My first Drive (it was FUN!) PHOTOS ADDED, POST #10

[shawneeAcres]

Well here I am about to tunr 50 years old, have been riding all my life, mostly hunters, eventers and dressage but have done some western stuff, reining and even rode a cutting horse once (what a blast that was!). Well today I had arranged for my 4-H group to go down to my farriers farm. He drives, has hackney ponies and Morgans. He showed us a long yearling he was long lining for the first time today, then he got out a 9 yr old Morgan gelding who is what they call a 'classic" horse. Has shown and been a world champ. I realize most of the people ehre may be into a different type of driving that that (he also does roadsters with the ponies), but this guy is an older fellow and very very good at what he does. After he had hitched and driven the gelding, he called me over and let me drive! I had no idea it would be quite like it was! That horse was quite powerful, had a huge trot, but was SO well trained, that a simple "ho" would bring him back. Took me a bit to figure it out and felt like I was FLYING around that ring! But it was fabulous. I keep saying I am going to start driving and now I really think I am hooked!

[Ashemont]

Welcome to my world, Carrie! C'mon down and we'll take you out with Phoenix or Maggie if you start to waver :winkgrin:

[shawneeAcres]

OMG Ashemont, I didn't realize how MUCH I'd like it or really how DIFFERENT it is from riding! I am used to "feeling" the horse, his movement, etc with my seat and legs. This is like part of you is cut off!! You have to do it thru sight and feel with your hands that is IT! Very difficult and different if you ask me! I may be running down there now, I certainly enjoyed it immensely and honestly ahve a MUCH BETTER apprectiation for what the show driving people call power! When Harry drove the gelding he looked great, but so smooth and not really that powerful but my GOSH when I got in that horse had the most power and implusion I could imagine! So much more than the impulsion that dressage horses suppsedly have! He was on a hair trigger BUT totally controllable!

[hobbyhorse23]

I am used to "feeling" the horse, his movement, etc with my seat and legs. This is like part of you is cut off!! You have to do it thru sight and feel with your hands that is IT!

Ah, but after awhile you start to get some of that feeling back! It's a bit like being blinded in that your other senses soon start to sharpen up to compensate and before long it feels like strapping on your rocket suit. :D You sit down in that cart, brace your feet, pick up the whip and arrange your lines, and VVVRRRROOOOOOOMMM! Wheee!

Admit it: you're addicted. :lol: Welcome to the club!

Leia

[shawneeAcres]

It was much more exhilarating than I ever thought possible! See I used to feel that way about going cross country but honestly I want the feelign without the risk these days! i LOVE that portion of eventing and to find something else that gave me that rush was a bit unexpected!

[Trakehner]

Also a hunter/jumper/3-day competitor that got into driving....it's fun and really very simple at heart.

Have fun and don't ever be intimidated by all the new stuff. Plus, it's social, you can bring all sorts of friends along and even adult beverages...wine seems to go along with driving down the road.

[pricestory]

That was exactly my feeling when I drove a pony the first time. I had been in a carriage and had been training my mini jack to drive but the first time I drove something that was really moving and forward, wow. It was more fun than should be legal.
However, the other feeling some of my riding friends have had is of sure panic. Without having their legs on the horse and with reins that seem to go on forever, they are really lost. One graduate A pony clubber who was riding my pony for me at times actually said, "How do you turn?" when I put her in the box.

[Happy Feet]

Addictive Huh!!!
What started out as something fun that I could include my daughter and nonhorsey husband in - has turned into a full fledged OBSESSION! There are days when I look at my dressage horses and have the FOR SALE ads all planned out, so I can concentrate on driving, but I don't think I could really give dressage up!
Anyway - Welcome - and enjoy!

[Cartfall]

Welcome, Shawneeacres--

Yes, driving will catch you sideways when you aren;t looking. I guess you could say your are "hooked" :lol:

I have a friend who like you rode dressage for years, even trained some, was and had working students. She has been wanting to try driving. A couple of weeks ago, we went for a jog in my small woods cart. She too said she missed sitting on the horse, the feel of the horse. I let her drive my young horse in my marathon carriage. Her hand were better than mine and she had the horse doing things I have struggled with. I think if I had let her, the horse and carriage would have gone home with her.

It is perhaps the most addictive horse discipline I know of.

Enjoy.

[shawneeAcres]

OK here is proof! Please excuse the very informal wear! Didn't think I'd be actually DRIVING that day!

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2107924030081493090RYZPEB
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2166288050081493090yFFLYm

[Drive NJ]

Hey no apologies needed for formal wear
your big smile is always in style!

[Happy Feet]

Looks like you are having fun!
Okay I have a question totally off topic but HOW do you keep the sock on your horses tail!??? Everyday I try to put one on, only to find it in the shaving of his stall the next morning. I have given up!!! There MUST be a secret to this whole thing!!!

