In the Driver’s Seat with Elisa

IN THE Driver’s Seat

with ELISA MAROCCHI

Photo 1 - Meeting the cart for the first time Photo 2 - Getting comfortable following the cart

Whether it has taken you a few months or a lot longer, the methodical, careful foundations you’ve put into place have led you to this point – the introduction of the cart.

As with the other work we’ve undertaken so far, the first hitching is only done after your horse is completely comfortable and unconcerned with the steps leading up to it. Be sure to remind your horse of his previous lessons – pulling a tire and wearing the green poles – as you warm up for today’s big event.

While the other exercises have benefited from the help of one assistant, today’s work requires two competent and knowledgeable helpers. At least one person should be an experienced driver who can oversee the process, so now is the time to elicit the help of a driving coach or trainer. All involved should be wearing helmets, gloves and appropriate footwear. Ideally, the first hitching should take place in a secure, enclosed work area with minimal distractions – hopefully somewhere your horse is familiar with and comfortable working in. While eventually you will expect your horse to work most anywhere, setting the stage for success for the first few hitches is wise.

If you’ve been working in an open (regular) bridle for all of the previous steps, continue to do so for today’s lesson. At some point you will likely move to a blinkered bridle, but if your horse is comfortable with the prior exercises without blinkers, you can take your time doing so. For this lesson, fit a halter over your bridle (or under if it is made to do so).

The first steps in hitching will sound familiar to those of you who have been following this series. With your horse in full harness, allow him to examine the cart (Photo 1). I use a very lightweight jog cart for the first hitching; however, any safe two-wheeled cart can be used.

Once he’s had a look at the cart, have your helper pull it around him in a wide circle, just as you did with the tire and the poles. Watch your horse carefully for signs of relaxation with this exercise. Moving on with the usual routine, ground drive your horse behind the cart as it is pulled around by one of your helpers (Photo 2), then work with the cart to both sides and finally behind your horse. Stop and start frequently, and have your helper occasionally drop the shafts onto the ground to gauge your horse’s reaction.

If your horse is showing any concern with these latest steps, continue working on them until he is relaxed. If he’s ready to move on, gather two leadlines and your second helper.

With your helpers positioned on either side of your horse and holding a leadline each (attached to either side of the halter), bring the cart shafts up and forward. Make sure to lift the shafts high enough that the tips clear the hindquarters (Photo 3). Ease the shafts down to the level of the shaft loops, hold them in place for a few moments then lift them back up and push the cart back away from your horse. Repeat this several times to check your horse’s level of comfort.

If all is well, you can push the shaft tips through the shaft loops and with your helpers holding the tips (to prevent the shafts from sliding out) ask your horse to walk forward in a straight line. Watch him carefully for any signs of nervousness and be prepared to stop and remove the cart should he be overly worried. Some interest in this new experience is just fine though – he may well be curious about the process.

At this point, you may wish to do a few laps of your work area, changing direction once or twice and ensuring any turns are very gradual and gentle. Stop on a good note - you’ve accomplished a great deal to get to this point so be happy with this progress.

In subsequent work sessions, you will increase the time you spend walking with the cart shafts through the loops. Your helpers, though they’ll be holding the leadlines, will not be directing your horse; you will be doing so through the lines and they will simply be there to reassure your horse and assist if needed.

After a few sessions, one helper is probably enough if your horse is comfortable with the work (Photo 4). Expect to spend at least 3 to 4 more sessions working on this stage of training.

For the final step – actually hitching your horse to the cart and driving him – you are best to hand over the lines to a coach, trainer or

Introducing Your Horse to Driving – Part 7

Photo 3 - Once the shafts are passed through the shaft loops, the lines must be in the driver's hands Photo 4 - Using 2 assistants is preferable for the first few times the horse walks around with the shafts through the shaft loops

experienced driver, unless you are a seasoned driver yourself. Ensuring the harness is correctly adjusted and attached to the cart safely requires “hands on” to be sure things go smoothly.

Congratulations! By paying attention to how your horse moved through the training process and only progressing when he was ready, you’ve now got a driving partner that is relaxed, happy and well on his way to a long, safe driving career.

Safe Driving! Elisa Marocchi is an Equestrian Canada licensed driving coach and a member of the EC Driving Committee. She owns and operates Wildwood Farm, a full service driving facility near 100 Mile House BC. An active driving coach since 2000, Elisa offers clinics and lessons in a safe, supportive and fun manner both on and off the farm. As a combined driving competitor, Elisa has successfully competed throughout North America with both her own homebred horses and those of clients.

(See her listing in our Business Services section under TRAINERS)