In the Driver’s Seat with Elisa

Elisa winning the FEI 1* at the 2018 Katydid CDE in South Carolina. Photo credit Picsofyou.com.

with Elisa Marocchi

Introducing Your Horse to Driving – Part 2

Last month we looked at what to consider if one wishes to start their own horse or pony in harness. This month, I’ll introduce the first step on the journey to enjoying driving with your equine partner. The goal of this lesson is for your horse to consistently and promptly obey voice commands for walk, trot, canter and halt on the single lunge.

irst though, a reminder that ideally, this work should be undertaken in partnership with an experienced driver – preferably someone who trains driving horses regularly. The actual first hitch and early drives should be with the assistance of a professional, or a seasoned driver. The steps outlined here and in subsequent articles provide an overview only. More detailed explanations can be found in my publication “Introducing your Horse to Driving” (available at www.wildwoodfarm.ca) or in any number of excellent books available on the subject.

OK - let’s get started! Non-slip, sturdy footwear and leather gloves are a must and some readers may want to wear a helmet. A round pen or fenced arena is helpful, but not required. While you’ll eventually need to have a full set of harness on hand, for the first lesson all you’ll need is a regular bridle with a snaffle bit, a single lunge line and a lunge whip.

If you read my article on the importance of walk work, you’ll know that we will start off in this gait. This allows your horse to relax and be in a mindset where he can listen and learn from you.

With the lunge line attached to the bit or headstall (attached in whatever manner you prefer, providing it is safe and comfortable for you and your horse), begin by introducing a simple, consistent verbal cue to ask your horse to walk. I use “walk up” with an upward lilt to my voice and the emphasis on the word “up.” Ask once in a clear, firm voice, raising your lunge whip and pointing it at his hip as you speak. If your horse doesn’t promptly walk on, repeat the command but this time raise your voice and lightly apply the lunge whip to his hip. The goal is for your horse to respond right away to the initial voice command so be firm

All you need to get started. Photo by Gabrielle Schoemaker.

and clear in your instructions. While your horse may need several tries to get this right, if you ask tentatively, are unclear or don’t follow up with a firmer aid, you’ll have to give the command over and over again before he responds. Remember, your goal is a prompt and consistent response to your request every time.

Working at the walk, ask for a downward transition to halt. I use “and...whoa” with the word “and” drawn out a bit and a downward tone to my voice. It doesn’t matter what cues you use as long as you keep them simple, short and easy for the horse to discern from other commands.

Once your horse is walking and halting consistently, add in the request for trot (“trot ON” with an upward lilt to your voice) and canter (“canTER!”) with frequent transitions between gaits. When asking, for a downward transition from trot to walk, I will say “and...walk” with a downward tone to the word “walk.” Again, use whatever commands you can remember easily.

If your horse disobeys your request for a downward transition, point your chest towards a spot ahead of your horse’s path and take a step in that direction. A light tug on the line can make your intention clearer. If he still ignores you, make the circle smaller by shortening the lunge line and pointing the whip in front of his chest.

If moving at a faster gait is too exciting and causes your horse to bolt on the line or to rush, return to walk work for a few minutes. If he begins to buck, correct him immediately with a few firm tugs on the line and a sharp word so he understands this behaviour is not desirable. My belief is that the horse should understand that once he is wearing any equipment, it’s time to work. While a few exuberant bucks aren’t going to hurt anything and there’s no need to harshly or unkindly correct him, it shouldn’t become a habit.

Be very consistent in your commands and it won’t take long for your horse to understand them. Change direction often and keep your sessions on the shorter side, ending on a positive note. As with every step of the process, ensure you have reliable, solid responses from your horse before moving on to the next new learning task – introducing the double lunge.

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)

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The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) would like to congratulate Dave Batty of Coldstream BC on being selected as the 2021 recipient of the Zane Schulte Award.

The Zane Schulte Award was established in 2001 in honour of the late Zane Schulte, son of Tom and Barbra Schulte. Now in its 21st year, this award is presented annually to a professional trainer who exemplifies the character by which Zane himself is remembered: integrity, service, values, respect of their peers, contribution to the industry, and excellence in the arena. “We are thrilled that Dave Batty is this year's recipient of the Zane Schulte Award,” said Barbara Schulte, member of the selection committee. “Dave has spent a lifetime contributing to our industry in Canada and the United States. His character is exemplary of all this award represents.”

Batty, an NCHA member since 1965, has been instrumental in the growth and development of the sport in Canada. Batty paved the way for Canadian cutters to compete in major events in the United States and has served the NCHA and Canadian Cutting Horse organizations in multiple capacities. Batty has spent his career pursuing what is best for cutters on both sides of the border, while always encouraging members forward.

“I’m very humbled and very honoured to be up there with the other 20 people who have received this award,” Batty said. “Most of the [past recipients] are friends of mine, and I’m very honoured to know them and have shown with them. I’m still at a loss for words. Cutting has been my life, my whole life. I’m in the NCHA Members Hall of Fame, and that was quite an honour, but the Zane Schulte Award is a huge honour to be up there with your peers.”

