Clinic on a borrowed horse?

[Ellie&Werther]

Anyone ever clinic on a borrowed horse? I want to do one of the USEF Para Clinics which are all east coast or west coast so far but I am in the midwest and it would be very hard to bring my horse on a two day one way trailer trip for a one day clinic. I'm doing some clinics this winter on my own horse with Janet Foy, one with Debbie McDonald in the spring, and maybe one with Missy Ransehousen, who is a Para Team Coach, if the person who wants to host can get a date set. One of my long term goals is to ride for the US Para Team, but I am kind of isolated here in Minnesota, which would mean I would be under the radar. I'm hoping to develop the first level and para FEI movements on my horse this winter, and then maybe borrow a horse to ride in one of the para clinics. When I get to that point I would have to find a horse to borrow unless the offer something that is within a day long drive. If you have ridden in a clinic on a borrowed horse, what was your experience like?

[Alagirl]

Hmmm, you are not even sure you can get a horse....in that case I would think auditing is more sensible.

[SillyHorse]

I'm thinking that for your purposes, to get seen and known as a Para Team hopeful, this could be a great idea. Or, of course, it could backfire. :uhoh: If you can find a horse to borrow that has some Para experience, and get there enough time in advance to ride the horse a few times before the clinic, I think it would be an impressive showing of your desire and determination.

[Valentina_32926]

I've always ridden my own horse at clinics but my trainer borrowed my horse for a clinic when her was being re-habbed from an injury.

Why not have your trainer take a video of your riding - showing your capabilities then contact people in the region (maybe GMO?) and see if anyone has a horse they will lend you which is safe enough for you and matches your capabilities. Best to ride tyhat horse a few times before the clinic (take lessons) so you're not totally on an unknown entity.

[IronHorse]

Last year when my horse injured his suspensory, I rode 2 borrowed horses in a 3 day clinic with Britta Johnston. The first horse I had ridden a few times with my coach. The second I had never even seen prior to the clinic.

My experience was very positive with both horses. I was a little more familiar with the first horse having ridden him prior to the clinic. The clinician knew that this was my first experience with the second horse and gave me 10-15 minutes to warmup and get a feel for him. She evaluated both of us during this warmup period and came up with a lesson plan at that time.

I quite enjoy riding different horses and I think it is quite valuable to solidify your skills on any horse that you ride. It was also great because each horse was quite different. The first was an appendix quarter horse doing 2nd/3rd level. The second was a 6 yo Trakehner, probably a 1st/2nd level horse, but had a lot of potential. (we actually played a little during my lesson with the beginnings of piaffe).

It may have been a little different for me as I have ridden with Britta prior to the clinic and she is aware of my riding level and limitations.

Good luck with whichever option you chose (auditing or riding)!

[Ellie&Werther]

Thanks for your thoughts, right now I'm working in hypotheticals, this is something I want to do six months to a year from now but another thread and a friend of mine who recently did a clinic with Felicitas von Neumann on a borrowed horse got me thinking about it. Obviously, it is not ideal to not be riding your own horse, but if all the USEF clinics are 16 hours plus away for me, makes it very impractical and expensive for one day.

[Ambrey]

I would definitely want to ride the horse before the clinic to make sure you get along. With your left hand issues, some horses (who aren't used to it) could get fussy and that would be a huge bummer :(

[pintopiaffe]

I think this is part of the networking we need.

For example, I would be happy to lend a couple of my horses for such a clinic. One is working nicely in 3rd (when fit!) and another will be ready to go first by the end of the fall. All are good rides for the differently abled, and I'm specifically starting to think bringing horses along for Para-dressage is a niche I can fill nicely in addition to the SO stuff. I'm slightly more than 4 hrs from Boston.

I'm sure there are others of us out here. This is *exactly* the networking type of thing that Dressage Geek and Equine Artworks and myself a talking about and brainstorming.

I think another huge need is scholarships. Whether it's to defray the cost of a clinic or of travel.

We just need to find a way to get on the same page and get talking to each other. ;)

[Alagirl]

I am having my head up my bum this morning...:no:

OK, after I actually read for comprehension :yes:

Those events are a long way down the road (oh I love when I make cheap puns, not even intended)

That should give you time to work the grapevines.

true, showing up on your own horse would be best, but having a solid loaner would be an acceptable alternative.

This could be the beginning of something good!

