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A Step-by-Step Guide!
If you've ever wanted to start your youngster or even your older
riding horse to harness, but had no idea where to begin, this is the book for
you. This step by step guide takes you from starting work on the lunge-line all
the way through your first driving show or busy road side drive.
The author begins with an in-depth discussion and description of driving bits and
bitting as well as driving bridles. Also discussed are the advantages and
drawbacks that different breeds exhibit when learning to drive. From there the
author illustrates how she uses lunge work to familiarize the horse to commands,
the use of harness equipment (which she also discusses in detail), and the
ability to balance under harness. One of the most critical turning points in
training is teaching the horse to accept the feeling of pulling weight and
objects from behind. This is an especially important step because the horse
cannot see or observe this activity behind him and must trust his handler to
keep him "safe". This is also the point where the handler must decide
if the horse should be driven in blinders. This book contains wonderful, large
color photos on almost every page taking you through the steps of breaking to
harness. Each picture also illustrates the advantages and placement of an
assistant in this process. The text is straightforward and easy to
understand with many examples and areas of troubleshooting. This book is even
great for the driver of a seasoned horse who may be having a few problems and needs
to go backward in the training process. Another great aspect of
this book is the author's focus on safety in every step of the training process. This includes
wearing helmets in the early stages of lunge training and the addition of
reflective clothing for on-road training. Other subjects discussed include
matching the right cart to your horse, balancing the cart correctly, how to deal
with traffic, and how to drive in the field. Even if your horse knows how to
drive perfectly, this book will enable you as the driver to understand how cart,
harness and horse all work together. This is a must-have book for the
prospective and present pleasure driver. |
