Horses: Pulling & Plowing

Using A Team of Horses: Pulling & Plowing

Horses must be handled firmly and consistently; even a well-trained team can be ruined by a poor driver. Use the command words that your horses were trained to obey. In America standard commands are "whoa" (stop), "get up" (go), "gee" (turn right), and "haw" (turn left). Learn to maintain steady control of the reins; keep them fairly taut, but never pull so hard that you damage a horse's mouth.

Be careful and considerate of your animals. Talk kindly and quietly to them so that they learn to recognize and trust your voice. During breaks in work loosen their collars so they can relax too. Never leave a hitched horse unattended. If you must tie it up temporarily, use the bridle, not the harness straps, and be sure it is tied securely to something immovable. A team that has been idle during the winter needs to get back into condition gradually. Start with small amounts of light work and build up gradually to such heavier jobs as plowing. Keep your equipment in top condition and do not let anyone inexperienced drive your team. With care you will avoid injuring either yourself or your valuable horses.

This page last revised: June 20, 2004

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by Pamela C. Biddle, Joel E. Fishman (Contributor)

Main Street Books
ISBN: 0385482671

In the bestselling tradition of Life's Little Instruction Book, All I Need to Know I Learned From My Horse contains newly coined aphorisms that are intended to instruct and entertain. Decorated with line drawings that border each page, this is an attractive gift book or stocking stuffer--the perfect choice for any horse lover.