Horse Before the Cart
July 8, 2009
Pleasure driving is a fast-growing event in the Quarter Horse realm.
From The American Quarter Horse Journal
One of the draws of pleasure driving is that almost anyone can participate. You can drive if you don’t like to ride. You can drive if you have health problems that don’t allow you to ride. You can drive if you’re 30. You can drive if you’re 90. That’s the beauty of it. In AQHA classes, any amateur or adult open contender who is comfortable, safe and sufficient as a driver may show in the sport.
The Old and the New
Pleasure-driving classes are reminders of pre-auto days, when necessity led families to hook up their horses and take leisurely drives, most likely when the whole gang was dressed up for church on Sunday.
“They’d take a slow trot through the park with a nice little park gait,” explains AQHA Professional Horseman and world champion driver Kevin Dukes of Weatherford, Texas. “The family would take in the sights, maybe cruise through the park, then pick up the pace to the road gait to get on home.”
Today, the premise of the class is more regimented than those distant Sunday drives through the park, but the fun and leisure still live. Think you’re ready? Before you hook up to the cart for the first time, be certain you and your horse are prepared. Driving can be a dangerous pastime if everything isn’t in order, and professional help is always, always, always a good idea — even if you’re a seasoned rider.
Driving around the arena at home is a different ball game than driving in an arena full of other drivers. In the show environment, noises and movement can be distracting and spooky for some horses, and as a driver, you must be comfortable negotiating between other horses and carts. For that reason, the AQHA World Championship Show limits the arena to 12 horses and carts at any time.
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“Safety is a big thing with me,” Kevin says. “If I feel like my amateurs aren’t ready to show, then I won’t let them enter the class. Also, if I feel there’s another exhibitor in the class who doesn’t seem in control, I won’t let my amateur show.”
Kevin adds that great amateur pleasure-driving horses should be nearly spook-proof, which is all part of his plan to defer as many potential accidents as possible, and make showing the best, most fun experience for everyone.
“Safety is important, but I always tell my clients, ‘When this isn’t fun, we aren’t doing it any more,’ ” he says. “We all started showing for the love of horses, and that’s why we’ll keep doing it. Winning is fun, but it’s not everything.”
From Gate to Gait
Even though the walk isn’t the most dramatic movement to watch in a pleasure driving class, it’s still a judged gait. It should be an efficient, working walk, while elegant and relaxed. Don’t be guilty of walking too slowly.
“When horses go too slowly at the walk, they almost sway from side to side, which isn’t good,” Kevin says. “It’s actually harder for the horse to pull the cart as it goes slower.”
After horses are judged on the rail at the walk, they are asked to move into park gait, which is similar to a gentle jog through the park. A simple clucking sound, followed by gentle encouragement via slapping of the reins, is the cue for most horses to pick up the pace.
“This should be a slow trot, but not as slow as a western jog,” Kevin says. “Some horses can carry a park gait a little slower; others need to have more forward motion in order to look their best.”
Lastly, the road gait — the gait reserved for the smooth drive home on the boulevard. Here, the extended trot is showcased, and the horse is asked to step out and strut its stuff. Be careful not to get too much speed, though.
Throughout your drive, your horse should obey immediately, maintain a level topline and appear pleasant. Expression is a big attribute that can make or break a driving horse’s chance for the blue ribbon.
“Expression is important,” Kevin says. “I’ve got one horse that is awesome, but his expression hurts him sometimes when he doesn’t put his ears forward. That can be the difference between first place and second place. The first-place horse just looks happier. Our horses should look as if they enjoy their jobs.”
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Pleasure-Driving Safety Tips
- Know your horse. Be sure your horse is ready for competition and is totally comfortable and confident pulling a cart.
- Be sure your equipment is in good working order. Check tires, leather and all attachments.
- Make sure the horse is harnessed and hooked correctly to the cart. Have your header, someone standing at the horse’s head, double-check before you enter the arena.
- Always have a header holding the bridle as you enter or leave the cart.
- Never lead a horse into the barn or stall with blinders on because the horse can’t see on either side and can easily catch a hip on a door.
- Troubleshoot before your class. Be sure your horse has been in the arena, and know what might bother him — and drive accordingly. Know your competition. Note whether those drivers are in control of their horses.
- Never leave your horse and cart unattended.
- Never stand in the cart while driving. It’s too easy to fall out.
- Always show courtesy to other drivers. Don’t cut too close. If another driver is having trouble with his or her horse, give extra room.
- When in doubt, don’t.
Comments
19 Comments on “Horse Before the Cart”
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July 10th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
excellent tips!! I have just started driving in the last few years and enjoy. I believe that a well trained, older been there – done that show horse is a great way to start out.
July 16th, 2009 at 8:00 am
I have had limited driving experience from years ago and would like to find a camp or clinic to get current on training and showing in this venue. Does anyone know where to find such a program our West or will I have to go East? I have been looking in my area North of Seattle WA. with no luck. Thanks Jo Anne
July 16th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
JoAnne,
A search for AQHA Professional Horsemen in your area that are listed as having the experience to instruct in driving yields a couple of results:
Peggy Ann Rogers, in Medical Lake, WA
Teresa M. Sullivan, in Snohomish, WA
You can get more information about these trainers, and view other trainers at: http://4ahorse.aqha.com/findatrainer.html
Driving instructors are listed under the “English” category.
