I want to teach my horse to drive, how do I start??

[equestrian3241]

I want to teach my 15.0 hh quarterhorse/arabian gelding to drive a cart. I don't have a cart yet but I know that I won't need one for a while. How do I start his training to get him to steer with long reins? Help PLease!

[Wally]

First get some lessons, then when you come to actually drive him you will know what you need to do. It will also put you in good stead knowing what you are aiming for.

If you have a better knolwledge of how to fit a cart, and the types of harness available you'll be able to make right decisions when you come to buy one, you'll know how to choose the right one for you and your horse.

[Libbyo]

Ive been thinking about driving my cob to. I long reined today for the first time. He was so good. He responded to my voice and light changes of rein to left and right. I was very impressed. Maybe he has driven before. His previous owner did not say so, but.

Where can I get some training for me from. Im in sunney(well damp and cold) sussex.

Thanks
Libbyo :)

[Wally]

Have a look on the British Driving Society web site. You'll find a list of instructors there.

A lot of horses will long rein like pros. Doesn't mean they have driven, AS with any horse, if someone tells me it is trained to harness I never beleive it until I have seen it driven. I start every horse the same, you soon find you as you go whether he has or not.

[Libbyo]

Thanks for your help. What we have decided to do is to continue long reining, with a friend watching, who used to drive regularly. I am going next week to meet some one with her who breaks and drives to meet them chat and try driving myself.

IF every thing is good, Pinnochio will be sent to this person to be broken profesionally and I will take some lessons with them as well.

BUT, if it no works out, so be it. The world dosnt end.

Libbyo :)

[Wally]

Understanding the importance of cart balance and how the harness needs to be set up is vital.

99% of all the things done when driving are done in the interests of safety. I cut awful corners when working on the ground with horses or ridden horses these days, but never when driving. It is the one time you cut a corner that you trash your horse, harness and cart and maybe a car into the bargain.

Get Jane MacInnes' video, "Between the Shafts" it comes in CD too I think. That is packed with lots and lots of hints and tricks and the correct way to go about things. Okay, maybe not "correst" but SAFE. It is clear and goes into some detail about types of modern and traditional carts and harness.

[Esther.D]

Also 'breaking to drive' video/DVD by Claire Wigmore is very good and gives an idea of how to prepare the early stages if doing that at home and as it goes all the way through it'll give you an idea of the whole process even if not doing it yourself.

Have fun! :)

They have them both here http://www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk/ under 'publications'

[Wally]

....ooh yes Esther, and how about Sallie Walrond's book "Breaking a horse to drive" that's good too.

[Esther.D]

Do you think we should get commission Wally? :D Definitely from Sally Walrond as we mention her book every other thread I think! But yes, it is very good.

[Esther.D]

Would it be worth doing a pinned thread on this topic as we seem to answer the same questions so often?

done one here

http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81915

[Wally]

Excellent!

[Libbyo]

Thanks guys. Videos are being bought, and we are planning both me and Pinnochios training.

Nothing on our yard is done without thinking and explanations. Im to old of being silly!

We long reined him again yersterday, he was fab. More today.

Im off next week to meet the person, and sit in a cart to see what I think.

I find it all really exciting.

Thanks for all your advice, sure you will get many more questions if and when we progress.

Libbyo :)

[Wally]

I often go back and watch Jane's video, just for the fun of it. When you progress on to pairs she has done a "double Up" DVD too.

[Libbyo]

Janes video on order!

Libbyo :)

[Libbyo]

Just to update you. I found out the lady'sd name thats going to help us today Pippa Thomas/Barrett.

So I think she will be very good for us both and not lead us down blind alleys.

Libbyo :)

[Esther.D]

Fantastic - very good choice - have fun!! :)