Mini driving

Question
Hello, I have a mini that I rescued.  I have been working with him on basic manners, ground driving ... Last summer I messed up and put the cart on him before he was ready and it was a disaster (he didnt get hurt, just spooked).  Recently I have began working with him and the cart again, I tied him and began to put the cart on him and he went nuts and bucked and wouldnt calm down.  What should I do?

Answer
hi melinda,
before attaching him have someone pull the cart behind him. putting a cart on a horse or mini before they are ready can end in disaster, they can easily break a leg or have a heart attack.you can also start with sinple thing get a small tire and have him drag it. keep him in a small pen so he cannot take off and run away. a round pen or a 24X24 pen will be perfect. also ground drive him everywhere. down the street around the property. take him by things that may be scarey to him. work with him with a tarp. rub it on him and get him used to it. at first make is as small as possible. the gradually make it bigger. then put it in him and put his harrness on and round pen him. anything you can think of, do it. the more ground work the better. when you start with the cart have someone pull it behind him when you ground drive him. gradually bring it closer to him until you have it as if it was connected to him. but do not connect it just yet. make sure he is comfortable and safe with it. if he even flinches when it is not attched it means he is not ready.once he doesnt cart hook it up to him and just let him stand. the next day start again with the cart unnattached to him to refresh his mind. then hook it up and let him stand for a bit. in a small pen walk him around. one person ground drives him another leads him. after walking around quietly take it off and end your session. the next day do the same thing. only have him walk alittle longer. once he is good walking in the pen walk him around the property and everywhere else. next step is have a small person in the cart and one leading. walk him around in a lager pen and get him used to pulling the weight. when he does good end the session. as you can see this is ging to take some time. but i promise you it is worth every bit. once you think he is ready for trotting come back and i will help you with that as well. but for now just get him walking with the cart and get him comfortable. good luck and be safe.
amanda groff