FORWARD
At a walk, trot, and yes, eventually even canter, with impulsion and on straight lines is the ultimate goal. In the beginning, all they need to do is go forward. We don't look for a frame, or a specific speed, as long as they are not out of control fast. We let them find their balance where they need it and allow them to find confidence in that balance. They have to be comfortable pulling into the breast collar and traces, feeling the weight that is behind them. As they get stronger and more confident you begin to teach your different gaits with the use of half halts and transitions. Our vocal cues are the words themselves walk, trot, whoa, or a cluck for trot, a kiss for canter, and a whistle to relax. Always. For the rest of their time with us. They hear a particular work or sound, and that cues stays the same for any discipline we present them in, halter, saddle, cart, it's all the same so there is never any confusion. Confusion destroys confidence and the trust that you need to have a working relationship with your horse. You as the driver have to be very elastic in your contact. Especially in the beginning. This is the hardest part to teach new drivers. Often times they do not realize how heavy handed they are until they try to drive one of our horses. The horse has to pull from the breast collar and traces. If you are heavy handed, they end up pulling from your bit, rein, hand connection. You will see this in straight lines because the traces will be loose, hence they are not pulling the cart from their chest collar, but rather from your hands. If you knock their mouths as they go forward, you will disrupt them and eventually cause them to hesitate to go forward. Horses do not get to balk at moving forward. Horses that refuse to go forward are not safe and can become a horrible combination with a cart. Not to say that a horse of that kind will never be a good driving horse candidate. We have used driving to reprogram a number of horses that were "locked up" from incorrect riding training or styles.
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"We are firm believers in driving horses. Through it, they become amazing partners and athletes."