Horse before the cart

[jeniferkey]

I finally hooked Topper and rode behind him in the cart. There was some head tossing, we think because he wanted to go and I wanted to walk, but he was good and I was able to easily control him with my header there just in case. We're learning to communicate for the tighter turns, where he has to cross over and I don't think it'll be that long before I'll be comfortable without the header. I've hooked alone already, and he's been great about standing for it all. He's Amish, so we figure he's driven, but we've taken our time, because when we introduced the idea of the shafts he was the opposite of calm. Now he handles it all without acting nervous, but sometimes he can be impatient to go. I'm rather excited about all this.
Here's a video https://youtu.be/AiDJDvz4YSw

[Woost2]

*clap clap clap* Cute cute cute Topper!

I used to go to an Amish produced Haflinger auction in Ohio. Haffies are a cash crop for the Amish rather than real working horses. When they offered one that had been "driven, put to farm equipment, ridden, kidded, grandma-ed and been to town" you could figure it had more than the basics.

[PaulaO]

I am fascinated by driving. What fun for you and Topper.

[Kelo]

How cool is that!!!!!

[Imperini]

Very cool, he looks splendid!

[Tuddy]

Lovely!

[jeniferkey]

An update that things are going quite well. I've hooked him alone and driven him a couple of times now. We have regular dressage type things to work on, his left turn needs work and I'd like to get shoes on his front feet at least for the gravel. He's eager and forward, but not proving to be spooky like he is under saddle. Our neighbor shot a loud gun one of the days we were driving and we both jumped, but he didn't even break gait. Here are a couple more videos. Isn't he adorable?

https://youtu.be/EceBotpc6-4
Around the yard

https://youtu.be/lX9-35CrXeE
Down to where the cart lives

[Chisamba]

he looks so smart

[Kirby's Keeper]

Very impressive. I've always wanted to learn to drive but I'm a bit chicken. I think Kirby would have liked it.