Breast collars are the most common style of harness for carriage drivers of all types these days. They’re light weight and easy to fit to just about any horse. However, lately there’s been some discussion about how much pressure is placed in the neck strap when your horse is pulling. Should you be concern?
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I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Mine has been pretty darn good, and still going strong. I get to have two this year since my sky family will be celebrating our own “FriendsGiving” this [...]
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The most valuable skill you can teach a horse is to stand still. You may think that’s an overstatement but it’s not even the slightest exaggeration. You can accomplish more in all of your training [...]
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It took less than 20 seconds from start to finish, and I’ll spend the next 6 weeks feeling these 3 reminders daily: Sometimes, shit can go wrong faster than you can move. Horses, even small [...]
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I hate to say something like “How was your season?” because to me, this is prime-time for driving. I love driving in fall despite the dwindling daylight and falling temperatures. Maybe not so much of [...]
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Posting images or questions about carriage driving on social media can be a great way to share and learn. Of course, then there's a whole world of unvetted experts chiming in. Learn how to spot the difference!
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Carriage driving pairs of horses and ponies is great fun, but it comes with one common challenge. Getting the two horses to work equally as a pair. The solution is relatively simple, yet most people go about it all wrong. Learn how to make your carriage driving horses a pair.
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Is working your horse longer setting your training back? It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking more = more, but that may be doing more harm than good. Getting the most of your workout may mean quitting while you're ahead. Read how I was reminded of this by a new horse in my training.
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My goofy Saddlebred at Laurels CDE Maintaining perspective while training horses for carriage driving can be a challenge. This is especially true when you’re trying to improve your dressage scores in combined driving. [...]
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Does your horse wonder what you're talking about? As a carriage driver, your voice is a critical aid in your communication with your horse. It’s as important as the rider’s seat. It helps [...]
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From time to time in a conversation or in writing I refer to my “Horse Trainer Lifestyle.” It’s a handy little phrase that can be turned in just about any direction I need it to. [...]
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What do you do if you're on a runaway carriage with your pony or horse? Stay calm, look ahead (so you don't hit anything), then re-establish communication with your horse. That last part requires a [...]
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(not actually the opening in the story) It was my last chance for survival… I had just left an airplane at about 6,000 feet (1,800+ meters), and I was spinning on my back [...]
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Snap shackles are fairly common these days in carriage driving. They making hitching and unhitching your horse quick and convenient, but the primary reason for using them has to do with safety. Learn a little [...]
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There are lots of great carriage driving and horse training questions on the Ask Andy page. I think it will be fun to answer some of those questions in video posts from time to time. [...]
