Re: RC: driving questions

[Bette Lamore <woa@stormnet.com>]

Thanks Teddy
I had just had a client ask about why he should have an overcheck when
driving a mare (I had just sold him) in front of a buggy on the road. I
think the kick factor may convince him plus I urged him to keep the
blinders on to help filter out distractions. I think many people are
naive about the dangers of driving a cart--- to me it is the most
vulnerable position for the driver (let alone any passengers!) The worst
train wrecks I've seen have been driving--- more than even jumping. Any
safety device should be mandatory---- where's OSHA?! ;-)
Very few horses are suitable for driving on the road IMHO--- have to be
"dead broke," VERY calm. and VERY smart and quick thinking in
emergencies. One other safety tip--- I would never use the metal
shafts-- only the wooden ones. I had a horse bolt in training and the
shaft broke--- better the wooden shaft than the horse's leg. Excyter
survived without a scratch (the name SHOULD have tipped me off that this
was a bad idea) and we NEVER tried to break him to cart again. The
chance that he might have a flashback some day was enough to have Bob
Rice (5 judges cards and probably the greatest saddleseat and harness
trainer of all times--- in his 80's now and STILL breaking a colt/year)
caution me against proceeding. 
Bette

Teddy Lancaster wrote:
> 
> The overcheck, properly adjusted on a driving horse, keeps his head where it
> belongs, NOT necessarily "up in the air".  It helps to balance the horse at
> speed on the track.  In teaching a horse to drive, the overcheck is not horrible
> necessary, unless you suspect the horse may kick or buck, in which case, it is
> MUCH harder for him to do so.  The overcheck should be VERY lose (almost
> effective) for starters.  You will find out if you need one of not later on down
> the road.
> 
> BTW, from personal experienced behind a standardbred IN A RACE: the horse was
> passing the "in-out" gate from the track and tried to "duck" off the track, so I
> hit her with the whip, whence she promptly kicked, fell down and tossed me over
> her head.  You never saw such a mob tying me get us OFF the track before the
> rest of the horses in the race came around for the second lap.........
> 
> We were both fine, so for the second heat, we tied her tail to the sulky...that
> way she'd have to lift the cart and me if she was to kick.  We did make it
> around both times the second heat...I don't know who learned more, me or
> her....  I still remember her name: Mazie C.  That was 25 years ago.....
> 
> Teddy
> 
> Carolyn Burgess wrote:
> 
> > I don't drive horses, so maybe I'm missing something, but I just bought
> > another Standardbred from a racing home and asked about an overcheck.  This
> > is about the stupidest device I've ever seen.  It is attached at the poll
> > and at the pommel, to keep their head up.  Anyone with an Arab works to keep
> > their horse from doing this.  It makes them hollow their back and they can't
> > round their necks and "collect" themselves.  I thought an overcheck was only
> > used in harness racing. Even the woman I bought my Standardbred from only
> > used it to race because it is a mandatory piece of equipment.
> >
> > Carolyn Burgess
> >
> > >From: "Anita Carlson" <ranger2@net-magic.net>
> > >To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
> > >Subject: RC:  driving questions
> > >Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001 16:35:06 -0400
> > >
> > >I just got a jog cart and harness and plan to teach my 6 yr old to drive.
> > >he's pretty sensible, and is used to being long lined w/ the bitting rig.
> > >my questions- should I use the over check?  bridle came w/ a  cheap 1/2
> > >cheek driving snaffle (no seperate overcheck bit).  I've been riding him in
> > >a bit similar to a Dr. Bristol and he responds better w/ that than the
> > >plain snaffle.
> > >
> > >also should I use the blinders?  what are the pros and cons?
> > >what I'd like to do is just use his regular riding bridle to drive with.
> > >
> > >thanks-
> > >Anita Carlson
> > >ranger2@net-magic.net
> >
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> --
> Teddy Lancaster
> 
> Home at last!!!! 10,000 miles, 18 states, 6 weeks.
> ================================================
> Next Attending Equine Affaire April 2-10, 2001, Columbus, OH
> http://www.equineaffaire.com
> 
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> If they are shooting at you, you must be doing
> something right--
> 
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-- 
Bette Lamore
Whispering Oaks Arabians, Home of 16.2hh TLA Halynov	
(Yes, really 16.2!)
http://www.arabiansporthorse.com