This message is from: Mary Thurman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Hi all, Considering the discussion of the recent driving accident experienced by a list member reminded me of something we sometimes tend to forget - especially when working with a breed of horses that is touted to be able to "do it all". We tend to forget that it is the BREED in general that can do it all, but not necessarily EVERY horse within the breed can do it all. Because of individual temperment, experiences, etc., not all horses within a breed are suitable for everything the breed as a whole can do. Some horses are just not cut out to be driving horses, no matter what their breed. And some horses make very good driving horses for some people, but not for others. Some are so easy going that anyone can drive them, almost anywhere, with no problems. However, some horses have more "zip" than the others - more energy, more awareness and sensitivity to what is going on around them - and require a very experienced driver at all times. Lots of horses fit into the middle of this range and are dependable MOST of the time, but they are STILL horses and will act up occasionally. The trick here is to know the horse well and be able to anticipate what will "set him off". We ground drive all of our young stock, but have only actually had three driving horses since we began with horses again. Two were Fjord mares with driving experience when we bought them, and one was a Nappy gelding that must have had some experience somewhere - although no one would admit it - since he "took to" driving like a "duck to water". We drove him to an antique cart, hauled wood with him, drove him in weight pulls - anything you might do with a "big" horse. He was only 12 hands and around 750 pounds, but he was definitely NOT a pony in his mind! Everyone drove him - even the kids. He was the best horse/pony we ever had on the place - sorry guys! He was the "exception to the rule" - as I've certainly not seen any other Appaloosas or POAs that I would trust the way we trusted him. Anyway, we certainly do need to remember that not all Fjords have the temperment to be driving horses for all people. A beginner certainly needs an experienced horse - or at least a calm horse well-trained in other areas, plus an experienced driving instructor/trainer - to be assured of some measure of safety. Some horses will never be safe in the hands of a beginner - it's just a fact. Sad, especially when it turns out to be your own beloved horse, but sometimes true. Then the choice has to be made - either go with what your horse is suited for, or get a different horse. Requires a lot of thinking. I would love to still be driving a Fjord, but the area we live in has grown too much to allow for enjoyable driving any more, plus our place is too small to have room for adequate training, so I now ride my Fjord. Maybe someday that will change, but for now the harness is hung up and the lines are idle in favor of a good saddle and some enjoyable trail riding in the local public forests. Take care all. Mary ===== Mary Thurman Raintree Farms [EMAIL PROTECTED] __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Thousands of Stores. Millions of Products. All in one place. Yahoo! Shopping: http://shopping.yahoo.com
