KBR Horse Net
Close-Up Feature:
"Starting on Top"
(How we Teach the Drafters to Drive)

Page 2

Once the ground driving seems to be steady and the horse is in a comfortable routine, it's time to get the horse used to rolling objects. A cart is a good place to start. It doesn't have too much weight so the horse can get used to being "pushed" a little by the cart when he halts or slows down without dealing with the weight of an entire wagon shoving him from behind. We also like to start in sand or harrowed dirt so that the cart will have some consistent drag until the horse gets used to it.
Working with a cart


Since the horse has shafts running up each side of him from the cart, now is a good time to teach him to swing. We start out with lazy circles, gradually decreasing the forward motion each time. As the horse gets more coordinated, learning to step across one foot in front of the other, we can eventually swing a complete circle with the cart, the inside tire pivoting, not rolling at all.


Once we have the cart work down we will team the youngster with an experienced horse and work the wagon in a safe enclosure. Typically the younger horse will soon find it easiest to "follow the example" of the older horse, and before too long we're out of the arena and onto some safe lanes,

(Note: We have learned to get our steering down with both the carts and wagons using traffic cones and plastic barrels before encountering solid objects!)

First trip out on the lane

While it takes a few miles for the younger horses to learn to ignore all of the sights and sounds on and alongside the road, it's not very long at all until they become pretty reliable. We do, however, like to keep the younger horses paired with older horses until they have gained enough experience that they can be counted upon to keep their heads no matter what.
Giving guests rides at Hansons' wedding

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  Other Draft Horse Close-ups

Dan

Millie

Molly

Marcy

Maggie

Havilynn

Hansons' Wedding

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