Breaking an outgrown child's pony to harness (Buttons).

[@annamcknight2573]

That would be the pony I would buy if I were driving. Buttons is full of business and goodwill. I hope he is still alive and happy.

[@lunagreyback4993]

THIS is exactly what should be done much more often! A pony can be fun for the whole family, not just the kid. Driving is a too much underrated activity that offers lots and lots of possibilities. The costs of the equipment is in fact an argument, but still worth it

[@hackneysaregreat]

A pony to truely fall in love with...

[@limitedtime5471]

What a sweet pony. I would have loved nothing better as a child

[@sharangodwin4022]

What a lovely pony. The driver has amazing hands!

[@kevinbaker6168]

I like seeing these videos showing smaller horses and ponies being driven. Here in the U.S. it is rare to see horses smaller than the Hackney being driven. My cousin, like most American breeder/exhibitors is in the large draft breeds, (Percherons) and does mostly single horse cart or 4 horse hitches. They also exhibit in hand; mares, stallions, yearlings and get.

[@barryhook2]

Yes we do have reindeer but we use a horse for pulling the sleigh! We always try and pick up our horse's droppings, it is not always possible to do (stopping in the middle of fast-moving traffic on a ring road would be dangerous) - but then this would be the same for other carriage drivers doing funerals etc. When we are parked up (eg in Stockbridge High Street) we carry a scoop and bucket on board specifically to pick it up. We have had people ask if they can take it home for their roses too!

[@ancientsgate]

What a lucky little girl and a lucky pony too! This was four years ago, I wonder if that family still own this pony.

[@mbmcclure3579]

I can't get enough of your videos. Just found your Channel and I can't stop watching these. You live in a beautiful place also.

[@mesatop5]

He looks like he enjoys driving.

[@pchdreamer]

aww such little leg! it makes him sound like hes going like the clappers :P

[@Linda-hs1lk]

Beautiful pony

[@babsoliver5645]

Fantastic little pony...........Bailey is a lucky girl!

[@jackieleonard2853]

What a smashing little pony!

[@dileepaappuhamy4017]

Thank you so much❤

[@amandasimpson2726]

Your work is just superb... You drive with such light hands ... such a kind calm voice....such a great deal of knowledge and experience so unusual to see nowadays.....just brilliant... Is there anyway you or a mmember of your team would be willing to come out to a small island in Greece and train a few skyrian ponies to drive as we haveno opportunity to work with anybody experienced here. I drove years ago when I lived in the Uk with a ride and drive welsh pony but it was many many years ago....

[@heidin2059]

Darlin wee lad!

[@annemcgrath3659]

Brilliant little fellow cooll as breeze

[@haha_horses6315]

Where is the cart and harness from

[@PhyllisGlassup2TheBrim]

what are those shafts called? I want some like that.

[@cavies12345]

I have watched and enjoyed several of your videos on here and all though we hear you talking Melanie i wonder is there any videos of you driving?

[@barryhook2]

Hi cavies12345 - yes there are some films where I'm on the reins, although I must admit I do find it hard to hand the camera over to someone else (as Barry will tell you himself, he's not that good with technology!!) You can see me driving on the playlist of Ronnie and Reggie, the hard-mouthed grey pair, on the end of the trandem of stallions and a mare film, on the "bolting horse" video (look for the older films). In a few weeks you will also see me on the reins of a pair of KWPNs too.

[@cavies12345]

Thanks Melanie.

[@meganvinal7332]

I work at a small farm and they have a 13.5 hand pony. They gave him to me but he's a bit too small for me to ride so I asked if I could use their things to train him to pull a small two wheel cart. The the thing is he's still a stallion and is five years old plus a bit hot tempered. He likes to do what he wants to do and not what you would like him to do. When he was younger he was abused his feet were never trimmed and he was never fed. Just left in a field. He has a slight fear of people and I'm trust training him now but when I do start to train him is there anything you could give me some tips on? Like how to interduce him to the cart?

[@DutchHollow]

How many km do you usually drive him in a day?

[@Amyr61]

Lovely video! What brand of cart is that?

[@barryhook2]

Thanks! It's a Cumbrian Carriage.

[@hannahambler1993]

What's the best cart to use to break in a young welsh pony? i'm breaking my 4y/o to drive and he's coming along wonderfully but i don't know what cart/harness to use. can you help?

[@barryhook2]

Hi Hannah Ambler - there are lots of different carriages and harness you can use; our advice would always be to buy the best you can afford. We don't believe in using old sets of harness to break horses in with as if it breaks at a crucial moment you could frighten your youngster or injure him for no reason. We mainly use biothane harness (Zilco, Rene Schoop, Hartland etc) as it stands up to the intense wear and tear we give it, plus is easy to clean and parts can be easily ordered from suppliers. The carriage this pony is using is made by Hartland Carriages. We also use ones from the Talbot Brothers - Polish carriages are good but steer clear of Chinese-made ones and bear in mind some people sell Chinese carriages as Polish, the same as some people sell foreign rubbish harness as English harness. It might be an idea to see if you have anyone experienced locally who can take a look at any planned purchases with you and offer some advice too. You might be able to pick up secondhand sets online but in our opinion whatever brand you choose, you are far better off saving and buying something good quality that will last, instead of something cheap that won't last and could cause injury to your pony, you, or any bystanders. Hope this has been of some help, Thanks, Mel

[@emilydarcy5422]

Do you still do this training

[@lisaswift6799]

What is this vehicle called? I have a team of ponies currently pulling a 2 wheel Jerald cart but would like to buy a 4 wheel vehicle.

[@barryhook2]

Hello Lisa; this vehicle is a Hartland Shetlandsport carriage: site.hartlandcarriages.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=259&Itemid=171

[@VSE4me1]

This pony looks like my large mini mare. I wish I could say my mare's temperament is as good! But she's young yet, so time will tell.

[@Starsonedge]

Pretty little pony.

[@rushellealexandra5243]

Some of those people cut really close passing u 😢

[@rushellealexandra5243]

I hate when folks pass to close

[@hackneysaregreat]

I think a good driving course for the owners would be of great help and a nescessity too to be able to drive safely without help.

[@lucasalegroni6704]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏽🇦🇷

[@hannahambler1993]

haha omg my little pony's called buttons! he's a little knob-head to do long rein :/