"Straightness, that elusive thing we strive for under saddle, is easily taught while driving."
We allow the horse to find its own frame and balance and place it in the appropriate class based on their individual, natural way of going. Even in a class that does require a check, the rules do not specify how the check has to be set. We almost always show with a loose check, even when judges suggest that we should tighten it.
So now you have a confident, conditioned, and knowledgeable animal. Guess what, hopping on their back is now a cinch. The horse knows how to balance themselves through maneuvers, has rhythm and tempo in their gaits, and has some muscle mass to work with. All they have to figure out now is how to balance with you on top of them, and what seat and leg cues mean. If they are clear about the vocal cues you taught them in the driving, connecting seat and leg cues to those vocal cues is simple and they understand what the cue is being asking for. What more could you want out of your first ride?
Top Left - Building confidence in a youth driver. Youth Katie Berger is at the whip with Howard Peet as the groom during a Carriage Pleasure Driving Working class.
Bottom Left - A finished, confident, conditioned driving horse being driven one handed.
Top Right - A young horse early in her driving education. Forward and balance are our goals at this stage.
Bottom Right - Author, Erica, taking her father Alex for a drive. "Being able to share this discipline with others brings us so much joy and satisfaction!"