Re: driving training and the running W
This message is from: Starfire Farm, L.L.C. [EMAIL PROTECTED] I agree with Jean E. reference the use of a Running W. This device, which was described so well by Jean, is something to be used as a last resort. Dropping a horse to it's knees, the way it is usually done with a Running W, only creates more fear in the horse's mind, and destroys any trust you might have been able to build. Laying a horse down, using any training method, should be used only in extreme circumstances, and is done very carefully. The intent is to help place the horse into a position (laying down) where it will learn that it will not be harmed by humans while in a vulnerable position. I my conversations with people who use a Running W (usually draft horse trainers or old style cowboys who use snubbing posts, etc, to break horses), the Running W is used to throw a horse to its knees to give it a good, solid, Whoa. Think about what kind of fear that would generate. Maybe the horse learns to stop, but is it due to a thorough understanding of what is being asked, or because the horse is afraid of falling? Which type of horse would you prefer to have at the end of your lines? Heike Bean's book is thorough and excellent. The only thing I disagree about is her use of the sliding rein, which is similar to draw reins, to help a horse to go round. This equipment should be used only to help retrain a difficult horse who can't be corrected with good hands. Carol's video is also very good, as it shows all of the steps you should take before you ever think about hitching. She also emphasizes thinking about safety, and how dangerous driving is. Driving folks are full of stories about runaways! This is not meant to be a slam against driving. It is a blast! But you must take the time to train your horse properly, and without fear, to avoid being one of those people who have a story to tell about a wreck. We're looking forward to the Stock Show this week. I can't believe we only have a few more days. Will give a blow by blow description when we return! Thanks, everyone, for your detailed information on Nelson Waterers! It will help a lot! Beth Starfire Farm (we had a dusting of snow today, but it's windy - yuk!)
Re: driving training and the running W
This message is from: Reena Giola [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean Ernest wrote: What it consists of is a rope running from a surcingle down to a hobble around one front foot, back to a ring at the bottom of the surcingle (bellyband) back to a hobble around the other front foot and back up to a ring on the other side of the surcingle and out to the trainer. The so called trainer can then pull the front feet out from under the horse and throw him to his knees and to the ground I must say, this sounds horrible and possibly hurtful to the horse. If I saw my trainer doing this I would certainly question him and most likely find a new trainer! I may be overreacting and granted I'm not a trainer and not a super knowledgeable person regarding ways to train a horse, but that seems a harsh way to train. Reena who is throwing in her 2 cents!
Re: driving training and the running W
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Oh Boy! I myself would tend to avoid a trainer who regularly uses a running W in his training program! I suppose I could see a RARE careful use of it in an extreme situation with a horse with real problems. Certainly Doris Ganton doesn't use it! What it consists of is a rope running from a surcingle down to a hobble around one front foot, back to a ring at the bottom of the surcingle (bellyband) back to a hobble around the other front foot and back up to a ring on the other side of the surcingle and out to the trainer. The so called trainer can then pull the front feet out from under the horse and throw him to his knees and to the ground. Some draft horse trainers use them(as shown in the Western Horseman Video Draft Horses Come in Handy) A good trainer shouldn't have to resort to such a device when starting a young horse in my opinion. Anybody else got some thoughts on this? (should make for a heated discussion!) I think one of the best books on training the horse to drive is the one by Heike Bean and Sarah Blanchard: CARRIAGE DRIVING, A Logical Approach Through Dressage Training. Mary Twelve ponies also discusses basic driving training as well as starting the colt riding, in her Book STARTING THE COLT Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, +2 degrees! I have been visiting with a local fellow about training the boys to drive. He mentioned he uses a running W when he trains. I have the Doris Ganton book and tape and she doesn't mention the use of it. So I thought I would ask the rest of you your thoughts on it. ** Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
