by Teresa van Bryce
After riding for almost 30 years, taking numerous clinics, teaching 4-H and Pony Club, and trying my hand at everything from bareback to Western pleasure to eventing to competitive trail, I thought I was set to just contentedly ride the trails and enjoy my backyard herd … but that was before I discovered that there’s more to horses than just riding.
Many years ago, I rode in a buggy behind a gorgeous Tennessee Walking Horse stallion named Calta’s Midnite Victory in the light horse demonstration during the Calgary Stampede. I, in contrast to my true nature, was a delicate southern belle during the demonstration, with the debonair Hilton Hack, a breeder of fine Tennessee Walking horses, on the reins.
Many years later, I was on vacation in Mexico and my husband and I took a carriage ride through the streets of Guadalajara. As we clip-clopped along the cobbled streets of the old city I thought, “What a leisurely way to enjoy horses, from the comfort of a shaded carriage.” As our driver approached a traffic light on the busy Mexican street, the light turned yellow. Instead of slowing from the trot and stopping—as we expected—he called to his horse, cracked his whip, and there we were, running a red light in a horse drawn carriage! So much for leisurely!
Jump ahead again in time, to April 2006. After these brief, but enjoyable, experiences with driving horses, combined with a few more years of age, I decided I’d like to experience carriage driving in a learning-based environment. So instead of “retiring” to the trails and my farm to watch the horses play, I found myself—with husband in tow—on my way to Olds College to participate in their Driving School with Brian and Colleen Coleman.
For those who don’t know, the Colemans are known internationally for their training, showing, and driving of draft horses, and they breed quality Percheron horses at their farm near Didsbury, Alberta. Brian has won numerous awards and championships and has judged all over North America.
For those who do know the Colemans, I’m sure you will agree that they are an asset to our industry, excellent ambassadors for our Alberta horses and horsemen, and about as down-to-earth, knowledgeable and pleasant as you will find. (If you’d like to experience the wealth of Brian’s driving experience and philosophies first-hand, I hear he’ll be speaking at the 2007 Horse Breeders and Owners Conference.)
Our clinic started off very comfortably, indoors in a classroom setting, with an overview of safety and horse psychology and how these apply to the driving horse. The information was familiar, but moving it to the context of driving helped me to understand the challenges that the harness horse faces, the qualities we need to instill in them, and how we can ensure our safety and theirs.
Saturday morning dawned cool, damp and cloudy, but there were donuts and hot coffee, and all 12 participants were eager to get started. The class was a combination of those aspiring to work their land with horses, those interested in pleasure driving, and a few interested in competition. These different goals didn’t seem to be an issue for Brian and Colleen as they set to teaching us about the harness.
I think the harness is probably one of the reasons I hadn’t pursued driving sooner, it always looked like such a complicated mess when lying there in a pile or hanging on a wall. Just what the heck do you do with all that stuff?
But lo and behold, with a clear and concise explanation and demonstration, I had some new vocabulary, like sweeney, breeching, hames and tugs … and it all made sense! “Pete” our four-year-old Clydesdale demonstration horse, was not too sure about the more-than-a-dozen people milling about him and fussing with his harness, but he was a good sport and stayed still despite his, “Are you going to eat me now?” expression.
After harnessing Pete, it was time to learn to ground drive, and I found myself, all 125 lbs., steering 1,700 lbs. of horse (who couldn’t see me) around the arena with just one slim piece of leather in each hand. Somehow this doesn’t feel as unlikely when sitting on top of a horse, even a large one, with the added aids of weight and legs. I am often amazed at the willingness of these wonderful animals to work with us and this was definitely one of those moments.
“Mel”, another Clydesdale borrowed for the weekend, was much different than Pete, bigger, heavier, more mature and fantastically more energetic … not to mention annoyingly clever. Admittedly I was more than just a little intimidated by this ton of horse who was jigging and snorting around the arena not unlike an Anglo-Arab I used to ride.
Didn’t someone tell me that draft horses are supposed to be quiet and docile? Apparently, they forgot to tell Mel! Mel is one of those horses who is smart enough to see when there’s a hole in your technique or planning, and devious enough to take full advantage of it. In other words … an excellent teacher.
“Nick” was our third equine instructor, and the youngest and smallest of the group – only 1,600 lbs. At three years old, Nick was still a bit green and somewhat unsure, but infinitely patient and forgiving of our differing, and likely confusing, signals.
On Sunday, it was time to drive, and Mel was our cart horse. It was a thrilling moment when I climbed up in the high-wheeled show cart, took the reins in my hands, and drove energetic Mel for the first time. I could imagine myself spending many happy hours driving, and without the same tension that being astride such a horse can cause.
I’ve ridden many a hot horse, and the energy that exudes from them seems to permeate my skin and settle in my muscles, but riding a few feet behind, on a comfy seat with nice suspension, I was calm and cool even when Mel broke into his jig, pulled at the bit or rushed around a corner.
Pete and Nick joined ranks to teach us how to drive a team, first from the ground and then from a wagon. So there I was maneuvering over 3,000 lbs. of horse around the ring, still with just two slim pieces of leather in my hands … an empowering, and humbling, feeling. The two young Clydes were tired by the end of the day and we were all very grateful for the generous nature of these two lovely horses and the experience they had provided us.
So now that I’ve discovered there’s fun to be had off the horse as well as on, here I go on another adventure, something new to learn and something new to teach one or two of my saddle horses. I guess I’m not ready for “retirement” after all … perhaps I knew that all along.
