Well almost! We have a cute little pony cart, a cute little pony who needs work and a harness . . . hmmmm! Previously we trained Sass to ground - drive as part of her training for riding, she knows voice commands and will walk-trot-whoa while ground driving. We have also hooked her to a sled and a small travois to get her used to things behind her.
Tonight we introduced her to THE CART . . .
We started out with me ground-driving her and Sonny actually pulling the cart around the paddock so she could see it and hear it, then Sonny walked behind her with the cart in place but not hooked to her at all. She was very good and patient, a few little spooks when the traces touched her, but she settled in quickly.
Then we took her full bridle off and led her in a halter while hooked to the cart. This allowed her to check the cart out and actually see it moving with the reassurance of someone leading her helped gain her confidence. I still need some help getting the adjustments on her harness, but we got it hooked up so it wouldn't bump her at all and she was great. She was very worried at first, but after some scratching and treats she settled in and was great!
Sonny really wanted to sit in the cart so after a few very calm laps he sat in it while Sass ate treats.
A few more sessions and we might be ready to actually drive this pony! We may need a little sleigh for winter.
All our groundwork and positive reinforcement has really paid off with Sassy, she has become much more trusting and took all of today's new experiences in stride. What a long way she's come!
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