Starting a Horse to Drive

Have you ever wondered how horses learn to pull a carriage? Here is an exercise that introduces your horse to the feel of the traces and pulling a load.

Coming Up in September 2024: Hinkson Valley Pony Club Driving Clinic!

We’re excited to support the Hinkson Valley Pony Club for their upcoming driving and ground driving clinic, September 13 – 15, 2024, at Belle Cheval Farm in Rocheport, Missouri!

A Brief Overview of Carriage Shaft Hardware and Fittings

Ranch Ride Carriage Drive answers your questions! Lately we've had some questions about the hardware and fittings on carriage shafts. What's this brass thing? What goes in this second staple? If you've ever wondered, here's your chance to find out! Come along with us as Paul explains each fitting, step by step.

Traditional Carriages and Attelage: Elegant Sport Driving

Antique and reproduction carriages require skill to drive, but offer the driver the opportunity to preserve our driving traditions and to participate in the elegant, and growing, sport of Attelage. Learn more about Attelage and why the Achenbach driving method is our choice for traditional driving.

A New Turnout: Fitting the Pieces Together

Today we're helping a client to set up a new pony with a new harness and new cart. Correct fit and adjustments are important for safety, comfort of the horse, and load balance!

Fun in the Cones with Libertad and Fen!

Today we are having "Fun in the Cones" with Libertad and Fen... a great way to build skills and confidence as you train. Best of all, this is just fabulous fun!

Thoughts on Full Collars

Today, Ranch Ride Carriage Drive is training with full collars in preparation for using them at an event. We'll show you why the direction of the hame straps matters for safety, and talk a little about the advantages of full collars vs. breast collars.

More About Whips: Unfurling and Furling the Whip

Following up on our article about whips, today we're demonstrating how to unfurl and furl your whip. This is especially important for driving four-in-hand or tandem!