[BKKain]

Okay so I am new to this, I've seen it done tons of times, but have never been shown. I am buying everything needed, but if some of you educated horse people could explain the point behind it, and any tips you may have would be a great benefit!

Tack Questions:
-Surcingle with breast collar or rope..
Is there a certain size I would use for my 17 month old colt? Which would you prefer to use and why? Breast Collor, or Rope?

-Two driving lines, each three-eighths inch (7 mm) and about 21 feet long
This is something I got off a website, Do the driving lines need to be exactly like they've said?

[BKKain]

Just bumping up, could use the help/advice

[FallenAngel]

Do you have anyone that could show/explain it to you in person?

[kat399]

Ground driving is generally used to teach a horse to respond to rein cues. I use ground driving to train my ponies to pull a cart. You'll need a surcingal OR you can thread your reins through the stirrups of your saddle. If your saddle is English, make sure to shorten the stirrups as short as they'll go and run them up the leathers.

NEVER walk directly behind your horse for obvious reasons. Use split reins or unbuckle your reins and just thread them through the keeper so if you or your horse get's tangeled you can break free without injury.

Always drive on the near side of your horse and stand two steps out from his flank (sideways) and two steps back, this is a general safe position. You can use your everyday bit and bridle, but I prefer to use a half cheek.

[BKKain]

FallenAngel- Yup, just lookin around for other peoples suggestions and ideas.

Kat- Well I havent put a saddle/bit on him yet, so I'd like to try with a halter first...Thanks for letting me know about my positioning, that saved me from being booted!

[Eeyore95_99]

I also appreciate the info, I need to get another line, then I am going to attempt this with my Belgin cross. I almost tried it today and he just looked at me, as I was standing out of his way. He was like, "What the heck is this new game????" and proceeded to stand there.

[kat399]

Originally Posted by BKKain

FallenAngel- Yup, just lookin around for other peoples suggestions and ideas.

Kat- Well I havent put a saddle/bit on him yet, so I'd like to try with a halter first...Thanks for letting me know about my positioning, that saved me from being booted!

When I start off a horse that has no riding experience I use a halter or sidepull for extra control, so a halter is fine. For the surcingle, just measure his girth. They come in measurement like yearling, horse, draft etc or measurement in inches. Do NOT tighten it as tight as a saddle, just snug enough for it not to roll. The straps are narrow and will hurt if tightened too much.

Also, make sure your horse lunges and is very well accustomed to the whip before driving him with it. Hold it in your right hand almost vertical, until you need to use it. Make sure not to lock your elbows and be gentle with your hands.

Good luck!

[horsesare1]

Maybe if someone has videos of ground driving their horse? I think there's alot of people that would be interested in seeing it.
Or able to make a video?

[DirtyHorseRanch]

I start teaching mine to lunge first, that way they understand the words whoa, walk, trot, canter, and step back. After they understand and execute the comands, then I will start teaching them to drive. I start off with a halter, because they are used to it, and you don't want to start something new without some thing that they are familiar with. Next, I will put a large ring snaffle, or a full cheek on them; with the halter, and run the lines through the side rings in the halter and then to the bit; where most of the pressure is on the halter with just a little pressure on the bit. The next step is to leave off the halter and only ust the bit. The surcingle is a little easier to use on a young horse because you don't have the stirrup leathers in the way. If you are going to use the saddle, I run my lines through the cinch rings over the stirrup leathers (that way the leathers aren't flying out).

If I can get someone to tape it, I will post it.

[derbyka]

There are many exercises you can do ground driving. My trainer helped me teach my young horse several that involved cones. Set up 6 cones on the long side of the arena and weave around them. Or set up two to go through in the middle of a figure 8. For some more tips, you can check out this article I wrote http://www.ehow.com/how_2377498_saddle-train-horse.html