Random question! I have little kids and live in an area that gets occasional snow but our farm is pretty flat. So naturally, the horse gets conscripted to pull the sled around on snow days. I have tried a variety of configurations, but I want to hear how people attach sleds to their horses. I have a dressage saddle and a jump saddle, but no western, unfortunately, so tying off to the horn is not an option.
I have tried holding the rope in hand or wrapped under my thigh, which was okay when they were tiny but they are heavier now and that gets tiring fast.
I always use a breastplate to keep the whole shebang from sliding back. I have attached a lunge line to the breastcollar and then run each side under the saddle flaps and crossing over horse’s rump to keep out of way of hind legs. This works well except I don’t have any emergency release in the event the line gets tangled or horse misbehaves. Also, seems to put a lot of pressure on the breastcollar straps, which are narrow on not padded. Horse acts like it may not be the most comfortable thing.
I also usually attach the sled to the tow rope with instructions to the kids that they are to roll off the sled if anything happens, but would it be better to have them hold the end of the line themselves so the could just let go? Bonus points that this would wear them out quicker.
We mostly walk and trot but each year they get older and want to canter more and faster. What do other people do? Ideas and suggestions welcome!
Pic of current setup:
What I imagine they will want to do as teenagers, lord help me:
