How to Teach a Horse to Pull

Teaching your horse to pull can be useful in many ways. You can drag and move heavy objects safely and pull a buggy or wagon. Teach a horse to pull by following these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lariat
• Tire
• Buggy or wagon

1. Train your horse to ride first. He should respond to a bit when asked to stop or turn, and stop when the reins are pulled back.

2. Saddle your horse completely, and tie a lariat to the horn of the saddle. Loop the other end of the lariat through a tire or solid object. Allow the horse to check the tire out before asking him to drag it around.

3. Attach long reins to your horse's bit so you can stand a safe distance behind him while controlling him. Ask him to go, turn and stop while pulling the tire. Do this for several days.

4. Remove the tire, and continue to drive your horse from the long reins. Take him out of the pen, and go down the road for him to get accustomed to it.

5. Introduce a buggy or wagon to the horse. Start the first day by harnessing him into the traces.

6. Drive your horse from the buggy moving only at a walk for the first few rides. Slowly move to different gaits if the horse is responsive to your commands.

7. Expose your horse to many different things while pulling a buggy. Let him get used to cars, dogs and other potentially frightening objects.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't rush your horse. Take a slow pace so he can become accustomed to everything.
• Teaching horses to pull can be challenging; consider consulting a local trainer who specializes in driving.

[Jeff]

on 7/1/2007 I have him grab with both hands and give it all he's got.
We usually practice with games of Tug-o-war and trading punches. He ALWAYS wins. dammit!