Learn to Drive your Horse

August 31, 2007 by Capuce.

Most horse riders have never held the reins of a driving horse before.  As kids many of us may have gone on a hay ride or taken a horse taxi in a park but most people never think of actually driving their own horse.

As it turns out the Rochester, NY area has great knowledge base for those interested in learning to drive!  Did you know that the Walnut Hill Driving Competition is the largest of it’s kind in the world!  There’s also local clubs like the Northampton Driving Society, Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club and the Pittsford Carriage Association willing to help out new comers.  The Northampton Driving Society (NDS) has to be the best beginner friendly organization though. With fun driving events, a yearly show, and monthly meetings and seminars they are the most helpful when starting out. I literally taught my mare to drive with a book, the internet, and the help of NDS.

If you think trail riding is fun you’ve got to get out for a drive some day.  The greatest perk about driving is it’s something you can share with others.  My non horsey mom and friends are always asking me if they can join me for a drive. Some are even getting more adventurous and are asking if they can take the reins for a while.  Driving is also great on your back.  If riding in the saddle makes you sore and tires you out give driving a try.

I find I’m more prone to exercising my horses driving than riding because it’s less stress on me.  Trotting 2-3 miles in a saddle vs. in a cart is a HUGE difference.  Another plus is there’s no better way to build up your horses stamina and hindquarters than driving!  Love those hunter paces or endurance rides but conditioning to ride them tiring you out?  Driving allows the horse to get a great work out over long distances.  Heck, I take my GPS unit with me in the cart to help me know exact mileage and speed.

Still need some motivation to try driving?  Take the virtual reins of my horse.

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