This message is from: Evers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Not to disregard your honestly traumatic experience, I have been there too. I hate hearing of things like this happening to anyone; it's SCARY! But, as far as your horse being "too old" to learn to drive; I have to agree with Cynthia's statement:
> I would disagree that at five >he is too old to learn to drive. At five a Fjord is still mentally maturing.I >also know many older horses who have turned into wonderful driving horses. > I personally think that 5 is really just about right. I've seen a few horses ruined by starting things too early, but not by starting "too late". Our Stallion, Bjorn-Knutson had only been ( barely) halter broke when we purchased him at just short of 7 years old. I started messing with him right away, even while he was still some 400 lbs under weight, and he is now going quite well in the cart, and not too bad under saddle too. His biggest problem so far has been adjusting to the bit. I don't think he really likes a broken mouth snaffle, and the mullen mouth isn't much better. I think we'll try a Kimberwick next. I even cantered him in the cart the last time I drove him...... actually we were trotting VERY fast and he broke stride for a few steps..... and he came back down very easily. One thing I have noticed with some peoples training; often they start the horse and work it initially under very quiet and "closed" conditions. You know... no distractions, no boogers, no noises, etc. Then just when things seem to be going good they head out into the wide open and suddenly there are problems. I'm a strong believer in exposing the horse to all the boogers before hand, and during training. So, when the dog runs right under them, or a semi truck goes by with a tarp flapping they just take it in stride rather than getting upset. Hey! Try having someone toss rocks in a bucket right near the fence while working in the round pen, or opening and closing an umbrella, etc. You'll be surprised how quickly they'll start ignoring any such thing. Good luck with continuing your training. ( I hope you'll be up to it soon!) And EVERYONE be careful!! Amy Bud, Tillie & Amy Evers Dun Lookin' Fjords http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ridge/8589 "Speak yer mind, but ride a fast horse."