[betsyk]

Turn it into an opportunity! I know the whole push, in the past few years, has been to have the para team bring its own horses, but in the past it was all about catch riding. The cost of shipping your own horse all over the country is going to be ridiculous. You'll probably have to do more catch riding than you'd like if this is your goal, so decide now that you're going to get good at it! Take any chance you can get to ride other horses, in addition to your own.

It was quite a while ago but people lent some AWESOME horses for NAYRC and NARHA nationals when I volunteered there - horses that were way nicer than anything I got to ride at home! We weren't allowed to even sit on them (sigh...), only their designated riders. And people hauled them some pretty good distances to allow others to use them. I wouldn't be surprised if the organizers will be able to come up with something for you to ride at the clinics if you ask early enough and maybe have someone else put in a good word for you.

[Invite]

I am flying to Virginia next month and doing a clinic with Missy on a borrowed horse at a farm in Maryland. I have a lame horse and 2 barely broke horses, so even if there was a clinic in my area I would have to borrow a horse. At this point, I am not even sure which horse I am riding. Robin, my wonderful and dear friend, is being kind enough to provide me with a mount.

I will let you know how it goes. I am super excited to work with Missy and watch her teach others. I can't wait to go!!!!

[Puddin Pie]

My current "project's" dam and grand dam were both in the "borrowed horses" catagory for the 1996 Para-Olympics in Conyers, GA. The grand dam had already been approved for use and they came up short horses and asked if my friend had any more they could use-My horses's dam evidently she was the youngest horse there, just over 6. The rider was Norwegian and not sure if she could compete or not, as she evidently drew a very high number for horse selection. She had a ball with the mare and really really liked her.

[NeverTime]

Riding on a borrowed horse, in this scenario, isn't something to sweat so much. It is common for participants the para clinics to use borrowed horses. Often the clinics are set up with the availability of loaner horses in mind, knowing many riders are in your same situation and likely unable to ship their own horse a great distance to attend. Obviously you'd be more at home on your own horse, but rest assured that Missy is VERY used to seeing people ride borrowed horses and can recognize talent (or lack thereof) whether you are riding your own horse or someone else's.

People are talking a lot about networking - which is ALWAYS a good idea - but there shouldn't be any need to re-invent the wheel when it comes to para. Anyone involved with the program (the clinic organizer, a program participant, Pam Lane, Missy Ransehousen, etc.) should have been able to reassure you that it's OK -- and even pretty standard -- to ride a loaner in these clinics. Did you pose your questions to those folks first? Going straight to the horse's mouth should give you the most accurate answer and spare you any unnecessary stress. :yes:

[atr]

Yes, I did one this spring--I had paid for it, my horse came up lame the day before. I was very kindly lent a lovely Lusitano stallion, who I had never ridden before, on the moring of the clinic. Once I got over myself, it was a great experience and really good for my riding, especially as I am one who is reluctant to ride strange horses!

[Ellie&Werther]

Riding on a borrowed horse, in this scenario, isn't something to sweat so much. It is common for participants the para clinics to use borrowed horses. Often the clinics are set up with the availability of loaner horses in mind, knowing many riders are in your same situation and likely unable to ship their own horse a great distance to attend. Obviously you'd be more at home on your own horse, but rest assured that Missy is VERY used to seeing people ride borrowed horses and can recognize talent (or lack thereof) whether you are riding your own horse or someone else's.

People are talking a lot about networking - which is ALWAYS a good idea - but there shouldn't be any need to re-invent the wheel when it comes to para. Anyone involved with the program (the clinic organizer, a program participant, Pam Lane, Missy Ransehousen, etc.) should have been able to reassure you that it's OK -- and even pretty standard -- to ride a loaner in these clinics. Did you pose your questions to those folks first? Going straight to the horse's mouth should give you the most accurate answer and spare you any unnecessary stress. :yes:

I'm still in the planning stages. I didn't want to be a bother to anybody until I'm closer to riding at first level, which is the equivilent to my grade. I'm showing Training 3 and 4 right now, and I think with a lot of hard work this winter I can be showing Grade III and First next summer. Thanks for you thoughts, this gives me a lot more confidence.

[whicker]

NeverTime,

We haven't been part of para yet, so we haven't learned enough to know what we don't know. Some of us aren't para eligible because we don't fit the classifications, but we still aren't regular able riders. I think that with your input, we will learn a lot in a short time. We need to know that it is ok to contact Pam Lane, and the Ransehousens. We don't want to bother them as important busy people. It hurts to be rejected and if we aren't part of it, it takes courage to go out on a limb.

