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Congratulations on Making It to Part 3!
If you've followed along this far, give yourself a pat on the back. Welcome to Part 3 of our series on teaching your saddle horse how to become a cart horse. In this session, we work with Amie, a four-year-old Warmblood filly who arrived with some behavioral challenges but is now an overachiever. Assisting me is Miss Kaitlin, one of my outstanding academy graduates from Tennessee, who's here to help with this driving lesson.
Key Differences in Driving Setup
When transitioning from riding to driving, you'll notice some significant differences:
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Natural Horsemanship Halter: Amie is fitted with an MG natural horsemanship halter, which aids in effective communication.
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Cart and Shafts Alignment: Ensure the shafts and tug lines are parallel. Proper alignment helps maintain balance and control.
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Drive Line Positioning: Drive lines should be positioned over everything to maintain consistent contact and guidance.
The First Drive: Setting the Stage for Success
Starting your horse's first drive can be the riskiest part of the training process. Here’s how we managed Amie’s first cart experience safely:
1. Using a Long Lead Rope
I used a 30-foot lead rope to maintain control while giving Amie enough freedom to move forward. This setup reduces the chances of accidents during the initial drive.
2. Managing Initial Reactions
Horses often struggle with the new sensation of the cart, especially when turning. Amie felt pressure on both her shoulder and hindquarters, which can be confusing for horses accustomed to saddle work. Staying within her line of sight helped reassure her.
3. The Importance of a Pony Person
Having Kaitlin as the pony person made a huge difference. If she were driving Amie solo, she might face challenges controlling the situation. With two people, one can redirect the horse's attention and manage any signs of stress effectively.
Steering and Direction Changes
Redirecting and Steering Techniques
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Maintaining Forward Motion: When steering, it's crucial to pull the horse both forward and to the side to prevent disengagement of the hindquarters.
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Staying Visible: I alternated between being in Amie’s blind spot and her direct line of sight to encourage forward movement.
Switching Directions Safely
When changing directions:
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Always ensure the driver and pony person are on the same side.
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Use gentle, consistent cues to guide the horse without causing confusion.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Risks of Solo Driving
Driving alone, especially during the first sessions, increases the risk of accidents. If a horse panics, pops sideways, or refuses to move, managing the situation alone can lead to wrecks.
Benefits of Teamwork
With two handlers:
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One can control the horse’s head and attention.
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The other can manage the reins and cart.
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It's easier to prevent the horse from getting into a bind.
Conclusion: Building Positive Driving Experiences
The goal is to create positive driving experiences, especially during the "spongy" learning phase. With consistent, safe training sessions:
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Horses quickly adapt to pulling a cart.
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They develop confidence and trust in their handlers.
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Training becomes a rewarding process for both horse and trainer.
Thank you for following along with Part 3 of our driving series. Stay tuned for the next video, where we’ll continue to build on these foundational skills!
