!

Thank you once again everyone for all your help - I will let you know if and when I get some action!