I have a very cute grade pony about 40 inches tall and about 8 years old. I had started him driving a few years ago and he was doing quite well until..... we had a blowout. I ended up injured, life got in the way and we didn't do anything with him for 2 years. This summer we have hooked him 3 times and each time ended in a full blown runaway. He is very skittish about everything. Today I was ground driving him and came to the realization that I am not up to the training he will need. So, my question is do I spend the money and send him for training (He would be spending some hard labor time at "Amish Camp") and hope that he becomes the driving horse I want or do save the money and look for an already trained driving horse? If I do the latter, my current pony would probably need to find a new home. (might be tough in these times and since he is not a kids pony or driving pony his future would be uncertain) You can see him at http://tonvic.tripod.com/horses/id8.html though the page is way out of date.

 Sorry, if he was mine, I would not put the money into making him a driving pony.  He has four strikes against him, he has won EVERY time there was a problem.  Even Amishing him, is not going to make him reliable for YOU.  You don't have the time to keep him worked regularly, and keeping him in consistant work.  Most Amish horses are cooperative because they work hard DAILY.  I would imagine the Amish kids will get him driving, but still may not be safe or reliable for casual use, now and again.

I would believe that  you do not and can not trust him after being hurt by him in the past.  Not liking a horse who scares you is fine, you are NOT required to keep and use him.  Maybe you could trade even up, for another pony, even untrained, to move yours on.

Part of the driving problem could be you.  You may have poor driving reactions, which was part of the problem with the originial accident.  I would check around for a driving trainer who could coach YOU in rein handling, correct reaction to each kind of situation, like a spook or harness failure.

Another part of driving is having good equipment, harness and vehicle.  I don't want my stuff breaking, EVER.  I never recommend any vehicles with bike tires.  Cheap carts, cheap harness breaks when put under stress like a spook.  As you found, even little pony can be much stronger than you, when he is frightened.  He has to have solid basics, be willing to work with you when frightened.  Any parts of harness or cart breaking removes strength from other parts, he can't FEEL you, tries to run.  You can't hold one who has lost his brain or training from fright.

Solid harness, dependable cart, do not come cheap.  Many folks are unwilling to invest in good equipment, training for themselves.  Driving wrecks are always bad, don't have undependable equipment to add to the problem in a tense situation.

Let this pony go.  Do your homework BEFORE you go back to driving.  Get lessons for yourself, get your harness and vehicle checked for safety.  Maybe upgrade things before getting the next animal for driving.  Set yourself up to be successful in your driving.  Driving is a LOT harder to do well than most folks think.  You and pony have to be partners, not just tied together with harness and reins.  Keep us posted on your progress. 

 I would give him a chance. You said he was on his way to being a great driving pony. If you like him and he was good, give him a chance to be good again. Its not his fault that you let him sit for 2 years. Most horses are going to need some work after some battles and victorys over you. It took him 2 years to get where he is. Give him time to get back.

Thanks, what you say has merritt. He will be finding a new home and I will be getting a different driving pony.