Assess your strengths and limitations. Know how to harness the team, hitch the horses to the plow and plow a straight furrow. Ralph Rice, from Riceland Meadows farm, says that you have to spend your time between the handles to get good at it.
Arrange an apprenticeship. Find a farmer --- if you know any Amish, they are the ideal teachers --- who uses horses and work with him until you develop your skills. The first time you get between the handles, have him walk the horses so that you can concentrate on learning to use the plow.
Pick your team. Choose strong draft horses such as Clydesdale, Shire, Belgian or Percheron that are well-behaved, quiet-tempered and can work together as a team.
Purchase the right plow. This could be an 8-inch or 10-inch bottom walking plow or an Indian bottom. Choose a 12-inch or 14-inch Radey bottom if you want a larger model. A sulky plow --- that has wheels so you can ride --- is another option.
Hitch the horses to the plow. Ralph Rice advises that you get the horses to step ahead until the reins are tight. Tie the lines together in a knot then slip them over your left shoulder and under your right arm. That way, if the team bolts or get spooked you will be able to free yourself.
Learn to plow straight furrows. Lean the plow to the right to steer it left, and vise versa. Put a marker at the end of the field so you can keep an eye on the distance while monitoring the width of the sod that is being turned and how close it is to the last row, if you are a beginner.
Lay your plow on its side when you get to the end of the furrow to avoid having it dig into the ground when you cross the headland.