How to Train a Horse to Pull a Carriage

Even though most of us no longer use horse-drawn carriages to get around, there's a great deal of nostalgia for this old-style form of transportation. Carriage-driving classes are a staple at many horse shows, and many a horse owner enjoys taking a leisurely drive around her property or through her neighborhood. Teaching a horse to drive can be a challenge, but in the end it all boils down to laying the proper foundation and framework before you introduce the cart.

Things You'll Need

  • Long lines
  • Training surcingle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Train your horse to walk calmly on a lead rope before you move on to any type of driving training. The ability to walk calmly and obediently is a prerequisite to more advanced training.

    • 2

      Attach a training surcingle to your horse. The training surcingle goes around the horse's belly the same way a girth does, but has loops on the sides through which you can run long lines for ground driving.

    • 3

      Attach long lines to each side of your horse's halter. Run the end of the long line through one of the loops on the training surcingle. Pull the long lines through so that they extend several feet behind your horse.

    • 4

      Move to the back of your horse, where the long lines are. Grasp a long line in each hand and urge the horse to move forward. You may need a helper at the horse's head to pull the horse along until it understands what you're asking.

    • 5

      Walk behind your horse as it moves. Use the long lines to turn your horse by pulling on the long line on one side. Work with both sides until your horse understands what you're asking it to do.

    • 6

      Pull back lightly on both long lines at the same time, while at the same time giving a firm "whoa" command. Continue working with the horse until it stops on a "whoa" command alone. Use the long lines to stop the horse if it doesn't respond to the "whoa" right away. Over time, your horse will learn to stop on command, but it can take several weeks or months of training before that happens.

    • 7

      Introduce your horse to the carriage slowly, making sure your horse has a solid foundation in ground driving first. Allow your horse to examine the carriage before harnessing.