Please explain more, since we are beginners at this. The thread has only been alive since August 3. We do need to ask them if there is someone who will act as spokesperson.

[Piaffing]

I say go for it. Borrowing a horse is a great opputunity. You would try to arrange to ride the horse a day or so in advance of the clinic. I have had to borrow horses for competitions. It would be no different.

[Piaffing]

NeverTime,

We haven't been part of para yet, so we haven't learned enough to know what we don't know. Some of us aren't para eligible because we don't fit the classifications, but we still aren't regular able riders. I think that with your input, we will learn a lot in a short time. We need to know that it is ok to contact Pam Lane, and the Ransehousens. We don't want to bother them as important busy people. It hurts to be rejected and if we aren't part of it, it takes courage to go out on a limb.

Please explain more, since we are beginners at this. The thread has only been alive since August 3. We do need to ask them if there is someone who will act as spokesperson.


Can I ask what the disability is and why it didn't fit in the classification?

[NeverTime]

I think the USDF Web site does a better job of outreach than the USEF site which, IMO, is fairly difficult to navigate and seems to be geared more toward those already involved in the program than those interested in becoming involved.
The USDF site has a great para page (http://www.usdf.org/faqs/paraequestrians.asp) with answers to lots of frequently asked questions about everything from how to compete as a paraequestrian in national-level shows to how to qualify for the US Paralympic Team.*
If you have specific questions after you've been there, check out the members of the USDF paraequestrian committee (http://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/paraequestrian.asp) and see if one lives near you (geographic proximity makes finding instructors, etc. so much easier), if not, I'd say call any of 'em and bug 'em. The job of their committee is "to increase visibility and comprehension for the available programs for competitive dressage riders with physical disabilities" -- essentially, their role is to answer questions just like yours, so don't be afraid to ask! The chairwoman of the committee, Hope Hand, is super-involved in all levels of the sport and is a former para competitor herself.

* From what I've seen from the members of the US Paralympic Team, it does bear noting that getting to that level can be as difficult for a disabled rider as getting to the Olympics can be for an able-bodied rider. The caliber of the horses now used in international para competition is breathtaking and intimidating: Far from being therapeutic riding horses, these are serious dressage horses -- in Beijing last year, one of the Australian (?) para athletes was mounted on a horse who was the traveling alternate for her country's Olympic dressage team! And the level of riding isn't quite the direct translation that the FEI team and individual tests indicate: Grade III may be equivalent to First Level, but the winning freestyles at that level include far more advanced movements. So it's seriously competitive, and not everybody is interested in getting that hard-core about their riding.

Thankfully, it's not as if it is a 0-to-60 proposition where you either don't compete at all or make the Team. You can apply to the USEF for a dispensation certificate to allow you to use compensating aides (two whips, for example) in regular national-level dressage classes. Plus, national shows can offer Para tests, and are encouraged to do so as Test of Choice classes. (If your local dressage show organizer thinks you are crazy for suggesting such a thing, show her this (http://www.usdf.org/docs/competitions/handbook/Chapter8IHowtoholdPEClasses.pdf).) For folks in California, there are a whole series (http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/allparaequestrian/hpparaEquestrian.aspx) of team-run training sessions coming up this fall and winter in California and Washington state to check out.

That's probably repeating a lot of what people have said already and strays far from Ellie's original question, but the idea is that there ARE some fairly good resources out there to get you started, and there are lots of people available to be your first contact, should you decided you want to get involved in the high-performance paraequestrian.

[Ellie&Werther]

Thanks for the help Nevertime. I know Lloyd Landkamer fairly well, who is the para USDF board member for my region. The Janet Foy clinic I am doing in October is at Brandywine Farm, which is run by Lloyd and Bill Bill Solyntjes. I have my FEI classification as Grade III, but I just made the move to dressage this year and I am showing Training Level test 3 and 4. I'm grateful for my dispensations, and take full advantage of them From what I understand Grade III is pretty small division, there are only 4 people from the US ranked in the standings that just came out. I've got a great horse, I feel that if I can put in the work this winter I'll be ready for the para FEI next year.

[whicker]

Piaffing,

If you are asking in general, read the stories of the riders who have posted plus look at the number of riders who read the thread but lurk. Look at the threads of riders on other forums who asking how to keep riding or coming back from injury or illness.

