Get Hitched! 2025 Driving hours

[MajorClementine]

Happy New Year fellow drivers. In an effort to help me keep track of everyone's time please put the horse driven and time driven at the top of your post. That way I can easily find your times.

Then feel free to tell us all about your driving day, or just your day in general. Rather than have two threads let's just keep our discussion here with the hours. We all like to chat here so it'll be easier to have it all in one place. BONUS POINTS for pictures!

Also, I assume most of us use Strava or other tracking apps for driving? Do we want to keep track of miles this year as well? Let me know. Happy hitching!

 

[Standards Equine]

45 minutes in the cold with Falcor yesterday!
I got my first drive of 2025 in! I think I beat last year by more than a week. It had warmed up recently to a balmy -15 C (5 F) so we went out. Falcor felt just a bit jumpy and reactive while harnessing so I went ahead and lunged him a bit, as much as he decided he needed. He decided he didn't need much. We hitched and he waited on his own for me to get seated before getting the cue to move off. He felt just a bit spicy when we walked out to the field but he settled in just fine and was happy to walk the entire loop. I got cold, but that's ok. I had the thought "what's better than a pony who can canter out in the field? One who will happily just walk the entire field!"
I've also registered and paid deposit for the annual High Country Driving Bonanza held annually at the historic Millarville Racetrack, Alberta. It's going to be about 5 hours for us to drive down there, but it's a 3-day clinic with international instructors. It will run Monday through Wednesday in July. Following that, there's a 3-day HDT running an hour closer to home. I'm going to take Falcor (and maybe Phillippe the donkey for fun) and see what we can learn. Time to get ready for adventures in 2025!!

 

[1roadtoad]

Standards Equine that all sounds great. I'm still struggling with getting my boys harnesses on properly! Just a bit of ground driving so far. I hope to get up my nerve at some point to actually get a cart and drive them.

 

[Standards Equine]

@1roadtoad I'm really glad you're being safe. When you're not familiar with the process, better err on the side of caution. Do you have a driving group local to you? Or somewhere that you can go audit or take a green driving clinic? Having the support of a community really makes the world of difference - speaking from experience.

 

[1roadtoad]

@1roadtoad I'm really glad you're being safe. When you're not familiar with the process, better err on the side of caution. Do you have a driving group local to you? Or somewhere that you can go audit or take a green driving clinic? Having the support of a community really makes the world of difference - speaking from experience.

I have taken a few lessons, but they have been in a controlled environment (riding ring), with a trainer and with a very well mannered Morgan horse to lead the way. The trainer has suggested that I send my 2 boys to her facility for a month or two for training. (I really only need for one of them to be trained as the other one had been driving a cart for a few years before I bought him). I resist the suggestion because I don't want them to go somewhere else and the training would happen in the riding ring and not be in the type of areas that I want to drive in. Lastly and most importantly, I'm more than a bit nervous about taking my driving past the "ground driving" stage. I really want to drive a cart, but I am truly super nervous about actually doing it with one of my own horses. I don't want me or the boys to get hurt.

 

[Dreams of Ashes]

I have taken a few lessons, but they have been in a controlled environment (riding ring), with a trainer and with a very well mannered Morgan horse to lead the way. The trainer has suggested that I send my 2 boys to her facility for a month or two for training. (I really only need for one of them to be trained as the other one had been driving a cart for a few years before I bought him). I resist the suggestion because I don't want them to go somewhere else and the training would happen in the riding ring and not be in the type of areas that I want to drive in. Lastly and most importantly, I'm more than a bit nervous about taking my driving past the "ground driving" stage. I really want to drive a cart, but I am truly super nervous about actually doing it with one of my own horses. I don't want me or the boys to get hurt.

if you don't want to send them for training, maybe see if you can have a lesson or two with your boys in the arena. That's not necessarily bad. If something doesn't go quite right, they can't just dump or run away with you and there's nothing to stop them. An arena would give you the chance to just focus on them without having to deal with all the things that happen outside of the arena. I don't think few arena lessons would be bad. It could boost your confidence and theirs especially since you are nervous about driving them. While my timeline is utterly blown, I've taken a lesson and would like take a few more. I find the arena offers a bit of added safety so I can focus on making sure I'm doing things correctly before having to face everything that comes with driving outside. And my lesson horse is a morgan as well, I think they're wonderful horses for the few I've met.

