12 / Sport and Trail Magazine
Is There Really Even a Question?
Story and Photos by Erica and Howard Peet, Peet Equestrian
D
riving is not where we started our equine path, but once we learned it, it became a staple to our
training program. Not only have we started our own personal horses in driving prior to riding them, but we encourage it for all horses that come to our barn for training. "What are the benefits?", is the question we repeatedly hear from someone new to our barn. The answer, confidence, body awareness, conditioning, freedom, and trust in the handler.
As trainers that specialize in showing the Andalusians or PREs at breed shows, we are generally brought horses specifically for halter classes, or to earn performance championships. Driving is not usually part of the plan when the owner first walks in the door, but it invariably becomes part of the list of goals. It is our strong belief that there is nothing better for a young horse then to learn to drive first. Driving firmly cements the most basic and important cues, forward, straightness, making proper turns, whoa, and the vocal cues that go with the actions being asked for, which will be a part of their performance careers from that day on.
it became a staple to our training program. Not only have we started our own personal horses in driving prior to riding them, but we encourage it for all horses that come to our barn for training. "What are the benefits?", is the question we repeatedly hear from someone new to our barn. The answer, confidence, body awareness, conditioning, freedom, and trust in the handler.
As trainers that specialize in showing the Andalusians or PREs at breed shows, we are generally brought horses specifically for halter classes, or to earn performance championships. Driving is not usually part of the plan when the owner first walks in the door, but it invariably becomes part of the list of goals. It is our strong belief that there is nothing better for a young horse then to learn to drive first. Driving firmly cements the most basic and important cues, forward, straightness, making proper turns, whoa, and the vocal cues that go with the actions being asked for, which will be a part of their performance careers from that day on.
someone new to our barn. The answer, confidence, body awareness, conditioning, freedom, and trust in the handler.
As trainers that specialize in showing the Andalusians or PREs at breed shows, we are generally brought horses specifically for halter classes, or to earn performance championships. Driving is not usually part of the plan when the owner first walks in the door, but it invariably becomes part of the list of goals. It is our strong belief that there is nothing better for a young horse than to learn to drive first. Driving firmly cements the most basic and important cues, forward, straightness, making proper turns, whoa, and the vocal cues that go with the actions being asked for, which will be a part of their performance careers from that day on.