If you are asking about me, this is some of my background.

I am one of those who would love to ride para. I was asked to ride last December by one of the para coaches because of my previous history of riding international levels eventing well. My major injury comes from being hit by a deer while I was doing a conditioning gallop on my big DWB 4 years ago.

I have a number of compression fractured vertabrae (Think crushed coke cans) some of which are in novel locations. I severely hyper-extended and damaged all of the pelvic ligaments trying to stay on. My back also showed that I had broken it previously 3 times. No one ever thought to xray it, because my reactions were so good and I have a high pain tolerance.

I had to get back on the horse and ride the 2 miles back home.no cell coverage in our small mountain area. The 3 different doctors didn't think I was hurt much, so none of them x-rayed or did an MRI. Since they thought I was fine, I got back on and foxhunted a bucking greenie for another 2 months. By that point, I was having trouble feeling my legs and there was no way I could keep the training and the farm work done.

My family and friends found a physical therapist who had extra training in neurology and orthopedics. She quickly realized that I was in much worse shape and sent my to the neurospinal orthopedic surgeon. so 6 months after the accident, I finally was diagnosed. Because of the number of fractures and squished discs, I am a poor surgical candidate. The ligaments have been huge problem because they stabilize my spine and pelvis. When the spinal cord gets squished, I lose the feeling in my legs and it hurts enormously.

I did intensive p.t. for a number of years and then Feb a year ago, I researched prolotherapy stem cell and platelet rich plasma prolotherapy. It used my own cells to regenerate the connective tissue and heal the ligaments. If you want to learn about it, check www.treatingpain.com .

Because of the PRP, my condition improved enough that between December 08 and Feb of this year, I improved enough that I no longer fit the criteria for classifying grade 4. I am getting too much feeling back in my legs, and slowly the balance and coordination are getting better.

I still am a long way from being able bodied and I want to learn as much as I can about para riding so I can keep riding and not fall or hurt so much. If there is a new division that I can qualify for, I'll be game to give it a try.
In the mean time, I have to create a way to ride and I would like to show to be around friendly people again. It has been very lonely to come back all on my own.

[Piaffing]

Whicker thanks for the info. Have gone to be classified? Either way I would try again. I was nationally classified, but when I went to get internationally classified I was told I didn't qualify. So I tried again with a different classifier and got my FEI card. The people that classified me the second time were very through. Much more than the first set. I would try again and tell them everything about what you can and can't do even if you don't think it would make a difference.

A little info on my disability. I have numbness in both hands and feet. With my left arm I lost the strength and grip in the hand. Caused from a car accident it took the doctors 18 months to figure out I had a Syrinx/spinal cord injury and not tennis elbow.

[NeverTime]

Thanks for the help Nevertime. I know Lloyd Landkamer fairly well, who is the para USDF board member for my region. The Janet Foy clinic I am doing in October is at Brandywine Farm, which is run by Lloyd and Bill Bill Solyntjes. I have my FEI classification as Grade III, but I just made the move to dressage this year and I am showing Training Level test 3 and 4. I'm grateful for my dispensations, and take full advantage of them From what I understand Grade III is pretty small division, there are only 4 people from the US ranked in the standings that just came out. I've got a great horse, I feel that if I can put in the work this winter I'll be ready for the para FEI next year.

Good luck, have fun and kick butt! Sounds like you are definitely off to a great start! :yes:

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Excellent idea. Why not have a networking forum on here?

From what I understand, I think the mods are listening...!

But also, as eaw gets Borrowed Freedom up and running, and we expand that and Special Horses, we will try to increase the networking. The more resources made available, the better for everyone.

The fundraisers are important, and we had to do those to learn how to do them (kind of like riding itself, right!), but that is not all that it is about. We lurch forward in some directions, have to go back and follow other opportunities.

We know there are funding opportunities out there, we know there are ways to make connections, we just need some time to follow through. And of course, fielding the ideas so that any forum is responsive to the needs of its members.

For me, it is like closing the circle. On the one hand, I have always had an interest in behavior - how do we get from a stimulus to a response? and the myriad of problems that can interfere with that. On the other hand, I have also always had a deep love for horses. This sort of program/forum brings the two together. I've spent years crafting my skills to apply for federal funding for my research...and these organizations, as well as private foundations, also have programs to support the kinds of things being discussed here. When you do basic research, and you want funding from the National Institutes of Health, or a private foundation, the big push is translational research - how the basic information takes us to better therapeutic agents, better prevention, to cures. My work is very basic, so the translation will take some time. But to come at it from another part of the circle...just makes so much sense.

