Lola will become a cart-pony yet!

Well, a long, long time ago I posted a rant full of capital letters that Lola was being given away. Well, after lots of tears and depression, I have stuck up a deal with my mom. If I can turn Lola into something useful that doesn't involve riding I MAY be able to keep her.

Well, lots of people suggested I teach her to drive, which is a great idea! Plus, if it turns out my mom only said that so I would stop sobbing like a heart-broken thirteen year old, she would get a good home.

This brings me to the topic of this post; how do I teach her to drive anyway? I have no experience at all which this kind of thing. What is the first step? Explain to me 'kindergarten style', please.

Once again, I'm really happy I have made progress. Lola will remain mine yet!

I taught my pony to 'drive', but really he just pulls the red flyer wagon around. I made my own harness of junk, but it works.
Pull the wagon around her and get her used to it, keep her near in etc. Have her 'pull' something behind her like a blanket or piece of cardboard that will make noise so she can get used to the sound and something behind her.

More experienced 'driving people' will give you better advice, I'm sure, but make sure to get her used to stuff behind her.

What's the story on Lola? Is she a sane, calm, tractable horse? Driving is much more dangerous than riding, so if the reason she can't be ridden is due to unpredictablility or something along those lines, dont' drive her, either.

As I said, driving is much more dangerous than riding, so it is really important to find an experienced driver/trainer to help you and her out. I've been driving for 7 or so years, and compete in preliminary level in combined driving as well as being on a driving drill team and competing in AMHA/AMHR and pleasure shows, and I still won't start my own horses (other than ground driving). I have no problems starting a horse undersaddle though, and I DO know how to train a horse to drive, it's just a matter of the trainer is much more capable than I am.

Actually, get the harness on her and get her used to that before you start pulling stuff behind her. If she doesnt take well to a harness how will she pull a cart?

That's great that your mom is willing to make a deal with you. I hope it works out though I have no advice to offer as far as teaching her to drive. You may want to find an experienced "skinner" to help you.

Thanks for the help everyone! Lola is sane and trainable, but my mom won't let me ride her due to a freak accident.

Also, I found someone to help me out. I'm going to start the training in about a week. (The weather's suppose to ease up a little then.)

That's great!! I hope everything works out.

Thats great! Keep us updated please:)

Glad you found someone to help! Good luck, and take photos :)