My weekend was a VERY special one. I have two 3yrs colt, I have them since they were 6 months old. I did not have any previous knowledge of horses, so I took all the books I could read etc.

Well! My young Levy QH, got is first ride yesterday! NO BUCK!!!! No I was not the one riding, too nervous (me! not him) I was so proud of my LITTLE boy! I was proud that all the work and patience paid off!!!!

As for my riding, I am still in a halt situation. Cant seems to get the guts to go up there quite yet!!!

I'd really suggest hooking up with a local driving instructor if you want to get started. There are right ways to do it and SOOOOOO many wrong ways. The last thing you want is a fearful experience for the horse. An instructor can help you measure your horse for the right harness and also guide you in the right size (shaft length/height, wheel size) for your horse.

I am intending to drive with my Maggie, also - maybe starting in a year or so. You will pay around $500 - $850 for GOOD harness. Everyone I know recommends Biothane rather than leather. I like the Smuckers harnesses and for light carting, you want the breast strap style - not the heavier stiff collar that has to be fit perfectly. As far as a cart goes, you want an easy entry cart which is designed for quick exits if you need to get out. You get what you pay for. It depends on construction, springs, brakes, type of wheels, etc. I am planning to spend around $800 - $1000, although you can find ones for $400 on Ebay. But if a cheap one breaks in a year, it's not really a deal, I think. I REALLY like 2 particular carts that I found on-line. One is designed for handicapped people - low and very easy to get in and out of.It has large wheels for a smooth ride. The other one is a heavy duty "overland" cart that looks really durable. So I will be saving and working overtime for a while before I can get started. I feel I can teach the ground driving bit on my own, but I will definitely be getting help from a local trainer when it comes to actually hooking up. One bad wreck can ruin your cart and seriously harm horse and/or driver, so I want to start out right. One vet or emergency room bill could cost well more than some training time.

Driving is the fastest growing equine sport in the US. Many ex-riders are driving now, with just as much competitive spirit as in any other event. Try to go to some carting events if you can, and see what you think. It's a great place to ask questions and see equipment, hook up with people, etc.
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Anyway, I have to wait to see if my boy will be fit to do that kind of work. He might be too lame to do anything other then been my big black dog! to me, no matter what, he is here to stay with us. He is surch a clown, just for that he deserves to stay here.

I do have like I said, 5 horses in all. Kyna been my old girl, she is retired and is more or less my son's horse to ride in the round pen, I trust her complitely to care for my young boy. But other then that, she has an easy life here too. I have two 3 years old colts and a 7-8 yrs mustang. I am working with help of an other person to break on of my 3 yrs. and also she rides for me the mustang. I can ride him, but only in the round pen, has I can not seem to find the guts to get out of it. I know, he is not a horse for me, but him too, I will not let him go no where, call me selfish but my horses are part of our family. Lots of people told me that I should sell them because they do not have a job. Well, they are mine!*** sorry, I get upset when people do not mind there own business! it would be different if I was not taking care of them.

That is a reason why I was looking at the cart. If I can't ride them why not drive them? I know the mustang is out of the question, too flighty.

I get so so so mad at myself for not getting over my fears. Yes I had very bad falls (broken back, bruised tail bone, tear of a tendon in my shoulder etc...)Yeah, looking at that I should smarten up! and not go on any more! but I can't! I need them! I suppose they have to be ridden? do they? I feel hopeless sometimes!~

sorry for the story again! and sorry for my writing, I am a french speaking person, that it is why, words might look weird to you guys!

If you feel comfortable riding your Mustang in the round pen, I would stick with that and KEEP DOING IT until you're bored to tears! LOL! Eventually, the round pen will get unbelievably boring and you'll be sick and tired of it! Then, you will be SO ready to ride outside the round pen! You'll be posting on here and saying something like "Guys, I am so sick of the round pen, so I'm going to ride outside tomorrow!" LOL! ;o)

Driving sounds like a very good option, too. I think most horses can be trained to drive, and most riders feel more comfortable driving than riding. Good luck if you decide to do that, and let us know how it's going!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Don't listen to the people who won't mind their own business and keep telling you to sell your horses! You love them and take care of them, and that's all that matters. They're not standing around in the field saying to each other, "Gee, I wish Mom would ride us!" LOL! They're probably perfectly happy to be much-loved pets. Good for you for being such a great horsey mom and taking such good care of them! They're all very lucky to have you! :o)
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~RedsMom

I rode my mustang for 30 min. last saturday, well in the round pen, but I felt so happy! finally I could do more than 5 minutes! At one point, I wanted to trot, but I decided not to. Take good things in first!

thank you all for your support!

I actually looking forward tonight to ride again. Even if it means to ride in the pen. I have to work anyway on his stop, takes him a while before stopping.

For the driving, I have to wait for the vet to let me know if my boy will be able to do it physiqualy.

Rite now, I am too excited! I just want to go ride, yep! even if it is a little at the time!

thank you guys SO SO much!