And whicker's and pintopiaffe's posts made me realize that the network should include the availability of horses for clinic and showing opportunities - the breeding, the training, the borrowing.

[Ellie&Werther]

Sounds wonderful DressageGeek, keep us posted!

[whicker]

Piaffing,

Thank you for the encouragement! I was devastated to flunk the international classifier. I had done reams of backup medical material to support my conditions, Missy was horse hunting for me and my regular instructor was in high gear, too.

I need a special saddle, and I have been inventing to make mine useable. Because the modifications I created are on top of the seat, it isn't going to pass for normal in competition. I found a saddler who was supposed to deliver a competition saddle last March, and never delivered it. Now I am trying to get the funds back.

Invite and I joined forces to start the para threads because we felt the CotH community would be willing to network , passing knowledge and caring. I didn't think I could go back and ask the para coaches directly, since I had flunked getting into the program. You and Nevertime are making a huge contribution to all of us. There are over 2,700 hits on the main thread. The mods have noticed and are busy working on an even better way for all of us to help each other.

Piaffing, you have given me hope again. Thank you! I didn't think that I had other options on the classifier. I thought if I was turned down, that was it. I have been feeling like a ghost. Now it looks like there maybe some life available.

[meupatdoes]

I'm still in the planning stages. I didn't want to be a bother to anybody until I'm closer to riding at first level, which is the equivilent to my grade. I'm showing Training 3 and 4 right now, and I think with a lot of hard work this winter I can be showing Grade III and First next summer. Thanks for you thoughts, this gives me a lot more confidence.

When you are ready, and if you are ever clinicing in NJ, you are welcome to borrow mine.

[srg]

NeverTime gave a very accurate account of everything I know about the Para Eq program. I think I said on another thread that everyone associated with the Para Eq activities at the USEF are enormously helpful and patient. No one seemed to mind answering my questions long before I was actually Classified.

Through my discussions with Joann Benjamin, who is a Classifier on the West Coast (I am in Maryland) coordinating with Dr. Chris Meaden in England, the FEI Chief Classifier and "inventor" of the current classification system, I was able to be classified by Chris, herself, in England. Fortunately for me, I have a dear friend who was living in England at the time (see thread on Amateur's Grand Prix debut in Germany ) who I was planning on visiting anyway. MMT was willing to schlep me all around the English countryside, including to Chris Meaden's office, about 30 minutes away by cab.

Before I was classified, I tortured Joann by asking her to read some of my medical records and recent Physical Therapy notes which documented my muscle function to make sure I wasn't wasting Dr. Meaden's time. I went to Dr. Meaden's office having no idea whether I would be "disabled" enough to be Classified. In fact, I am the most disabled profile in Grade IV. Thanks to a horrific shoulder injury many years ago in an ugly fall of my OTTB, I was almost a Grade III.

After I was classified I had another slew of questions, including what I needed to do to get a dispensation to ride in open classes. I find that the folks in USDF and USEF are very happy to explain the various programs. I am definitely getting the most out of my many years of AHSA/USEF membership dues now. :D

And I would be happy to loan a horse of mine to someone needing a ride!! The FEI mare is a bit boingy but very forgiving. My three year old, just under saddle, has an even more generous nature, just quite green, obviously!

[Invite]

It is absolutely amazing how generous so many people are with their horses. I never thought dressage riders would be willing to loan their horses to NQR riders of all people. In my experience, even while "normal", most people were afraid of someone messing up their horse or being sued.

Although she will probably be embarassed, I have to tell everyone that Whicker is loaning me her nicest horse and riding her second nicest horse when we attend a clinic together. Her generosity is beyond belief. The only word I can think of is wow. I am so honored by being given this opportunity.

I hope people will consider loaning their horses to riders in need. We might be NQR, but we are still equestrians willing to work and travel for opportunities.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

So...how can someone be "NQR" but still make such an amazingly generous offer?

Whicker is pretty amazing, isn't she?!

[whicker]

Piaffing,

Would you please tell us about your experiences in competing with borrowed horses? How do the horses know the cues of the new riders? Some of the cues mentioned in the thread are quite unusual. For instance, the rider who lifts a piece of mane to ask for a left lead canter. How can you change the horse's cue system so quickly for a competition?

