Spring Training at the Ranch

It's a warm spring day, and we wrap up our training session with some obstacle work.

Putting Basic Achenbach Driving Techniques into Practice

Following up on last week's video demonstrating basic Achenbach techniques on our rein machine, today we are putting those driving techniques into practice. Come along with Ranch Ride Carriage Drive as we navigate trails, hills, roads, and traffic on today's training drive.

Using a Rein Machine to Demonstrate Basic Achenbach Driving Technique

By popular demand! Ranch Ride Carriage Drive demonstrates the basics of Achenbach rein handling using a rein machine. The rein machine is a safe and useful tool for learning, practicing, or refining your technique before driving horses, if you don't have regular access to horses or carriages, or in inclement weather.

Pushmi-Pullyu: What is the Carriage Horse Really Doing?

It’s common to speak of horse-drawn carriages, or to say that a horse is pulling a carriage. This is intuitive; they are in front of it, aren’t they? But horses are not people. Are they really pulling it, or are they pushing?

Driving a Five-in-Hand Mountain Team

One of the more rarely seen turnouts is a five-in-hand, mountain team or pickaxe as it’s referred to here in the US. The first time I really became aware of the expression “mountain team” was when I was working for Andreas Nemitz, who used a five-in-hand to cross the Alps on his nine-day Lindau Messenger tour every year. I soon learned that driving a five-in-hand has its challenges!

Ranch Ride Carriage Drive Answers Your Questions: Poles, Pole Straps, and Turns

Recently we had some questions about adjustments of poles and pole straps. But once you have the correct sizes and adjustments for your horses, then there is an art to making a turn without risking breaking your wooden pole.

Dainty Goes to the Dentist

Dental exams and tooth floating should be part of your routine horse care! Today, it's Dainty's turn to go to the dentist to have her teeth floated. Check out the video to see the complete process!

Measuring Your Reins Before Mounting, the Achenbach Way

It’s a lesser-known fact that under the Achenbach system, the pairs driver always measures their reins from the ground before mounting the carriage, and always mounts from the left-hand side. The intent is to allow the driver to have control of the horses throughout the entire process of mounting the carriage and taking their seat.

What’s Stopping You?

Traditionally, horses provide the primary braking action. As roads improved and speed increased, new braking mechanisms came into use.

Variety in Training: A Change is as Good as a Rest!

Variety is important! The old adage, “a change is as good as a rest,” can really help to keep a horse from getting bored and naughty. But plan carefully and ramp up your training slowly to prevent injuries.