Ground driving

[FlapJack]

Jack is 21 months. Is this an okay age to do some light ground driving (with a halter)? He's been saddled before and doesn't mind it a bit, so rather than use a surcingle I'd run the lines through the stirrups.
How long should the lines be?
Any other advice/tips for me?

Thanks. I've been wanting to do something else with him as he is getting pretty bored with the current groundwork. We take walks all over the property but it would be fun to do it ground driving. Our vet said a couple weeks ago that Jack would be fine to be very lightly ridden by the end of the summer. I'm waiting longer than that (I'm in no rush), but would like to get some of the basics taught on the ground.

[WashingtonBay]

I am sure he can take as much ground driving as you can. :)

The lines should be long enough to be out of his way, and long enough that if (or rather when) he gets turned around backwards, you have enough line to not drop him unless you have to, if that makes sense.

Lunge lines work nicely. I have big fat cotton ones I use instead of the web ones.

I'd actually start him without the saddle the first day, just get him used to the lines behind him, around his legs, let him get used to you being behind him (I like to be off to the side so I can see them better too) let him go through the inevitable periods of confusion and potential tanglements without it being connected to the saddle.

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=106&pictureid=696

Him learning how to handle the confusion and tangles without losing his composure, waiting while you get him straightened out again, is part of the training. For both of you. :) (hubby below)

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=106&pictureid=698

[FlapJack]

Thanks WB, that's a great help. I'm glad I can do it without the saddle at least at first. Heh, I hadn't thought about how I'm gonna need to get in shape now...:p

[WashingtonBay]

Well, that's why I like using a circingle with long lines, I don't have to follow them the whole time particularly at the trot and canter, they can lunge around me :)

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=106&pictureid=686

Or at least make much bigger circles (as well as figure eights) than I do...



I would recommend if you're starting him in a halter, you use a web halter that can adjust fairly snug around the face, and connect the lines on the sides, so that you do get a nice clear 'side' pull when you want to turn. Rope halters don't give that if they are loose, or you have them connected under the jaw.

[FlapJack]

Good points, thanks! I'll use his other halter for this, that makes sense about the rope ones not being great for side pulls.

[FlapJack]

Another question...do you think I should have a helper when we start? To lead him? I know some people do that and at first he will be confused about my cues. I'd rather just do it myself but I'm thinking it might be necessary to begin with.

[WashingtonBay]

It hasn't been necessary in my experience, to have a helper. There are moments of confusion while they get used to you back there, but they can be worked through. If he turns around, just go start him over.

What might be important is at least some rudimentary lunging, so he knows how to 'go forward' without you leading him. I know you don't want to do a lot of it probably, but he's ready to start and get the hang of 'move out and go forward', walk, trot, and woah. All of mine lunged before they drove.

[FlapJack]

Well I just did it and it was pretty successful! Yep he has done some basic lunging before and that's what we did for a couple mins before I did the driving. He was a little bit annoyed at the ropes and tried to rush out of them at first, but then he (and I!) got the hang of it and by the end we were walking some rough circles :).
Oh and I used my bitless bridle instead of a halter, I just thought of that when I went out there and saw it. He's worn it before and I think it allows softer cues than the halter would have.

Thanks for all your help WB. :)

[WashingtonBay]

No pics? :)

[FlapJack]

No pics? :)

Heh I'm not *that* coordinated :p. Lol no I should get some, he looked so cute. Next time I'll ask my sis to come out with me.

[WashingtonBay]

DO that!

Sounds like good progress! :)