Harley Back in Harness

[harleydales]

I've decided to try to do more driving this year, as I'll be doing less big mile rides. So not having looked at the harness for 18 months ( ) I gave it a quick clean and went to get Harley, wondering how he'd take to it after so long.

No bother at all - he remembered everything and was very good. All I did was long rein in full harness (breeching and all) in the field in walk and trot, also practising stand and reverse. He did get a bit rocking-horse like but didn't do anything too ghastly so I was really pleased with him.
I get Carriage Driving magazine, and Gary Docking has been advocating long reining with the reins attached to the back pad, then through the bit rings to act as draw reins - in theory to help then drop their noses without constant pressusre from side reins. So I tried it - not good! It was fine unless he got strong and I had to put pressure on in which case up went the head. So we gave up with that and went back to off the bit with much more success!!

Hoping to get the gig out this week and have a play with him put-to in the field.

[mickey]

Sounds like fun!

[harveydales]

Well done! I don't think they ever forget however long a break they've had. Looking forward to hearing how he gets on with the gig now.

[valerie n scout]

ooo sounds brilliant,would love to break Scout to harness think he would look "spiffin",looking forward to hearing you stories x

[leannwithconnie]

What a star to have not forgotten any of his traing...Look forward to hearing how it all goes when you fit him to the gig.

[nars]

What a good pony to remember everything. Looking forward to hearing about his exploits in harness.

[harleydales]

Exploits would be the word just now as it is VERY brisk and breezy here at the moment so I'm not attempting anything!!! Maybe one evening this week or at the weekend though, as long as Mike is around in case of problems.

[dalesponyrider]

That is great to hear Jane. Looking forward to hearing how he gets on next time. Don't blame you for waiting for the wind to die down a bit though!