08.09.08
Pairs driving, second hitch lesson
SECOND PAIRS HITCH LESSON July 15, 2008
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Trucking back onto the grounds at the Carriage Barn, Newton NH, we notice Gilford and Glen in their round pen where they had spent the night… they are resting quietly (possibly snoozing), standing close and perfectly side by side, with Glen in the right hand (”off”) position the same as we have been pairs training them! We have seen this happen all the time with draft horse teams in Acadia National Park at Wildwood Stable, since those drafts have become so conditioned to being in their places as a team. To see our boys doing this now was great fun!!
Warming up on the second day, second hitch… walking around the indoor. They are sort of plodding along, and Glen fools around with big brother’s face… Mary can be heard in background praising their quick progress to an onlooker.
As our friend Clare arrived, the second session started out in the indoor arena again (no difficulties), then Mary climbed into the back of the carriage and off Hubby drove them, out the arena door, up and down the street, into and around a sand ring full of horse jumps, up and down a short steep hill… while Clare and I chased them as best we could and I took more pix.
Practicing in sand ring outside…
At the trot on straightaways they again trotted in sync much of the time. Hubby got more good pointers from Mary such as further cross rein adjustments to make. The boys were close to perfectly behaved.
Second day, second hitch as a pair, walk & trot outdoors with trainer riding inside carriage.
Continuing onto pavement out into the neighborhood… as I thank the stars they have had tons of exposure to cars, streets, roads etc.
We have gathered an audience as we conclude Session 2, Hubby taking a last solo turn around the indoor arena.
Now comes practice, practice, practice! We packed up and headed home to Gilford very satisfied and optimistic, anticipating pairs practice driving at a 3-day Granite State Carriage Drive this upcoming weekend, in a beautiful area near Mt. Chocorua!
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Shared with permission of Mary Gray and Ann Miles at the Carriage Barn, Newton NH.
For the ground training leading up to this hitch, see previous posts:
Driving horse pairs training step-by-step
BACKGROUND
Ground driving horse training step-by-step
