Thanks for all the interesting pics and info!
I'm not very knowledgeable about driving, but Lacey and I seem to be doing ok. We have 5 drives under our belts this fall. She's being very responsive and I'm getting used to the whole setup. So not doing focused training, but getting her to do large circles, fig 8s, large ovals. We can go out through the gate, whizz around the larger field and then come back into the smaller riding ring. I'm quite pleased that we can approach the gate (about 6 feet wide) at a trot, slow down (hopefully to a walk :O) - negotiate the gate without hitting anything, and carry on.
I'm learning to turn her with finger pulses and she is very responsive. Not so responsive in downward transitions but getting better. She would rather trot than walk.
Second last drive was with dead elm trees being felled a few hundred feet away - she was ok with the ATV, tractor, trucks and chain saws, but a bit jumpy when the trees would fall. However, by the end of it she was doing great.
Today I'm having a lesson with a recommended coach about 40 mins away. I'll be driving her large horse today then probably take Lacey next time.
I feel confident enough now that I think a lesson will be useful.
Lacey is 3 this year, had 3 months training with Lori Rafter last winter. Then a disappointing cart purchase truncated our driving plans last spring. Fly season hit, I got the cart functional and sold it, summer heat hit and stayed. Flies were brutal.
I got my second cart ready to go (which I really like, it is light, has a wide wheel base). Drove three times in it then realized that springs are indeed essential, even when driving on flat ground
I'm going to get carriage springs for it and my brother will weld it up.
Then last Saturday I got another cart - it has an elliptical spring under the back of the seat. The gentleman called it a show cart. It has wood on it, wood shafts, EE. It is a little older and could use some spiffing up like painting, but we have had two rides in it and it's going great. Same price as one of those pipe EE things.
Will try to upload a pic.
Here is a question:
I had a young visitor who wanted to try driving in the cart. As Lacey is fairly forward I didn't feel I could just hand the lines over to someone totally inexperienced. In the end I decided to put her neck rope on - which is usually how I lead her. We also have pretty good voice connection, and I felt it was the safest way to do it. When walking, I walked beside her, when trotting we did a large circle with me walking a smaller circle. All went well.
Just wondering how other people approach this situation (seeing as the cart seat is too narrow for two ample bums.) Do you a. NEVER hand the reins to an inexperienced person? b. use a lead rope? c. other?
My visitor did quite well with the reins (with me constantly giving directions). However, Lacey's head stayed high.
When I got back in the cart to do a few rounds myself, Lacey seemed quite relieved to feel my hands again.
I thought that was very encouraging, because when I drove her at Lori's place, Lacey was TOTALLY relieved when I handed her back to Lori, haha! Glad she's getting used to me.
The cart.
Please don't critique the handler's wardrobe, haha
Lacey and my visitor with me and neck rope. Lacey is not clipped. She is a bit tubby. I love her drafty look - she looks a bit like a Haflinger. PS she can put her head down sometimes - I haven't been stressing that - more interested in getting myself familiar with it all, and getting obedience and consistent gaits.
All in all, I am finally living a dream I've had for a long, long time
Wilma
