Tindell Driving Clinics | ||
1. START WITH THE BASICS Whether your goal is a driving or riding horse or mule - or both - Jerry starts them out with the same ground work. A driving horse or mule needs to have the same level of softness, safety and responsiveness to your control | 2. ADD CHALLENGES Driving from the side of the horse, behind the withers. Driving through obstacles increases confidence, courage, and control | 3. HARNESSING FOR THE FIRST TIME Checking the harness for good fit Putting a harness on a horse or mule for the first time is much like saddling - you want to make sure the animal is ready to accept it, by checking for flexion and softness. Once you have determined that your animal is ready, let him/her sniff each piece, and allow him/her time to get used to each piece of equipment, by gently rubbing it over the animal's sides and back. When the animal is comfortable with seeing, smelling, and feeling the equipment, it is time to put it on. Adjust the straps for a good fit. |
 | 4. EQUIPMENT At left, Sparky doesn't yet have a complete harness and driving bridle, but a regular riding mecate and headstall can be adapted for early training. Here, Jerry shows how to start out |  How to hold the reins |
 Work Harness |  There are two basic types of harness: the work harness with thick padded collar and metal or wood harness; and the lighter carriage harness, with a breast strap. |  Light carriage harness  A pair of Clydesdales resting in full harness |
 5. Getting used to the harness |  6. Begin driving in harness |  Driving in harness. driver walking behind |
 Developing more control & precision with obstacle driving |  |  |
7. FIRST STEP TOWARD PULLING Once a driver is feeling competent with the lines, and the horse or mule is handling being driven in harness, it is time to attach something to pull. We start by dragging a loosely attached tire that can be dropped if the horse gets into trouble |  Pulling an attached tire |  |
 |  Adding a rider to the tire |  |
 Getting ready to pull a sled |  |  |
| STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER TRAINING TOWARD PULLING WAGONS, CARTS, AND FARM IMPLEMENTS | ||
since 11/15/2006
