How to Cart Train a Mini Horse

Training a miniature horse to drive a cart takes the same patience as training a horse to ride under saddle. You must start slowly and leave the horse with a positive experience every time you work with him. It is also important to expose your miniature to all kinds of vehicles, noises, and objects. This will reduce the chance of him spooking or jumping when vehicles pass him on the road.

Things You'll Need

  • Harness
  • Harness bridle
  • Horse
  • Assistant
  • Cart
  • Halter
  • Longe line
  • Tire
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the harness on your horse and let him stand quietly to become familiar with the feel of the equipment.

    • 2

      Properly fit the driving bridle on your horse and again let him stand quietly. This bridle is slightly different from a riding bridle because it has blinders--pieces along the headstall that prevent the horse from seeing the cart behind him.

    • 3

      Attach a lead line to the bridle and walk him around the pasture or riding ring. Repeat this step several days in a row until the horse walks with you calmly and readily.

    • 4

      Attach a longe line to the harness bridle and work with your horse on voice commands, such as "walk," "trot," "whoa," and "stand."

    • 5

      Practice ground driving by attaching the reins to the bridle and through the proper rings on the harness. Walk behind your horse at a safe distance and ask him to walk, trot, and whoa when you pull on the reins and give the voice commands.

    • 6

      Attach a tire to the harness with a quick release snap and practice driving your horse. By now, he should be extremely well schooled at all voice commands. The use of the tire allows him to get used to the weight of pulling a cart and passengers.

    • 7

      Harness your miniature to the cart. Walk him around the pasture and down the street and observe his behavior. After he has responded to all your commands and you feel that it is safe, get in the cart. Ask an assistant to walk with the horse as you walk, trot, stop, and stand. If the horse is calm and responding well, take a turn without assistance.