Driving Discussion 2024

[Marsha Cassada]

Dapper Dan's bridles have been hanging, ready to photograph to sell, but I wasn't ready to do it. Today I decided it was better for them to be back in use and enjoyed, so posted them on Marketplace. My little barn's tack wall looks so bare now. Just Billy's western-style bridle left, and the sulky harness. Billy really objected to blinders, so I just use the open western one for him. We just drive for pleasure, so we are keeping it simple.

 

[Standards Equine]

Dapper Dan's bridles have been hanging, ready to photograph to sell, but I wasn't ready to do it. Today I decided it was better for them to be back in use and enjoyed, so posted them on Marketplace. My little barn's tack wall looks so bare now. Just Billy's western-style bridle left, and the sulky harness. Billy really objected to blinders, so I just use the open western one for him. We just drive for pleasure, so we are keeping it simple.

I hope they find loving homes that will enjoy them fully. I believe that letting go is part of honoring, even though it's hard. Sending hugs to you.

 

[HersheyMint]

Dapper Dan's bridles have been hanging, ready to photograph to sell, but I wasn't ready to do it. Today I decided it was better for them to be back in use and enjoyed, so posted them on Marketplace. My little barn's tack wall looks so bare now. Just Billy's western-style bridle left, and the sulky harness. Billy really objected to blinders, so I just use the open western one for him. We just drive for pleasure, so we are keeping it simple.

I agree with @Standards Equine. DD is with you and Billy. Hugs to you both.

 

[Standards Equine]

We made it up the provincial AGM. Ali win jr highpoint champion with her Jasmine pony and accepted a ribbon as big as the pony!! I got my certificate for achieving my first 100 hours on the box seat, indeed well over 200 already.

 

[Standards Equine]

And today my darling friend came out to drive with me. I love how far Falcor has come. He hasn’t been out to drive in weeks but came out today, did great and even finished with a walk down the road again.

 

[Standards Equine]

I went south for a couple of days to help my friend start his littles in cart. He's such a talented young trainer, and loves driving, but sometimes a person just needs a second set of hands to get things started. I was glad to be able to be that for him. I was only really there to offer my K-bike, give the pony confidence and distract him a little so he could relax. All the pieces were in place, just needed to put them together. I love that. I also adore the K-bike, cart, maybe we'll go with K-cart because of the foot basket. It's so stable, it doesn't matter if tiny ponies bounce and lurch, it's going to stay upright with them and keeps everyone safe. I've left it with him so he can continue on his successful trajectory. He's got a Vanderveen, which he adores, but a bike style is not ideal for starting ponies, in my humble opinion.
Yesterday Ali and I went out for a tootle around the field. Since show season is over, so she's not been overly interested in riding. I took the super pony, Jasmine, and she took her big warmblood mare out. I am interested in bit fitting and noticed that Jasmine seems to have sensitive little bars. I bought some latex bit tape and wrapped her bit in it. She was more comfortable right away, but did chew at the tape some. I'm sure it will take some trial and error before we find the specific way to wrap it, but it's definitely something I'll continue to use.

 

[HersheyMint]

I went south for a couple of days to help my friend start his littles in cart. He's such a talented young trainer, and loves driving, but sometimes a person just needs a second set of hands to get things started. I was glad to be able to be that for him. I was only really there to offer my K-bike, give the pony confidence and distract him a little so he could relax. All the pieces were in place, just needed to put them together. I love that. I also adore the K-bike, cart, maybe we'll go with K-cart because of the foot basket. It's so stable, it doesn't matter if tiny ponies bounce and lurch, it's going to stay upright with them and keeps everyone safe. I've left it with him so he can continue on his successful trajectory. He's got a Vanderveen, which he adores, but a bike style is not ideal for starting ponies, in my humble opinion.
Yesterday Ali and I went out for a tootle around the field. Since show season is over, so she's not been overly interested in riding. I took the super pony, Jasmine, and she took her big warmblood mare out. I am interested in bit fitting and noticed that Jasmine seems to have sensitive little bars. I bought some latex bit tape and wrapped her bit in it. She was more comfortable right away, but did chew at the tape some. I'm sure it will take some trial and error before we find the specific way to wrap it, but it's definitely something I'll continue to use.View attachment 52205

Cute pic!

 

[Bennysmom]

I love that photo!

 

[Abby P]

Y'all I hitched Rowan today for the first time in a long time! (There were wasp nests under my cart and someone had stashed acorns in my helmet, that's how long it's been.) Just tried to set everything up right and kept it really short and positive. He was good and we survived the horse next to the arena running about with her tail in the air at the sight of the cart moving. My plan is to keep going like this, just short slow drives in the ring, until we're both bored out of our minds.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Y'all I hitched Rowan today for the first time in a long time! (There were wasp nests under my cart and someone had stashed acorns in my helmet, that's how long it's been.) Just tried to set everything up right and kept it really short and positive. He was good and we survived the horse next to the arena running about with her tail in the air at the sight of the cart moving. My plan is to keep going like this, just short slow drives in the ring, until we're both bored out of our minds.

Mother Nature had almost reclaimed you. Silly horses showing off for the cart! My neighbor's horses do that too. As though they had never seen it before.

 

[Abby P]

To be fair this one may not have, I don't think I've driven it since she moved in! But she is a mid-20s ex broodmare so you'd think she'd be slightly more sensible. The ex-racing-Standardbreds across the way are the silly ones usually but of course carts are old hat for them.

 

[HersheyMint]

Y'all I hitched Rowan today for the first time in a long time! (There were wasp nests under my cart and someone had stashed acorns in my helmet, that's how long it's been.) Just tried to set everything up right and kept it really short and positive. He was good and we survived the horse next to the arena running about with her tail in the air at the sight of the cart moving. My plan is to keep going like this, just short slow drives in the ring, until we're both bored out of our minds.

Yay! Don’t let anybody use your cart or helmet as if it is their own

 

[Abby P]

Especially not rodents!

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Billy and I went out today. I had to ground drive first a little but he settled quickly and I was able to mount the sulky. We went 2 miles. Several noisy vehicles passed us and he did fine. He transitioned well. We went about 45 minutes. We may have been able to go a little longer but I waited too late in the day to get started and it was cooling down. That's probably enough for him anyway. Yay, Billy!

 

[HersheyMint]

Billy and I went out today. I had to ground drive first a little but he settled quickly and I was able to mount the sulky. We went 2 miles. Several noisy vehicles passed us and he did fine. He transitioned well. We went about 45 minutes. We may have been able to go a little longer but I waited too late in the day to get started and it was cooling down. That's probably enough for him anyway. Yay, Billy!

I second that. "Yay, Billy"

 

[Standards Equine]

I'll absolutely third that! Yay Billy and Yay for Marsha as well!

 

[Standards Equine]

Cold and stupid this weekend so no driving for me, yet again. Instead, here’s some pictures of us and the littles.

 

[MaryFlora]

Oh my gosh! You all are the picture of the Christmas season!

Love the snowflake strands!

Are you guys part polar bear? No snowpants? Heavy mittens?

 

[HersheyMint]

Cold and stupid this weekend so no driving for me, yet again. Instead, here’s some pictures of us and the littles.
View attachment 52223
View attachment 52224

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Great pics.

 

[Standards Equine]

Oh my gosh! You all are the picture of the Christmas season!

Love the snowflake strands!

Are you guys part polar bear? No snowpants? Heavy mittens?

Only when it's really cold and you're not moving around much. Don't worry, we have ALL the seriously winter gear.