Driving, circles and bending

[Gill]

Eriskay and I got the harness out today for the first time in ages and went for a sc- hool around the big field. The 'school' was my idea and the 'hool 'was hers!
However she was very good really. I was hoping that with our recent ridden schooling her stiff side would have improved for driving too. I think it maybe has a bit, but we still have problems on right circles and bends. She tends to hold her head left and cut in on the turn. It is quite irritating and I'm not sure how best to improve it. I'm trying to see if I am at fault (being a very novicey driver) by the way I sit or hold the reins.
Has anyone any helpful suggestions? Could I use the whip in a particular way to improve the bend? I feel as though I need my leg on her side!

[Esther.D]

You can lay the whip along her side and use it as you would your leg in order in encourage the bend :) Oh and of course, as in riding, make sure you still support her with the outside rein.

For the rein holding thing - it can be very useful to lay the reins out on the floor and put a bit of tape or similar at the same point on each rein - that way you can see at a glance during schooling if your reins are uneven when you believe them to be equal.

[Gill]

Thanks Esther, I'll certainly try your tip about the reins.