[drivingpairs] standing



I call it 'practicing whoa'.   It starts when I climb into the carriage.   I 
NEVER ask the horses to drive off right away.   I always sit there for several 
minutes putting on gloves, fixing my hair or doing something as an excuse to 
stand.   Horses have great memories and are smart as heck.   Whatever you do 
with them is a learning experience.  I try and keep that thought whenever I'm 
around them, whether driving or not.    
When my horses were novice driving horses, I'd find a tree and park in the 
shade.   I used the whip and voice to calm the one who got antsy, or would turn 
around to see what the heck I was doing for so long.   Eventually they learn to 
conserve energy, relax and maybe even take little nap.   

Just as it takes practice for them to learn to bend, it takes practice for 
horses to learn to remain standing quietly, when asked.   IMHO, it's the most 
important command in driving.   Always pay attention to the body language.   
Talk to them quietly and rub them with the whip if one gets anxious.   A 
soothing, quiet voice helps too.   

Another trick is taking a long time to groom and harness.   I know we don't 
always have the time, but with novice horses, that's important.   I would even 
sing to them.   They'd be so bored and relaxed, they'd be falling asleep.   
Once they learn what you expect of them, you can take less time grooming and 
harnessing.   But in the beginning, it takes more time and effort.   If they 
fall back into old habits, then it's back to the drawing board, reminding them 
what is expected.  Obviously, this doesn't work well if you have a bunch of 
horses to work.    

Hope this helps someone.

Helen 
www.drivingpairs.com 
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