In the Driver’s Seat with Elisa

In the Driver’s Seat with Elisa Marocchi

Photo by Mac Henderson Photography

Carriage driving is a unique equestrian activity. There is no other discipline where even non-horsey friends can join in on the fun in the form of a carriage ride! Equipment intensive, it can appear confusing to a newbie, and people often think it is an expensive discipline to take part in. Some consider it something “only old folks do”!

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ver the coming months, I’ll be presenting a series of articles describing the method I use to start horses in harness. Before starting though, I’d like to share some information about the sport of driving, dispel some misconceptions and help you decide if your own horse or pony is a suitable driving prospect.

This article will also help you determine if you have the necessary skills and determination to take on the task yourself or if you should leave the training to a professional.

First though, know that the process I follow when starting driving horses is only one of many safe and effective ways to start your horse in harness. There are a multitude of professional trainers in the driving community who are talented, skilled and competent horse people. They may have different approaches to starting horses, so keep in mind that this works for me, but others may use different methods. Remember also that the final step in the training process – the actual hitching of your horse to a cart, and subsequent initial drives – should be attempted only with the assistance of a competent and experienced driver, trainer or coach.

Any horse or pony has the potential to be a good driving horse, and anyone can learn to drive. It is an ideal sport for those people who have some sort of physical limitation that prevents them from riding. Providing variety in the work you ask of your horse can keep him fresh and interested in his job. Driving can also be a great way to keep older horses working and fit.

As for the driving world and the people who participate in it, one would be hard-pressed to find a more welcoming environment and a more positive group. Have questions as a newbie? Experienced drivers are more than happy to share their knowledge with you.

Driving doesn’t have to break the bank. A good dressage or stock saddle can easily cost $3,000-$4,000; add in a nice bridle, some saddle pads

Photo 1

Photos by Joanne Macaluso

Photo 2

and a girth and one can quickly be in for another $1,000. In comparison, a complete set of harness, suitable for recreational driving and lower level showing can be found for approximately $2,000 (less for ponies and minis). Decent second-hand carts can be purchased for $1,000 and up; a good quality new entry-level cart can be found for approximately $2,500. Properly cared for, both the harness and cart can last a lifetime.

So now you know that drivers are by and large a friendly, helpful group of people, that driving doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and that pretty much any horse has the potential to drive. What now?

Although you won’t know for certain if your horse is suitable for driving until you begin working with him, there are some points to consider that will help you decide if he’ll be a good candidate:

- Is your horse generally quiet? Does he stand well for saddling and mounting? - Has he been exposed to cars, bicycles, neighbourhood dogs? What does he do when he sees these? A horse that stops in his tracks and stares is a better choice than one that spins and bolts at the sight of something frightening. - Does he have reasonable conformation? There are no special absolute requirements for driving horses, however, they should possess good basic gaits and be strong and fit enough to pull you and your cart over whatever terrain you’ll be driving through. For those of you with minis, keep in mind that despite their small stature, they are incredibly strong. As long as you

Here are a few things you can do to see if your horse has the potential to be your new driving partner:

- Pull a bucket on a rope while you walk beside your horse and bounce it along the ground (Photo 1). While he may startle initially, see if he settles down and begins to ignore it. Try having someone pull the bucket along the ground behind the horse (out of the kick zone) and watch for his reaction. - See what your horse does when a rope or strap is placed between the hind legs (Photo 2). Again, initial concern is fine but panicking and wild kicking out may not bode well for a driving prospect. - Lead your horse while someone pushes a wheelbarrow behind him. Have your helper stop and drop the handles occasionally and note your horse’s reaction.

Poor reactions to any of these triggers may not mean your horse won’t eventually be a safe and reliable driving partner, but starting with a laid back attitude certainly makes things easier. If your horse is very reactive, or unreliable with his reactions to new situations, it may be best to leave the training to a professional.

Finally, consider your own skill set and time constraints. Are you experienced working with horses on the ground? Can you walk behind your horse for extended periods of time? Are you agile enough to move quickly should a situation arise requiring you to do so? And (most important of all) do you have the time and dedication to work with your horse on a very regular basis for an extended period of time? If you don’t have the time to commit to work sessions at least several times a week, it will be safer to have a professional trainer start your driving horse.

Next month, I’ll explain the equipment you will need to have on hand (very simple and not expensive!!) and the first few steps you’ll want to tackle on the road to driving your own horse.

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)