Posted 2010-01-25 3:54 PM (#115690) Subject: Can a saddle horse be used in harness without getting tough mouthed?
Veteran
Posts: 241
I have some really good saddle horses, I'd like to train one of them to pull a buggy but I don't want to toughen his mouth... can a horse be used for both or will it desensitize the horse? As a kid I had a shetland we used for both, but she was a tough mouthed bugger, and she never could neck rein or yield to leg pressure.
Posted 2010-01-25 6:48 PM (#115696 - in reply to #115690) Subject: RE: Can a saddle horse be used in harness without getting tough mouthed?
Veteran
Posts: 231 Location: Illinois
Why not....versatility is a plus, I would find someone in your area who is very knowledgable in driving and ask for help or advise on what direction to take..
American Quater Horses can do anything & everything... Good Luck
Posted 2010-01-25 8:30 PM (#115700 - in reply to #115690) Subject: RE: Can a saddle horse be used in harness without getting tough mouthed?
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
I have taken AQHA show horses and put them in harness, as well as OTTB's, if they had a good mouth to start with, it was no different under saddle after their driving, and they were light to drive......
Posted 2010-01-26 9:08 AM (#115719 - in reply to #115690) Subject: RE: Can a saddle horse be used in harness without getting tough mouthed?
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
I drove and rode my show gelding for years at the World/National level and we won in both areas...soft mouth and even softer sides.
If you like riding you'll LOVE driving, but try and find a trainer to help you get started because things can go from minor to down right horrible in a cart in no-time-flat.
Posted 2010-01-26 9:26 AM (#115722 - in reply to #115690) Subject: RE: Can a saddle horse be used in harness without getting tough mouthed?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 447 Location: cedar rapids iowa
Never heard of a horse having a hard mouth from driving but if the driver didn't know what they are doing I could see operator error causing some mouth issues. Lots of preparation and ground work teaching the horse how to pull something and voice commands are important. Not banging on the bit when thet walk off and such.
Can a saddle horse be used in harness without getting tough mouthed?
