Things You'll Need
- A sturdy halter
- Long lines
- A sturdy piece of wood
- A surcingle
- Driving whip
- Harness
- Sled
Instructions
Put on your horse's halter, making sure that the halter is fitted properly and very sturdy. An inferior halter could easily break during training, resulting in injury to yourself, your horse or both.
Attach a surcingle around the horse's barrel. This surcingle will help keep the long lines in place and keep your horse moving straight during the rest of the training process.
Run a long line from each side of the halter, back through the rings on the surcingle and back behind the horse. It is helpful to have a partner hold the horse while the long lines are being put into place. Some horses, especially young ones, may become spooked as the lines are moved behind them. If no one else is available, tying the horse to a sturdy post is a good alternative.
Move to the back of your horse, making sure that you are far enough back to not be touched if the horse were to kick out. Always watch your horse's body language--pinned ears or a swishing tail could indicate nervousness or anger. Any misbehavior should be corrected at once, before it has a chance to become more serious.
Use your whip to ask the horse to move forward. Some horses may be a bit nervous moving on the long line, so don't be surprised if your horse does not move off immediately. If the horse does not move as desired simply use the whip a bit more firmly. Once your horse is moving forward use the long lines to guide his movement. Practice turning from side to side, and also practice backing up. These maneuvers will be very useful once you move from the lines to the sled.
Stand on a sturdy piece of wood--a two- to three-foot-square of plywood or similar light wood works well for this purpose. Take the long lines in your hand and gently use the whip to move your horse forward. This will get your horse used to pulling an object behind him. This part of the training can take several weeks to a month or more, but it is important. Do not move on to hooking up an actual sled until your horse is able to confidently pull you around on your wooden "sled".
Hook up your horse's harness while having a friend hold the horse. After the harness is in place have your friend continue to hold the horse while you hook up the sled. Pull the reins through the fittings on the harness and get in the sled. It is helpful to have your friend remain with your horse while you move off slowly. Starting slowly and easily will help your horse get used to pulling a sled safely.