Batty was presented with the Jan Mapes sculpture during the 2021 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity in Fort Worth in December.

Shannon Burwash Scholarship Recipients Announced

The Calgary Foundation is very pleased to announce the following scholarships have been awarded from the 2021 Shannon Burwash Memorial Fund.

$2,000 Leadership Award to Melissa Gablehaus

Melissa is in her fourth and final year in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Calgary. She is very passionate about equine medicine and the equine industry. Outside of school, Melissa volunteered for several years with VetPD, which is a program that provides continuing education for veterinarians. This opportunity allowed Melissa to participate in a variety of topics within equine medicine and surgery and to take part in the hands-on portions of these conferences. Melissa enjoys riding and competing on her American Quarter Horse, Docs Stitch N Velvet. When she is not in school or spending time with Stitch, she spends the remainder of her time on her fiancé’s dairy farm. Upon graduation from veterinary school, she plans on working in a mixed animal clinic, with a special interest in equine medicine.

$1,000 Encouragement Award to Jocelyn Leclaire

Jocelyn is a third-generation Clydesdale enthusiast and breeder from Didsbury Alberta. She grew up on her family’s “funny” farm northwest of town, “where we owned cows, sheep, goats, a llama, but best of all, horses. Horses have taught me the most important lessons I have ever learned, determination, compassion, respect, friendship, and trust, to name a few. The importance of horses in my life is immeasurable. I cannot imagine a career where I did not enjoy their presence, hence why I am pursuing veterinary medicine. After beginning my practice, I would like to specialize in equine reproduction. I am genuinely grateful for the Shannon Burwash Memorial award’s contribution to my education, as it is one step closer to pursuing my childhood dream.”

$1,000 Encouragement Award to Holly Frijters

Holly enrolled at the University of Alberta in the Fall of 2021 to start her undergraduate program of Bachelor of Science in Animal Health, with a Major in Companion and Performance Animals. Holly’s goal is to further study veterinary medicine at the University of Calgary or potentially abroad and eventually become an equine vet working with high performance horses. With her education, Holly wants to further her knowledge and give back to the animals and community that greatly influenced her life and career aspirations. Holly’s work as a stable hand included caring for over 30 horses and meeting their individual daily needs. Most recently Holly worked as a technician assistant at the Southern Alberta Veterinary Emergency (SAVE) hospital where she got to firsthand experience veterinarians doing their amazing work. All of these experiences have helped to solidify Holly’s dream of becoming a vet herself.

“Again this year, we were extremely impressed with all of the scholarship applicants,” said Dr. Wayne Burwash. “This is the seventh year that The Calgary Foundation has awarded the scholarships since Shannon’s passing in 2013, and we have now awarded $27,000 in scholarships. Congratulations to all the recipients and best wishes for rewarding careers involving the horse.”

20th Annual Horsey Ladies Raises $5000+

The 20th annual Horsey Ladies Okanagan fundraiser took place online through Facebook for the second year due to Covid.

Between the generosity of our sponsors, and including donations from our own committee members, we were able to offer 12 prize buckets this year. Anyone could buy a $20 ticket towards a prize bucket of their choice with items such as the Wine & Chocolates Crate, the Lucky Lotto Basket, golfing, gift certificates and more. We held the prize draw at Spallumcheen Golf Course on November 20th, where we normally would have had our dinner banquet for 132 Horsey Ladies, but not since Covid.

We made a video (thank you to Meghan!) of our prize draws and announced the winners. Of our 12 winners, one was from Alberta, one from 70 Mile House, and the others from the Okanagan/Shuswap. The video was uploaded in two pieces (thanks to Addison at Spall!) and can be seen on our Horsey Ladies Okanagan Facebook page.

Our volunteer committee was very pleased that $5,040 from ticket sales was raised and given to this year’s chosen recipient… Angie Ioakimidou and Ron Hopkins of Forever Home Sanctuary located in Lavington BC. Their vision: “To create a farm animal sanctuary in order to care for and act as advocates on behalf of farm animals. To educate and create a healing and bonding environment between them and the public.”

To date the Horsey Ladies Okanagan have given out over $119,300 to deserving groups and charities. We are so hoping to have an actual sit-down banquet in 2022 at Spallumcheen Golf Course with 132 Horsey Ladies returning to take part in our auction events. Cross our fingers! Thank you to everyone who participated this year!

Also, we have “I’M A HORSEY LADY” decals for sale through www.equimage.ca in Falkland BC. Support us and put one on your vehicle, your horse trailer or your fridge! Owner Tammy has offered to donate $4 from each one sold towards the annual fundraiser.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Lynn Higginbotham Lammle’s Western Wear Timber Ridge Trails Spallumcheen Golf Course Noble Outfitters Canada Pine Ridge Feed & Tack The Finn & Fletcher Co. Olive Us Oils Maritime Travel Carol Paetkau