 

[Standards Equine]

@1roadtoad and @Dreams of Ashes we start all our driving littles in an arena. Walls keep things safer until we have confidence that good choices will be made and there's no silly reactions to be concerned with. Fortunately, we have winter and snow which makes first hitches even better because making poor decisions is a lot of work in the deep snow! The only way to overcome fear is by doing, and doing with support is smartest. If you are honestly comfortable in your limitations, then maybe progressing into actual hitched driving is not for you. And that's ok too! Training and driving should be evolving. Please feel free to go back and read about Falcor and what I went through with him to feel confident, or let me tell you about my darling Phillippe dragging me all over the arena because he figured out he could bully me. It's been progress, lots and lots of it, with a skilled and experienced community around supporting my journey. The community is what has made things so successful.

 

[MajorClementine]

@Standards Equine I wish I had driving events near me. Our state did establish our first ever driving society last year and they are slowly trying to get a few things going. There are some horse shows that there is a mini driving category in this January but my minis are all down south for the winter. I'm hoping they will do more this spring. With my "baby" now 5 I can get back to driving a little more as he's able to ride with me and even drive a little.

@1roadtoad Taking your boys to a trainer for 30-90 days is an great idea. The majority of driving horses are started out in a controlled environment like a riding arena. Too much input while learning a new thing doesn't work for a lot of horses. So if we control the area they are in while teaching them to be confident in a new skill they are more likely to remain confident and calm on the trail. They are already comfortable with their job of driving so when something new comes up on the trail they can focus their attention on dealing with that. Yes they may still spook, jump, or scatter a little depending on the horse but I have horses I've driven for 10 years that will not be paying attention and something will spook them. Usually a little "drop" or "jump" (like you react if a friend jumps out and scares you) but they quickly settle and move on.

Also, you will gain much confidence going to the arena and taking lessons with them once a week. I bet after 60 days training for them and 6-8 lessons for you with them you will feel ready to hit the trails.

 

[1roadtoad]

@Standards Equine I wish I had driving events near me. Our state did establish our first ever driving society last year and they are slowly trying to get a few things going. There are some horse shows that there is a mini driving category in this January but my minis are all down south for the winter. I'm hoping they will do more this spring. With my "baby" now 5 I can get back to driving a little more as he's able to ride with me and even drive a little.

@1roadtoad Taking your boys to a trainer for 30-90 days is an great idea. The majority of driving horses are started out in a controlled environment like a riding arena. Too much input while learning a new thing doesn't work for a lot of horses. So if we control the area they are in while teaching them to be confident in a new skill they are more likely to remain confident and calm on the trail. They are already comfortable with their job of driving so when something new comes up on the trail they can focus their attention on dealing with that. Yes they may still spook, jump, or scatter a little depending on the horse but I have horses I've driven for 10 years that will not be paying attention and something will spook them. Usually a little "drop" or "jump" (like you react if a friend jumps out and scares you) but they quickly settle and move on.

Also, you will gain much confidence going to the arena and taking lessons with them once a week. I bet after 60 days training for them and 6-8 lessons for you with them you will feel ready to hit the trails.

I appreciate all the information and suggestions in the above posts. I do know that it would be best if the boys and I all take driving lessons in an arena. I know I feel fairly safe (false sense of security when I'm taking a driving lesson in the ring with the Morgan lesson horse, so it makes sense that it would be beneficial to both me and my boys that I start with them in an arena too. The ONLY thing I don't like about this idea is that the place I have taken driving lessons is 1/2 an hour away, not far, but I don't want my horses to leave my backyard. I would totally miss them. I don't have my own trailer, perhaps I should just buy one and trailer them to lessons. Is this a good idea? Do you think they actually have to stay somewhere as part of the experience or can I just trailer them for a lesson? Any opinions? Thanks

 

[Dreams of Ashes]

I appreciate all the information and suggestions in the above posts. I do know that it would be best if the boys and I all take driving lessons in an arena. I know I feel fairly safe (false sense of security when I'm taking a driving lesson in the ring with the Morgan lesson horse, so it makes sense that it would be beneficial to both me and my boys that I start with them in an arena too. The ONLY thing I don't like about this idea is that the place I have taken driving lessons is 1/2 an hour away, not far, but I don't want my horses to leave my backyard. I would totally miss them. I don't have my own trailer, perhaps I should just buy one and trailer them to lessons. Is this a good idea? Do you think they actually have to stay somewhere as part of the experience or can I just trailer them for a lesson? Any opinions? Thanks

I think it depends, If they are training I think they have to stay unless the trainer is coming to you. For lessons trailering in is something most places are perfectly fine with, even expecting depending on the student. If you are just going to do a few lessons maybe you could rent a trailer instead of committing to one right away. Actually that might be viable for training as well, since if they stay you can just drive your vehicle over, no need for a trailer day to day.

