Hello, I am a new mini owner in Texas. This Bob, the new kid on the block and some of my nieces.
I have an older saddle mule, yearling mule, large Standard, and a mammoth donkey as well.
I have been showing my "big" guys for a year now and have been intrigued with all the stuff the minis can do too. I really wanting to get into driving and decided a mini was the way to get started driving. Last weekend we added Bob to our family, he is a 4 year old gelding. Bob was advertised as "driving" when we got there the spanish speaking ranch hand,saddled Bob and hitched a pallet with a stump for weight to the saddle and hooked reins to Bobs halter to demonstrate. I was thinking this is not was I was expecting but have to admit I thought he did a pretty good job for that much resistance to be trotting and pulling in that manor. However I wnt to get Bob driving with a harness and a bit, to snigging and a cart. So I am looking to get a harness first, and get started. I have no experience driving. Today
I worked with Bob teach him "gee" and "haw" just off of my voice standing behind him with lead ropes to his halter and coaxing him and rewarding with correct responses. but not really moving forward, just getting him to understand turning the right direction when asked in English. I am afraid forward and turning is going to be difficult as was while riding my mammoth, she could turn OR walk forward but not at the same time.
I have a million questions. and don't really know where to start. So any advice would be appreciated.
What type of bit do you reccomend?
Whats next?