Driving....how to get them light

[Sandee]

Driving so much different from riding.....

After starting my filly back to driving after this winter "layoff", I find she is "leaning" on the the bit. Can anyone offer suggestions or ideas how to get her to lighten up? Or is it just that old thing - "time and a lot of work in harness"?

 

[MiLo Minis]

It really isn't all that different.

If she was going on the bit last year and you are just bringing her back out after the winter I would work first on getting her relaxed and moving forward, give her a tiny jerk on the reins if she is leaning and heavy in your hands but otherwise keep a constant following elastic contact and do lots of big circles and ovals. Once she is back in shape a bit work on transitions, up and down, walk to trot, trot to walk, halt to trot, trot to halt. This will get her back on her haunches and carrying herself rather than leaning on the bit.

 

[TaylorMarie]

Two words

Draw Reins lol!!! I just rediscovered them!

 

[Ferrah]

I did a lot of long and low exercises with my horses. I also did a lot of correct bending. If the horse leaned I "bumped" them off the bit and drove them forward. If they didn't back off, I'd put them into a circle and do some bending.

The most important part of this exercise is the release. If you don't release when your horse gives to you, then your horse won't know what the correct answer is and learn to ignore you.

Basically you want a lot of long and low, with pretty, sweeping strides that are correct, cadanced and when your horse is ready for it, extended as well. You won't want to be asking for a lot of collection right now, maybe a few strides here and there, as that is physically demanding on the horse and you need to develop these muscles correctly before you can start asking for a lot of collection.

Be careful with the draw reins if you decide to use some. They can teach your horse the opposite problem which would be rubber necking and dropping off your contact. This problem causes your horses to move poorly and is frustratingly difficult to correct.

 

[ClickMini]

If your horse is running around leaning on the bit it is on its forehand. You need to take your horse through the training scale to get it properly working off the hind end. Draw reins are going to make your horse lean and get incorrect (false) collection. It's not about the head and neck! It is about engagement and energy flowing correctly through the circuit from the hind end. This will take time as your horse builds strength. Training your horse using the scale allows your horse to first relax, then gain lateral flexion, and finally longitudinal flexion which is true collection. Your horse will feel powerful and light once it is truly straight and on the bit. Here is a page talking about the training scale: http://www.artofriding.com/articles/trainingscale.html

Be patient, and think more about a soft elastic connection while your horse relaxes into the work. Remember that it takes two to pull! Backwards traction on the rein is the enemy of softness and ultimately soundness.

Good luck, and remember to trust and enjoy the process.

 

[Sandee]

Thanks for all the replies. I was afraid that it was time and work that was needed. Since it's already May (tomorrow) and this is Wisconsin (or almost anywhere) weather is NOT my friend without an indoor arena. I'm concerned about getting her into condition for a big show the first of June.

 

[hobbyhorse23]

Thanks for all the replies. I was afraid that it was time and work that was needed. Since it's already May (tomorrow) and this is Wisconsin (or almost anywhere) weather is NOT my friend without an indoor arena. I'm concerned about getting her into condition for a big show the first of June.

Unfortunately, it IS time and work that is needed! That's what Amy was telling you in her very correct explanation. Your girl lost muscling and condition over the winter and she needs to strengthen those muscles again so that she can hold herself up instead of leaning on the bit for support. Don't worry, she should improve considerably in a month with proper work.

Leia