[Ellie&Werther]

I just got back from a show and I am catching up with this thread. Kind of a rough show, I had a Swedish judge for 3 out of 4 of my tests, he seemed like a very nice man and gave constructive comments, but scored everyone extremely low. I got my lowest scores yet from him, in the mid 50s. My test 4 that was not with him I got straight 6s on the entire test, except for 7 for Werther's gaits. We have been trying to change a lot in my riding, including trying to develop some form of loose legs, so my horse is more sensitive to the aids. After a rough weekend it is so nice to see so many encouraging comments. One thing that I love about Dressage is that people not only want to educate themselves, but a lot of people seem really excited to help other further their education.

[SillyHorse]

One thing that I love about Dressage is that people not only want to educate themselves, but a lot of people seem really excited to help other further their education.
Well, don't tell anyone. We have to protect our snooty DQ reputations!

[whicker]

Ellie,

Were you riding para or regular classes?

[Ellie&Werther]

Ellie,

Were you riding para or regular classes?

Regular classes. The tough judge was fair in that he was scoring everyone low. When he did my training test 4 the high score for the AAs was a 61. I actually think he was nice, I had a friend who was riding Training test one, she halted at X and her mare set her neck and trotted right out of the ring at C. She was going to leave and he jumped out of truck and encouraged her to get back in the ring so he could score the rest of test.

[Piaffing]

Piaffing,

Would you please tell us about your experiences in competing with borrowed horses? How do the horses know the cues of the new riders? Some of the cues mentioned in the thread are quite unusual. For instance, the rider who lifts a piece of mane to ask for a left lead canter. How can you change the horse's cue system so quickly for a competition?

Since I'm a Grade 4 rider my cues are not too far off. I use more of my weight as an aid along with my legs. So far the horses I have borrowed have been wonderful. The last horse I borrowed I only had the night before to try her and still pulled off scores of 58% the next day.

For the people who are willing to lend out their horses is well beyond their generosity.

For riders at the grade 1 or 2 they usually have a trainer get on the horse first to work with the new aids. How it is done, is the trainer would ask for the movement with the new aid and then immediately ask with the old aid. It does not take the horse long to respond with the new aid.

[whicker]

I find it totally amazing that a horse could change cues so fast. It takes such a long time to do the original training. I know that the horse has to have been physically muscled and developed, but the quickness of the horse's mind is what blows me away.

I am teaching one of my greenies to open and close gates with her head, so I don't have to lean over and pull/push and struggle with the weight. Even with voice, praise and sugar it is taking awhile. I haven't done clicker training with her yet. That will be useful for teaching her to retrieve and pick up things from the floor when I drop them.

[Hampton Bay]

It is truly wonderful to me to see people with injuries and issues like these able to enjoy dressage like the rest of us. Sure it might be much more difficult, but the dedication is inspiring.

If I had an appropriate horse, I would have no issues lending it for clinics and such. Unfortunately, one of mine is very sensitive and if not ridden how she wants to be ridden can be a bit dangerous, and the other is only 3 and doesn't even know the proper aid for canter yet. Maybe in a couple years because he has the easy-going personality for that type of rider.

[whicker]

I asked Mod 1 to move this thread to our forum because it has so much useful info.

Hope Hand wants to put on clinics for us all over the country. We need to find horses and locations. Please make suggestions!

[cadriver]

I have a horse available to borrow in California. Yes he is my FEI level driving horse, but he has also extensivly been ridden dressage, I have a rider rideing him right now. The benefits of a driving horse is you can get him to do everything without useing your legs:-) He also takes leg and seat cues. He is a 15.2 hd Welsh Cob. 13 years old been there done that flashy as anything. The gal riding him recently lost her 18 hd horse and her comment about my guy is that his gaits are huge. And he really climbs up hill into his canter, but then he is used to pulling a carriage:-)

As for borrowing horses, I competed at 2 world championships with borrowed horses becasue I couldn't afford to ship my horse to Europe. Shipping a custom carriage was expensive enough. Many US drivers borrow horses, the best way to prepare for borrowing a horse is to ride as many horses as possible. It is very beneficial to take a clinic with a borrowed horse, if you want to compete across country the cheapest way is to borrow a horse if you can. Makes you a better rider and driver.