another for wally, esther, or experienced drivers

[Miriam]

I'm on the point of looking at breaking Peter in to drive. He is fine with the harness, blinkers and cart as such. Slight problem is he does not particularly like confined narrow spaces. When the shafts touch his sides he becomes a little fidgety. Does not take off or kick. Just uncomfortable. Any ideas how to help him overcome this? I've only had the shafts at his sides not through the tugs yet.

He has pulled tyres around the arena and is not bothered by them at all. Had the cart pulled along by a person behind him and still he was not bothered.

[Big Ears]

I'm not a driver but wonder if he has the same problem that some racehorses have giong into stalls, and they use that special rug on them

maybe if he had a little sheet to cover his sides so that the shafts don't touch him directly it would help de-sensitise him

i am probably totally wrong but just a thought

[cvb]

Mim

I guess Wally and Esther may be a little occupied with transporting ponies in scottish gales :(

But I was wondering whether you can simulate the shafts using a pole on blocks in the school ? Set it to the width of the shafts (away from the wall) and see if you get the same reaction... if so, you can then use basic advance and retreat ideas - but using the pole on blocks rather than the shaft, to help him feel happier about the idea ?

[Miriam]

yep I guess they will be. There is no rush for the answer. Will try that cvb



BIG EARS between Iz and I we are wondering if he has been raced and just not made it due to the fact he has not been comfortable in the stalls. Have tried a few times to take him through one of those little cycle way things (you know where they have to bend round them) The first time he would not entertain it. Next time we were a bit more determined and if he had a push from the back end her would go through. Slight problem is he does tend to try to rush through confined narrow spaces

[Wally]

It might be that you just have to persevere with broom handles and the like until he is accepting.

[Miriam]

Ok thank Wally