problem with starting a young horse

[pistolpete]

I have a team of 2yo suffolks that I am training. I am at the stage that I am starting to drag something behind them as well as start them in false shafts. One is having a real hard time with seeing something behind her as well as the noise of it behind her. Right now she has an open bridle, do I switch to blinders? Any exercises to get them used to the noise and the shafts.

Thanks for your input.

[Donn Hewes]

Hi Pete, You can switch to blinders when ever you want. but I think what you are asking her to do is well with her reach with or with out blinders. Are you working in an enclosed area or out in the open? Are you driving her? Is she just looking behind her or is she trying to get away from it? how hard? If she is just looking back, give her something else to look at / think about. Make her steer in and around a tree, a wagon, something on the ground. If she is really over reacting consider making the area you are in smaller. A round pen, or a small paddock. Sometimes I separate the driving from the pulling by using a lead and letting them go in a circle around me, (horses all ways need both directions). If you can keep her calm, and walking you may even work her around you with out the lead. Some times I start with just one tug on the ground. keeping her calm and relaxed should be your #1 goal. Good luck.

[pistolpete]

I had been working in an open area, without blinders driving her. She is trying to get away very hard!!! I had been dragging traces for a while before hitching her. I switched yesterday to a round pen and blinders with more success. She stopped trying to watch me. The noise is what seems to be getting her fired up.

[Joshua Kingsley]

I have a similar problem with my 5 year old Shetland Stallion. He is good on the grass pulling a tire but if I hit gravel then Hang on he is ready to run! It doesn’t matter if I am driving or if I am leading he still freaks when I hit the dirt… Any Ideas I was wondering if I just need to get him working more then attempt the tire or if I should increase the load some to have him work harder. He is always ready to work, I was told that he was used some by the amish kids before I got him this sumer. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks Josh

[gunslinger598]

I put them on the merry go round a few days

along with ground driving

[Stoley]

@Joshua Kingsley 11539 wrote:

I have a similar problem with my 5 year old Shetland Stallion. He is good on the grass pulling a tire but if I hit gravel then Hang on he is ready to run! It doesn’t matter if I am driving or if I am leading he still freaks when I hit the dirt… Any Ideas I was wondering if I just need to get him working more then attempt the tire or if I should increase the load some to have him work harder. He is always ready to work, I was told that he was used some by the amish kids before I got him this sumer. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks Josh

I have a team of minnies as well and I have had greater success driving them with blinders. it seems to make them more calm. I had a 15″ truck tire i was dragging with mine and same thing, when the tire hit the gravel they wanted to go. I switched to a forecart and dragging a 16.9-24 tractor tire (heavier load) and have had minimal problems. I dont work them as long as with the smaller tire, but it seems to be time better spent. they learn how to pull together and understand the value in the word “whoa”. there is many ways to do it and it might not work as well for some.

My belgians have always been drove with blinders, other than riding saddle. never drove a draft team without blinders, dont see the point personally.

[Vand]

Well , maybe you would see the point of open bridles if a branch off the ground hit one of your horses in the butt & they took off.

However, if the horse saw it coming maybe it would not do the flight thing & just continue to the landing.

Joel: I agree with your logic except that if a team is well-trained and the driver is in control, they shouldn’t take off when they’re surprised (blinders or no blinders).

We were recently at an event that involved antique tractors as well as horses. When lined up for a little “parade,” the tractor directly behind me backfired. All the horses (including the 3 abreast I was driving) jumped; but no one took off. They were in blinders; but with a scary sound like that, I’m convinced blinders or no blinders, they would have run had it not been for their training.

PistolPete: Your team is a little young and it may take a few years yet for their brains to grow in.;) I would start them in blinders (just to help them focus on the task at hand and not be so distracted by all the pretty birds and trees and whatnot). If you have an older horse that can be hooked with the youngsters, do so. An older, more experienced horse will give your youngsters some confidence. If not, it helps if you can have someone there to help you (for safety sake).

Ground drive your youngsters with nothing hooked to their tugs, then have someone bring the double-tree over. Have them shake the double-tree a little and make some noise with it while you hold the lines and talk in a calming voice to your team. Drive them on grass, then maybe on some dirt (so it makes a little more noise) and finally on gravel. Always keep training sessions short for a team this young and don’t have them pull any actual weight until they’re at least 3 years old. End on a positive note and don’t try to rush anything. Also, be aware of your own feelings. If you’re nervous (about the gravel or whatever), they’ll be nervous too.

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