Driving Horses, Part 3 of 3

Common misconceptions about driving and the reality behind them
by Kayo Fraser

Driving horses can be fun and challenging. However, there are skills that must be learned and developed first to avoid injury to yourself and your horse.

Misconceptions About Learning to Drive
1. It is easy to learn
Driving is not a skill learned in a few hours. The amount of time it takes varies with each individual, but we recommend at least two weeks of professional lessons to absorb the basics and be able to drive a well trained horse or pair of horses. It takes practice to develop an instinctual response to surprising situations that could be potentially dangerous. The more you know, the better you can avoid mistakes.

2. Any horse can be driven
Some horses do not have the disposition required to be a safe driving horse. It is more challenging to teach older horses to drive, and often they do not appreciate doing something this different from their previous training. Compare it to teaching a teenager to clean his room if he has never had to do it before: rebellion sets in. A mature horse has figured out his lot in life and may not be willing to learn something as frightening as pulling a “monster on wheels” behind him. His rebellion may be devastating. Either start with a well trained horse or train your horse when he is young and receptive.

3. A bomb-proof horse can teach you to drive
There is no such thing as a bomb-proof horse except a dead one. Horses feel safer when their driver knows what he/she is doing. They need to trust the driver to not get them into a troubling situation or to be there for them if they get frightened. All horses have the potential to run.

4. You can learn to drive from books or videos
Wonderful books have been written by great trainers – but a book or video cannot correct bad habits or misuse of the reins, or tell you what to do if your horse refuses the lesson. Hands-on training with a professional instructor is the best way to learn these skills correctly.

5. Anyone can teach a horse to drive
Try teaching a college course in calculus with no background in math. If your horse loves and trusts you, he may be willing to try something new –but how can you teach proper driving techniques if you don’t know the basics yourself?

6. Buy before you try
A lot of money is wasted by people who buy horses, harnesses or vehicles without proper knowledge or advice. Even if you buy from a reputable manufacturer, you may spend money on something that is not suitable for your horse or application.

Common Mistakes Made While Learning
1. Driving with a loose rein/line.
A novice needs to understand the importance of contact with the horse’s mouth instead of driving with a loose line as you would in neck reining. It is the most difficult habit to change. The lines are like telegraph wires sending signals from you to your horse. If you drive with proper contact, you can feel your horse and your horse can feel you.

2. Hollywood-style driving
One of the first mistakes we correct is slapping the lines on the horse’s rump to make him go. It is a learned response from watching western movies and TV shows. Any time you slap the lines, you abuse the horse’s mouth. There are much better ways to ask a horse to move ahead.

3. Staring at the lines to be sure there is no slack
It is surprising how many people believe they need to look at the lines while they drive. When you learn to “feel” the reins, you know you have the right connection to your horse. If you stare at the reins or the horse’s head, you might miss that bear walking out on the trail up ahead or a dog waiting to bark as you pass by or a child running out from the bushes to greet you. You need to be aware of your surroundings, not only to be safe, but to relax and enjoy the experience.

4. Leaning forward in the carriage
Center of balance is as important on the carriage seat as in the saddle. Leaning too far ahead not only looks bad, but it will eventually hurt your back. If the horse lunges forward, you are at risk of being pulled out of the seat and under the carriage.

5. Letting the horse go where he wants
If it were up to most horses, they would go back to the barn for oats and a brush-down. A horse needs his driver to be confident and in control. He may not realize you need to stop at an intersection for his safety and your own. A horse is a creature of habit and may take the same route every day like milk delivery horses did in the past. Driving to new areas for a change of scenery will be fun for everyone.

After a few lessons, most students realize that driving is not as easy as they thought. It takes time and practice to learn and develop new skills. I call it cellular memory or muscle memory when the brain has learned how to make the muscles respond properly to driving a carriage horse in all situations.

The sport of driving is the fastest growing equine activity today. If you decide to give it a try, be sure to have someone who knows what they are doing help you get started. Before you take anyone for a ride on the carriage, please get professional training for yourself. Risking your own life is up to you, but before you risk the lives of other people, there are many techniques and safety issues you need to learn so everyone can have a great time – especially your horse.