There are those among us who love to experience bygone times by traveling on horse-drawn carriages, but some aspects of those bygone times are best left behind.
Category: Topics in Horsemanship
Origin of the Achenbach Driving System
When World War I broke out, Achenbach’s system proved ideal for teaching driving to large numbers of new recruits, many of whom had no previous horsemanship skills.
Why Certifications?
Currently it’s too easy to hang up your sign as an “expert” without any real training or knowledge. In many cases, the public really doesn’t appreciate how much potential danger there is, or what could happen if things go wrong.
Harness: Synthetic, or Leather?
Let’s look at some of the features that drivers consider when purchasing harness, and see how synthetic harness stacks up against leather.
Buying a Carriage: Two Wheels, or Four?
New drivers often ask when looking at carriages: Which should I choose? The answer depends on the size of your horse, and what you want to do with the carriage.
Foot in Boots
Recently, one of Ranch Ride Carriage Drive’s horses had some hoof issues, which prompted us to look into the idea of using hoof boots to protect his feet and keep him more comfortable and mobile. If you have never used hoof boots before, there are a number of reasons you might consider them.
First Driving Lesson: Fun in the Cones
How young is too young to learn to drive a carriage? This is a matter of opinion and depends on the individual, but there is one thing on which we can agree – equestrian activities offer many benefits for our youth, and carriage driving is no exception.
A Turning Point
I began to blush as Nemitz roared with laughter and asked, “Soooo, what are you going to do now?”
Starting a Horse to Harness
Generally speaking, it’s best to start a horse to harness at around 3 years old, but this can vary according to breed, temperament and level of physical maturity. Let’s assume that your young horse has been well handled, is halter broken, and accepts a bit and simple bridle. In the initial stages of starting a … Continue reading Starting a Horse to Harness
Selecting a Carriage Horse
So you want to buy a carriage horse! There’s just nothing like the experience of driving in the open air, accompanied by the sounds of the carriage wheels, the horse’s hoofbeats, and the jingling of the harness. But how do you choose the right horse for your needs?