[drivingpairs] standing
- From: "Helen G. Roeder" <sunshinefarm@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "Pairs List" <drivingpairs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2006 11:31:14 -0500
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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