Making Driving Look Easy: The Mastery You Don’t See

The thing about driving horses is that it’s simple enough… right up until it isn’t. It’s easy to see a carriage horse going nicely and think, “Oh yes, I could do that. My horse could do that. No problem.” Even seasoned riders can be lulled into the pretense that driving is easy and straightforward, underestimating the countless hours of training and real-life experience required to make it so.

Driving an experienced and steadfast horse or team can indeed be relaxing and uncomplicated, much like riding an experienced and steadfast mount. However, we must acknowledge and appreciate the work, time, and miles invested to reach that level of ease. The process involves not only training the horse but also developing a deep understanding between the horse and driver.

What sets driving apart from riding is just how quickly everything can go sideways. Your drive can go from Fine and Dandy to Very, Very Bad faster than you can say “uh oh.” This is where the real challenge lies.

If a riding horse comes apart at the seams, for whatever reason, the consequences can usually be managed fairly directly. In contrast, the nature of the harness and vehicle (or implement) setup in driving means that there are a lot of pieces working together to make the whole thing work smoothly. That’s also a lot of pieces that can get hung up and tangled should the “smooth” part go out the window.

With the horse securely connected to a vehicle, that vehicle is along for the ride. In the event that the horse bolts or panics, the vehicle can become a hazard. The driver and any passengers are at risk of being thrown, injured by the vehicle itself, or caught in the reins and harness. Additionally, a runaway horse with a carriage can cause significant damage to property and pose a serious hazard to itself and anyone in its path. The situation can escalate rapidly, making it crucial for the driver to have the skills and presence of mind to regain control and defuse the danger.

The driving horse needs to master specific, unique skills to excel in the job. It must step confidently out in front, responding easily to the driver’s aids from behind. It must learn to manage its movements with the carriage or equipment attached, and stand quietly for long periods of time to hitch, unhitch, make adjustments, and wait as the job may require. The driving horse will need to navigate various environments courageously, taking in new sights and sounds calmly and sensibly.

For the driver, the ability to read the horse, read the environment, and respond to problems before they become problems is crucial. This means developing a keen sense of anticipation and deeply understanding the horse’s behavior. The driver must be highly effective in their aids, understanding the mechanics of the harness and carriage, and maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, even (especially!) in unexpected situations.

In essence, driving horses is a finely tuned dance of communication and trust between horse and driver. It’s an art that requires patience, dedication, and a continuous learning mindset. So, while it may look simple when done well, the journey to achieving that level of proficiency is significant and should not be taken for granted.

I say all this not to scare off the aspiring carriage driver, but to encourage a healthy respect for the art of driving and the reality of what we ask of ourselves and our driving horses.

Develop your ability to handle the unexpected. Learn to keep a cool head and think on your feet. Practice slowing down and breathing deeply in the heat of a moment. Practice running risk assessments to determine the best course of action in an unusual predicament. Run “what-if” scenario drills with your friends.

Ensure that your horse’s foundation is SOLID. Practice standing in strange places. Expose him to as many sights, sounds, and sensations as you can. Desensitize him to ropes all over his body – especially wrapped around the legs. Teach him to stop and stand if something seems wrong.

Sure, anyone can have a good day driving a half-decent horse when all is going right. But can you still have a good day driving your horse when something strange and unusual happens? My hope for you is yes.

Christine Beattie is an accomplished horsewoman and teamster with a background in commercial carriage work. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Christine offers training programs, lessons, and clinics in driving, groundwork, and liberty training. She also mentors students around the world through her online courses and virtual instruction. With over 25 years of experience, her grounded, thoughtful approach emphasizes communication, connection, and confidence between horse and human.  

www.christinebeattieequine.com

Facebook / Instagram / Youtube: @christinebeattieequine