I have an old leather harness that belonged to my great grandfather. It has rips and tears, the leather is worn and the metal doesn't shine anymore. I could clean it and condition it, but it's an old work harness and has too much sentimental and priceless value the way it is. It's the harness I intend on using to train Sam to drive and haul a load. I'm missing a few things though! I recently bought him a new leather driving bridle and we spent a day getting use to wearing a bit and walking around with blinders on. He looked so handsome with it on...
I still need to buy driving lines and a singletree to have a complete working harness. I'll be purchasing those on Friday after I get paid. His collar, one that my dad gave me, is a 26", and when I measured him, he was a 24"... So I'm also going to be buying a collar pad to make up the gap and help his collar fit better. I'm very excited to get going with his driving training! I'm going to have my uncle make me a drag, and a friend also has an old dog sled he said I could and rig up with my singletree so that Sam can pull it. To begin with though, we'll use tires and logs, things with substance, but no real stress or weight. I'm also saving to buy a new harness. I want a nylon one, they're much lighter than leather and stronger to-boot!
For now, until I have everything for Sam, I do have a new pony named Guppy! He's about 12 years old and just cute as a button! Best part is, he doesn't put up with Sam's crap! He's only a free lease for a year, but I have the option to buy him at the end of the lease. Sam adores him, so I just might do it! I do have a pony harness for him and we've ground driven, but I don't have a cart yet, it's at my grandma's! He was a good boy when we ground drove and he adores kids! So I think we might make him a permanent member.