Whitney Price
AQHA Marketing and Publications Intern
July 21st, 2009 at 9:31 am
i love horses alot and have always wanted to ride one my cousin has 2 horses but she lives far away so i dont get to see them that often
August 16th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
I am the owner of a Quarter Horse who is competed very successfully in open (American Driving Society) shows by my husband. We started him in harness ourselves,but my husband has many years of driving experience and absolutely,someone just starting needs the help of a seasoned whip(driver). For more driving info,check out the ADS website at http://www.americandrivingsociety.org. I do wish that the AQHA would follow the lead of the more “traditional” driving breed registries and encourage Quarter Horse owners who compete in open shows. We are very often the only Quarter Horse folks out there in the ring with the Morgans,Dutch Harness Horses,Welsh ponies,etc. Quarter Horses are great between the shafts and we need to spread the word!
August 17th, 2009 at 7:37 am
As experienced drivers, it is disappointing to us that you would write an article and post it that would imply that clucking and rein slapping is correct – or even acceptable. Any whip worth their salt or so called “trainer” should know that rein slapping is for any reason is a terrible habit. When a driver does this, they lose contact and then jerk the horse’s mouth. This is why, at any open driving show, a driver may not compete without a whip in hand. Although it is wonderful that you are encouraging people to learn about this wonderful venue, please make sure in the future, that you encourage them to learn it correctly – for their sake and the horse’s.
August 17th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Having just read the last comment,I’d like to add to it,that yes,a whip should always be in hand. In proper reinsmanship,since when driving you cannot use your legs,the whip takes their place. You can lightly touch your horse to place his hindquarters,to keep his shoulder from falling in on a turn,etc. The whip is used to communicate a multitude of instructions to your horse,not just to encourage him to move out. Therefore,it is a vital piece of equipment,just as your voice aids are.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I couldn’t agree more with these comments about AQHA pleasure driving. There are only three aids to use when driving a horse, the lines, the voice, and the whip. Not only can the whip control the forward motion and the lateral motion of the horse, but also will help to drive the horse forward if it should start to back up. Slapping the lines on the horse’s rump is unacceptable. I would never attempt to drive a horse without the whip in hand.
September 7th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Can anyone suggest a place to start shopping for show harnesses, and show carts? I will be attending the Congress and was wondering if that would be a good place to start shopping? Thanks!
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:50 am
I have a pleasure driving show cart and harness for sale. If you are interested please contact me at kim.leavitt@hartfordlife.com
March 31st, 2010 at 12:31 am
I’m the disabled driver of a quiet Shetland used on our farm as a mobility vehicle. It would save lots of time if I could leave him tied to a hitching post during the day. Could anybody resist the urge to hyperventilate, fulminate, fustugate and preach nay, long enough to offer some constructive advice. He is not going to bolt anywhere or come to harm.
Many thanks
Felix
March 31st, 2010 at 12:32 am
I’m the disabled driver of a quiet Shetland used on our farm as a mobility vehicle. It would save lots of time if I could leave him tied to a hitching post during the day. Could anybody resist the urge to hyperventilate, fulminate, fustigate and preach nay, long enough to offer some constructive advice. He is not going to bolt anywhere or come to harm.
Many thanks
Felix
April 28th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
When we train our horses to drive we also train them to stand tied quietly while hooked to the cart. Years ago, when horses were the means of transport, this was a necessity. Too often the quarter horses I see driving are not really “broke” to drive, and their drivers aren’t adequately trained, either. If you couldn’t take your driving horse out for a drive around your neighborhood and feel safe, you shouldn’t be showing him, either! If a ridden horse spooks or runs off, you can be thrown…if a driving horse spooks or bolts, you could be killed. Make sure your horses will stand,even for hours, and are calm around traffic, other animals, tractors, equipment, and all other spooky objects before you get to the show pen. And remember, driving is a great thing for young horses-it gets them moving and broke without putting undue stress on their legs. It also develops a great hip and topline!
May 19th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Quarter horses are shown at AQHA show with the same equipment that would be used for many saddlebreds. A good place to look for used show harness and two wheel carts are saddlebred groups and listservers.
June 12th, 2010 at 10:54 am
I have a brand new Jerald sulky with cover for sale. Used for 14.2 hand horse, suitable for breed shows. Was used less than 3 times. Also a wooden Meadowbrook cart for small pony, used with 39 inch and 46 inch ponies. Located near Kirkwood College in CR IA. Email me for photos if interested.
April 17th, 2011 at 7:09 am
I have a show cart in excellent condition and new harness for sale. E-mail me if interested at moriskellie@rocketmail.com
November 21st, 2011 at 8:54 pm
What are you asking for your cart and harness
April 30th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Iam looking for cart and harness suitable to show at the AQHA shows, I have a 16’1″ hand gelding,, I had driven ADS shows in Kansas and Nebraska for years, loved it,, had a small quarter mare…
November 25th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Will be nice when I see AQHA have some rules about using carts to actually fit the horse. Shafts pointing up are alot of pressure on the saddle.