I hope everyone in the path of this winter storm is staying warm! While everyone is tucked into their stalls with blankets and warm mash, I thought I'd write about two driving horses and how two very different approaches resulted in success with each one. This will be the story of the first horse and how patience at the right times paid off.
In late October I was sent a darling little sorrel gelding. Apart from being shown in halter as a weanling, he had only basic handling and had not been away much from the farm where he was born. He had been called Little Rip but I started calling him Richard as he needed a lionheart! I could tell he was very laid back and sweet natured, but everything was such a big change for him so he was very much chicken hearted. From having big horses, dogs, and a plethora of cats to having all of his potential playmates be outgoing and playful, he was way out of his comfort zone. I gave him as long as he needed to settle in and it took a full two weeks. He was shy and timid at first and not inclined to trust me one bit. Once he started to become more comfortable, we started groundwork, in hand and in the round pen. He was sensitive and responsive and I went quite softly and slowly at first. Everything was a baby step and we had a lot of his hesitation and timidity to work through. After about a week, he started to come to me and pick up his basics at liberty.
At the start of the 4th week, we introduced the training backsaddle. Again, a baby step and whenever I felt he needed more, we repeated it another day. A few days later came the crupper. By now he could free lunge without a halter at a walk and trot and was starting to pick up whoa to my standards. He was also fairly proficient in all of the groundwork I consider necessary for any horse in training. The bridle came at the start of the 5th week and another week after that, he finally began to find his confidence with the assurance that came from knowing and understanding his job. He even started making friends when he was turned out with the other show horses. He was also ready to start in obstacle training as he trusted me and I was able to ask more.
At nearly the 7th week we began ground driving and focusing more intensively on a stronger whoa. Again taking it slowly, it was another week before I introduced breeching and in the 9th week he was ready for training shafts. By now, he was fully trusting and having fun playing with the others, even starting to be a bit cheeky himself during playtime which was a joy to see!
Another two weeks of ground driving inside, outside and all around the pastures, and he was started in the cart. Those crucial first few drives could not have gone more smoothly and I was grateful for every bit of groundwork we did, every time we repeated a lesson when it didn't seem like he fully understood it or needed more experience.
To sum it up, it was a full month before I felt him ready for even the training backsaddle, and yet, because of the extra time we took there, it was only another six weeks before he was driving. While the total process did not take very long, the key was obtaining that solid foundation and relationship on the ground before we ever started driving. Then things went faster and it was a joy to see him come out of his shell as he became happier and more sure of himself in everything. All that remains now is just driving miles for more experience until he finds a new driver! And I will be happy to hand over the reins of a quiet yet happy, confident and above all safe driving horse!
Next will be the story of a horse who is the complete opposite and why I felt like he was ready for so much so soon.
For now here are some pictures of little Richard, now very nearly lionhearted!
Normally I forget! I think I did do better at this show though because there were so many photographers around to remind me.
Hats are trickier. I seldom find anything for carriage in stores. Most of them are easier to find online or from other carriage drivers. Sometimes estate sales or antique stores have prospects though. I know it's far, but I have a friend who makes exquisite aprons and you cannot beat her pricing, even with shipping. I just had her make me one to match the seat on my antique. They are deceptively simple to make. There are small details that can make the difference between a well fitting apron and one that does not hang right.