 

[Standards Equine]

I think a trailer is a great investment! I cannot conceive of the number of adventures I would have missed out on if I didn't have my own trailer to haul places. And yes, as @Dreams of Ashes outlined, it gives you more options. I think, at the end of the day, you need to decide what the end goal is. Is it to drive and be safe, skilled and competent, or is to to have back-yard pets that you ground drive and enjoy for companionship. There is nothing wrong with either, you just need to be real with yourself about what the goal is.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Beautiful snow here, which is fairly unusual. I wanted to take Billy with the sled but the darn wind was so sharp I chickened out. Now the snow is almost gone. Rats.

 

[MajorClementine]

Is everyone stuck in the deep freeze that we are? Too cold to drive!!!

 

[Dreams of Ashes]

Is everyone stuck in the deep freeze that we are? Too cold to drive!!!

It's been cold, snowy and slippery since last weekend here. It's supposed to warm up for a few days and than get cold again.

 

[MaryFlora]

Yes! I no longer drive but doing anything outside is tough. Our high has been close to -8 and today we have a thaw going into the upper teens. So the next few days will be much better then it is back down into the freezer.

We have just a few inches of snow so the ground is like iron.

 

[Standards Equine]

Isn't that funny?!! It's been balmy here the last several days. But the weekend is supposed to be very cold again. Just for a couple of days, then it gets mild again. But cold for the weekend so no driving for me. Unfortunately still gets dark too fast after work to drive during the week. Phillippe is getting bored. Poor donkey wants snuggles and scratches before food!!

 

[HersheyMint]

After reading all of your areas temperatures, I feel like a wimp! We have had forecast lows in the teens but has only been in the 20tys. I can't forget the winds. Luckily, the winds have not been as strong as forecasted either.

 

[Standards Equine]

Saturday: Phillippe 30 minutes, Falcor 45 minutes, and TOAST 10 minutes
Sunday: Falcor and Toast 45 minutes each.

We had plans to go to a group pony drive yesterday. I'd been wanting to attend this annual event for the last 3 years. Year 1, I was bested by weather, year 2 I had a migraine. This year I was determined to go! Falcor went out for a nice drive Saturday and we worked with both canter leads. He would have walked the whole drive if I'd asked him, but he had no issues picking up trot and then trying out his canter when I asked that of him. Such a good boy! I remembered to put the bucking strap on both sides this time so I was more confident in schooling. And he enjoyed the canter too!

Ali (my daughter) been working on and off with a boarded appy mini named Toast for a couple of years. He needed to do some maturing and, honestly, she did too. Recently she decided he felt like he was getting pretty close to hitch ready. So we figured Saturday would be a good day for it, if he could behave. Saturday morning he tested her, but we went ahead and put the K-cart (currently on skis) to him and she ground drove behind it for a while. This pony is such a diva! The snow in the field was inconsistent and made it hard for him to walk through. He had quite a temper tantrum! Shook her confidence pretty well. We brought him back to the yard area around the tack shed and he visibly calmed down and relaxed. I'd been out with Phillippe the donkey to give them some moral support and I parked the donk in front of Toast and directed Ali to get on board the K-cart. She was hesitant and I told her if she didn't, I was going to. I told her I'd lead them around a lap and then be done with it. She agreed, climbed in and we wet off together. They passed us on the driveway and proceeded to complete 3 additional laps unaided.

Sunday we got all loaded up and ready to go to the pony drive. I pulled my trailer out and found that the two drivers side wheels were seized! We'd had freezing rain and stupid temps fairly recently. That side of the trailer had stayed in the shade. We tried a hair dryer to warm it up, some WD 40 but nope, it wasn't budging. I guess the universe was saying "You're not to go!" loud and clear. Ali was really disappointed. So was I. Instead I took her for wings for lunch, to Indigo so she could buy some books and then we came back and she drove Toast again while I took Falcor around. Ali had said she was just going to do a few laps around the yard the opposite direction and call it good. Well, she did one, then I got up with Falcor and she led us down the driveway and into the field. They led us around the entire loop around the field! That pony works like our Jasmine, just a goer! He managed walk, trot and even a couple short canters. I think that pony has enough ego that he would keep up with Falcor, the Hackney pony, no matter what!


So it wasn't the weekend we'd expected, but it was still a very good one!

 

[HersheyMint]

I love the pic I see both with smiling faces. A very productive, fun day. It's to bad you didn't get to attend the drive when you were looking forward to attending.