[drivingpairs] Re: which side - Good question

Hi all,
        I am VERY new to this pair driving thing but have the very
experienced hands of Larry Poulin guiding me. I am going to recount my
logic.  Please keep in mind that these are not young mares being 7 and 11
when they went to Larry's for driving training. Both of the mares I have
dealt with since foals or nearly foals, shown extensive in halter and under
saddle and have done many miles trail riding.  Both of the mares were
started under saddle by me and I knew well their learning styles, work ethic
and dispositions. While I had NO experience driving pairs, I am fairly
comfortable driving singles.
        Larry asked me early on what side I wanted my mares on. I decided
that my 'solid as a rock alpha mare' that has an excellent work ethic BUT
not as motivated as my other mare should be on the right.  My highly
motivated mare I felt was better served on the left. This was just HOW I
imagined the pair.  
        In actual fact, it is working and will be working better as time
goes by.  My 'rock' mare needs some reinforcement to be more motivated (more
whip cues) and handles the distractions of road side better.  My mare on the
left is working well knowing that IF she is intimidated for any reason, she
can lean to the right (best buddy) and regain confidence.  On the roads, I
am much more comfortable utilizing the space on the right of the road!
        I know that this is a growth process and I do hope in the future to
start switching them around.  I think part of the key to this is going to be
spending more time driving my more motivated mare singles.  This mare is
totally fearless trail riding and is the perfect 'point and shoot' kind
under saddle.  She is not 'spooked' under saddle by water hazards, trail
bikes, motorcycles, loud logging trucks, big rocks, mailboxes, deer leaping
out in front of her, attack geese, dog chasing and just about anything that
you can throw at her or imagine. She just needs more time getting very
comfortable with the driving thing.  I can't say she is a slow learner BUT
to do well, she needs to feel totally confident and some time. 
        Not sure if this helps.  Not sure IF I am right.  It just seems to
be working for my very small sample set of driving pairs.
Yours,
Claudia Novak
www.tangwyllt.com




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