[shawneeAcres]

THis is not my horse, BUT to keep a sock on, first braid tail and secure with a rubber band at end, then double it back over (however many times needed to fit into sock). Take your sock and cut top into four strips, thread thru top of braid and tie securely then do the same with the other two pieces.

[Gestalt]

I got hooked on driving while riding with a friend that has a pair and a very nice carriage. The sort of bouncy feeling makes me happy. Sounds stupid, I don't know how else to describe it. Welcome to the world's 2nd most expensive equine sport. :D (I think Polo is 1st)

Why are there chains on the geldings front fetlocks?

[shawneeAcres]

The people who own this horse do "Fine Show driving" which requires the horse to have a lot of front end action. The chains contribute to that, they honestly do not hurt the horse in any way, these people are VERY VERY careful of their driving horses and have two retired driving horses, one at 16 that retired this year and one at 20, as well as a 15 year old hackney pony still being actively competed! They are remarkable people, truly love their horses and the fellow is my farrier, a wonderful older gentleman. he has a wodnerful way with his horses. A lot of people do not like the way the fine harness horses are done in the US, but I doubt many are as cared for as the ones at this farm!!!!

[greentree]

Welcome to the web!!! That horse is beautiful, and you look great driving him!! Wait until you drive a carriage that lets you survey the countryside instead of the horse's tail. You will really be in trou...er, I mean heaven then!!

Nancy

[Izthatrt]

I am still trying to save for my 1st set of harness and a cart...my "cart and harness " fund just got wiped out by a trailer load of hay..I have my 3 yr. old small ground driving all over the farm, as well as my stallion. I live fairly close to New Holland, Pa. so am planning a trip up there to look for what I need. I can't wait to start driving these two...not to mention I have a weanling colt that is almost a double as far as looks as my 3 yr. old. Maybe a matched pair down the line??? In the meantime, I am getting alot of good exercise jogging behind these two.

[Thomas_1]

Please excuse the very informal wear!

I see you're wearing a smile from ear to ear and that's the most important accessory.

You'll find that most purpose bred light harness horses have tremendous front action and elevated paces and a fantastic and efficient trot with high knee action.

You'll also come to learn how to "read" your horse much better by watching him in front of you. You will (should anyways) tune in to every muscle move and flick of the ear and tail that he makes and start to better understand language equus. This makes for a better rider as well as being essential, IMO, for driving.

You'll also come to appreciate how fantastically well schooled a harness horse has to be. He's out there in front of you and all you have is your voice and hands and so he has to be confident and biddable.

That horse is a VERY nice horse and from your description he knows his job and is a master at it.

At the risk of putting the mockers on your enthusiasm, don't make the mistake of thinking you actually drove the horse. Not after one lesson. Driving is not much different to riding in so far as how long it takes to learn how to do it. I always say if you have an hour's tuition a week and on an average learning curve, then you'll be reasonably competent and safe to go it alone after 6 months.

Its VERY different actually driving and being behind a fantastically well schooled horse that knows its job and will do what it does despite the novice on the reins.

Finally NEVER think of driving as a substitute or poor 2nd to riding. Its different and IMO has a lot of benefits and is to be thoroughly enjoyed in its own right. You got the bug..... now you just need to save your money to buy all the gear that goes with it ;)

[shawneeAcres]

Oh no Thomas I KNOW I didn't drive that horse! He drove himself! After I had driven a bit and reversed direction I got a better "feel" for it however, and began to feel that I was SLIGHTLY in control! LOL But yes I am hooked, however, I have no idea when I could pursue this in any sort of definite way. Other priorities come first, but I am going to speak with my farrier (who owns this and other driving horses) and see if he will give me some lessons. I also am REALLY elaning towards a Morgan if and when the day comes I can drive after driving that one, he was SO SO COOL!!!

[Cartfall]

So you had fun!!! Can we tell by that big smile? Welcome to the friendliest group of horsemen in my mind--drivers!!!

[BabyGoose]

Addictive Huh!!!
What started out as something fun that I could include my daughter and nonhorsey husband in - has turned into a full fledged OBSESSION! There are days when I look at my dressage horses and have the FOR SALE ads all planned out, so I can concentrate on driving, but I don't think I could really give dressage up!
Anyway - Welcome - and enjoy!

You don't have to give up dressage! Since you can do driven dressage too. I still ride and want to keep doing some dressage under saddle but that was the great thing about driving is that I could do it without giving up dressage completely!

[hafandhaf]

Ahh but you can have the best of both worlds. Dressage is a discipline that does all horses a world of good by strengthening and suppling them. I had a quarter horse conditioned with dressage but he wanted NO part of driving. I loved him but found him a good home where his new people appreciated and used his talents. Now using dressage methods for my driving ponies and they are really starting to shape up!