[drivingpairs] Vacuuming/static electricity & X'mas drive

Loved the idea of vacuuming and so got out the shop vac and went to work on
some really dirty Fjords to get them prettied up for the Houston Area
Carriage club X'mas drive.  They did really well with the vacuuming but as
the weather was so cold and dry we had a big problem with the static
electricity.  Any suggestions on how to deal with the static electricity?
It was a big problem as it was very strong and hurt making them jump.  It
would zap us too sometimes even if we were keeping our free hand on their
body.  No there was no problem with the vacuum and its connections are
grounded it was just strong static electricity.  We were really pleased with
the part that did get vacuumed and will try the blower the next time they
are wet.
 

The HACA X'mas drive was the first time our Fjord pair, Ole and Loki, had
been driven with other horses and people lining the roads.  This was a big
hurdle to overcome for our confidence.  I love pair driving!!!  We survived
with no problems on our part and everyone came back together.  The boys seem
so much happier than as singles and the spook factor is so diminished.  Is
this just something that happens when you drive pairs/multiples?  We have
only been driving pairs barely a month so I've got to ask this stuff.  We
had 16 carriages in the drive with 3 multiples:  2 pairs (Fjords, Swedish
WBs) and a 4 -in-hand (Cleveland Bays).  

 

Barefoot driving update:  so far asphalt road work has done minimal wear to
their feet.  It seems that the road work has increased the growth rate to
compensate.  No ouchy feet and no cracks/splits or any feet/leg problems to
date.  Thanks to those who responded off list about their barefoot
experiences.  

 

Thanks to those who commented on my pole connections questions.  Yes
everyone was right and I was wrong:  I have a yoke not a crab.

 

Peaceful holidays,

 

Milli Ann

Magnolia, TX (NW of Houston)

 


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