Is two too early to begin driving training?

[lisae]

My husband sold some beef cattle and I got a piece of the money, so I've sent my three year old filly for driving training ("This is the most stubborn horse I've ever met" was the trainer's quote that first day of work! Spoiled Haflinger but she's coming around...)

Anyways, since I have the funds, should I send 26 month old Grace (Arab-Clydesdale filly) for training, too? Or, is this still too young to start her? She does nothing much right now, she's just being a baby still. But the trainer drives in from downstate an hour each way, five days a week, and she seems to have a great feel for the horses, so I'm tempted to give her another one to work with.

Original plan was to simply wait until next year for any training to commence at all.

[Tootsie4U]

Hey, if that money's burning a hole in your pocket, I've got a use for it.... :D:D:D

Just kidding.

Do you want Grace started for driving or for riding (didnt realize you got her to drive)?

Driving is easier on them but being a Clyde, she's got a ton more growing and fusing to do. Not only in her back, but even more so in her knees and with driving, she'd use alot of her leg for the work.

All I can tell you is that Bonfire could fit the Morgan breed standard to absolute perfection if he hadn't been asked to do too much as a two year old. He wasn't 'started' per say, but he was lunged to death and it shows in his legs. He's still very healthy and sound, but its a darn shame that what could have been perfect was ruined by impatience.

If you can wait, I'd wait for her sake. If not, I'd probably enroll her in some basic ground handling (halter showing!!!! :D) to give her some exposure, make her marketable, and make her a better citizen.

[lisae]

I should get some recent pics of Grace, she has really filled out and she'd make a fine driving horse, she's calm and has a stunning trot. So, while I hadn't planned on driving, I'm re-thinking it. She's no way near ready for ridden work, she still looks like a baby to me.

I can wait, it just seemed like a good idea to bring her over since the trainer is making the drive every day for my one horse! And, before the money trickles out like it always tends to do...but I'd hate to spend training money on ground work that I am well able to do myself!

Watching the trainer work with Mara was embarrassing, the pony simply refused to move out (although she has been lunged and knew what Laurie wanted!) Laurie told me that swirling or tossing the lunge at her hip had NO EFFECT, Mara could care less. She finally had to resort to tapping her on the hip and that had NO EFFECT! I wasn't there for this phase but she got her going, I have a "don't ask, don't tell" policy because while neither of us believes in smacking horses I'm guessing it came down to that. I'm embarrassed because I am obviously too soft with her and Laurie also noted my expectations for the filly's behavior were not high enough! She wants her perfect (such as when asked to stand) and I should too.

[Tootsie4U]

Whats the trainer have to say about starting her as a 2 year old? It may be beneficial to take a few sessions (use some of the money) and get her accustom to the harness with the trailing lines and maybe even perhaps pulling some light things... but thats probably something you could do yourself too.

Mara - You've done too well of a job - she's too desensitized :D

Did you notice, there's been a huge surge of Halfy's for sale on equine.com - alot in my area too!

[lisae]

Yep, Jim thinks the bloom is off the rose on the Haflinger craze... the reality is that although they are promoted as versatile they are physically limited by their conformation, they are heavy on the forehand, and they have trouble bending.

And, the flip side of the coin on their solid, bombproof nature is that they can be stubborn and have a "what, me work?" attitude. I'm not down on the breed, since they are a nice match for me personally, but I think that's an explanation on why so many are for sale. People bought thinking they were the perfect family horse and then may have run into training issues they don't want to work through, or less-than-honorable sellers may have sold people under-trained Haffies which you wouldn't notice right away because they are pretty laid back. Even if they are refusing to work they are kindly about it!

I saw a cute gelding for only $1300 but I have resisted looking into it. I'm also resisting some breeding contract deals because we want to work with what we've got!

I haven't mentioned Grace to the trainer, she thinks I can start her myself next year after the experience of working on Mara with her. Maybe the money would be better set aside to give Mara another 30 days over the winter! And get her into ridden work...

[Tootsie4U]

AH, now that'd be the choice for me. Riding and driving - you can't beat that!

BTW, where is this woman from? Do you have to supply your own driving supplies or does she bring them along - I haven't a clue :rolleyes: ? I wonder if Bon would enjoy driving -- I bet he would and it'd be nice for me to do this year as I'll be recovering late into the fall...

[lisae]

She's from south of Geneva, (but coincidentally her mom works for the County like I do, so I knew her.) Laurie started out showing Paints in Western, now does dressage mostly, but got into driving somewhere along the line. She's not a certified professional, she just does training on the side, but I liked her attitude/treatment of the horse as a riding instructor, so I took the leap and signed Mara up for the training.

She's between horses herself or I am providing the driving stuff like cart and harness, but she's using her own equipment too, like a rope halter and long line, and she's bringing her surcingle. So, it's a mix. I think if you took the horse to a specialty driving barn, they'd supply it all.