Comments on: Horse Before the Cart

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:50:27 +0000

I have a pleasure driving show cart and harness for sale. If you are interested please contact me at kim.leavitt@hartfordlife.com

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:54:42 +0000

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!

By: Betty Watt

Betty Watt — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:15:41 +0000

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.

By: Deborah George

Deborah George — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:19:34 +0000

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.

By: Teri Lewis

Teri Lewis — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:37:44 +0000

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.

By: Deborah George

Deborah George — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:24:32 +0000

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!

By: rebecca

rebecca — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:31:54 +0000

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

By: whitney

whitney — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:38:57 +0000

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

By: JoAnne Ekhoff Dudley

JoAnne Ekhoff Dudley — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:00:02 +0000

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

By: Robin Wakefield

Robin Wakefield — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:47:05 +0000

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.