Mary Allen
Introduction: What is a Comtois horse?
Comtois horses are draft horses that originated in the Franche-Comté region of eastern France. These horses are known for their strength, endurance, and docile temperament, making them ideal for heavy work such as farming and hauling. In recent years, Comtois horses have also become popular for driving, both for pleasure and competition.
Training a Comtois horse for driving takes time, patience, and skill. It is important to start with a horse that has been well-handled and has good ground manners. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, you can turn your Comtois horse into a reliable and enjoyable driving partner.
Basic Training: Ground Manners and Handling
Before you can start training your Comtois horse for driving, it is important to establish good ground manners and handling. This includes teaching your horse to stand still for grooming, picking up its feet for cleaning, and leading quietly. It is also important to teach your horse to respond to basic commands such as "whoa" (stop) and "walk" (move forward).
Consistency and patience are key when training ground manners. Always reward your horse for good behavior and never punish it for mistakes. Use positive reinforcement such as treats or praise to encourage your horse to behave well. As your horse becomes more comfortable and confident with handling, you can move on to harnessing and ground driving.