[drivingpairs] Re: Standing quiet
- From: "SLittle" <Salger@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <drivingpairs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 23 May 2006 01:18:53 -0400
I have a pair of morgans that once did CDE's. They were "retired" for a few
years because of the owner's health. For the past year I have been driving
them and wanting to use them at carriage pleasure shows and perhaps ADTs.
They are doing well!
At home, they stand very quietly when harness goes on or off. At the shows,
some tension is noted but they stand well. They don't try to run off or
anything but they want to stay on the move once hooked up. AND the near
horse chomps his teeth and nips at the groom. This is a horse that has
perfect stable manners. He doesn't bite or act up except when at the show.
The behavior stops if he is moving (he settles down, bends beautifully etc)
I don't know much about sport horses so I was hoping for insight. Not to
sound too much like a talk show therapist, but I think I need to "redirect
the behavior" rather than punish him. Like other pairs I observed, they
will try to rub on each other and the pole if standing too long.
To help teach them to stand, at home I leave them standing for long periods
of time. Although they will never have the relaxed mode of my dad's drafts,
I am very pleased with their "stand" time at home. At our first carriage
show this year, they stood well during the line up. When waiting for the
next class, I ask them to stand but I prepare to ask them to walk off within
a few minutes (I want to ask them to move on BEFORE they become impatient) A
fellow driver had recommended "forcing" them to stand. Although I agree
they should and need to learn to stand, I don't think forcing them is the
answer (unless safety requires it) By working with them every day, they
have learned to stand and improve daily. But I need to work on ways to stop
the behavior when off the farm!! Thanks for any insight!! (ps I wrote this
at 1 am so forgive any typos)
_____
From: drivingpairs-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:drivingpairs-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Peter & Rachel
Eldred
Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2006 6:19 PM
To: drivingpairs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [drivingpairs] Re: Quick Releases on Pole
Ha! I use the Walmart dog collars (the adjustable black ones) as trace
carriers for the pair. They're a snap to open, close and adjust, they're
machine washable, and if I lose one, I'm only out about $3. They don't bear
any weight, so I thought they'd make a good temporary alternative. Two years
later, I'm still using them.
As far as the pole straps go, I use quick-release trailer tie snaps on them.
There is no way they can open accidentally, although I can open them
quickly, and I figure if they're meant to hold a thrashing horse, they can
probably hold up the pole and steer the carriage. I drive VSEs by the way.
Just my .02.
Rachel in BC
_____
From: drivingpairs-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:drivingpairs-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of The Stewarts
Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2006 5:53 AM
To: drivingpairs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [drivingpairs] Quick Releases on Pole
I wrote a while ago asking about quick releases coming open on the pole.
Got some good suggestions. Hardy suggested putting the pulls to the inside,
and I haven't had one open since then. HOWEVER, I know it is possible.
Since it caused a storm when it happened with a youngster, I said I wasn't
driving her with quick releases on the pole. Put straps back on, but they
are a bit of a pain. Spoiled with the ease of quick releases. Came up with
a alternative similar to the safety straps on my Zilco single harness that
will prevent the shafts from dropping to the ground if the hardware on the
saddle were to give.
We bought two nylon dog collars at WalMart. Fastened the quick releases and
then the little nylon straps. The straps are loose enough that they don't
come into play but would keep the pole in place long enough to put the groom
down and refasten the quick release. I have them on the marathon harness
all the time but only use them with a youngster or on a marathon.
Paul drove the pair in his first event yesterday. OHHA did a continuous
drive--Section A, dressage, Section C, cones. It was great fun, and they
all three did very well.
Deryn Stewart in Oklahoma
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