A bit of driving advice please

[harleydales]

Harley started his driven education in earnest this year, and we finally got him in shafts in July, which went very well. Since then we've done a bit in the fields, and a couple of 4 mile drives without too many hiccups.

The last time I took him out (with a friend for safety) he was VERY forward and trotted very fast. He is incredibly fit at the moment and his trot is naturally fast, just feels faster in the gig I think!
We had a 'moment' when he went over a twig and shot forwards, but he did try very hard to listen and came back to trot after a couple of panicky moments. I just sat tight and talked him to wwwwwaaaaaalllllkkkk like I used to when he was a baby. Although it was scary at the time, he DIDN'T bolt, and he could easily have done, which I think is a good point.

His worst feature of driving is standing still whilst the groom gets in. He's so keen to get going and gets agitated whilst he's waiting. I know I could enlist Mike to hold his head while we get seated, but that's not a long term solution as I can't rely on always having 2 helpers, plus we have to deal with gates on our drives. When he does move off, I just bring him back to halt and keep doing it until he stands for the groom to get in, then make him keep standing for 5 to 10 seconds and then move off.

Now, the last few times I've been out riding, he's generally been with Apollo and has been a 'Kevin'!! Pushy and bolshy and determined to be in front etc, broncing to try to get into canter. Most of this is because he's in company, but some of it might be sheer fitness and exuberance. Which is fine when you are on top with legs to help control, but not so good in a gig!
He has ALWAYS come back to walk when asked, and apart from the fright has never tried to canter.

I drive him in a french link Liverpool bit, with the rein on the front half of the ring (rough cheek??). So far I haven't used the curb chain, but think it will go on this weekend.

I'm thinking instead of going out driving the lanes this weekend, I should maybe do some schooling with him. We have a large flat field which is ideal for driving. I thought lots of stop start stop stand transitions, with lots of walking but maybe not so much trotting might be good for him.

Would I be safe doing this on my own, or should I have a groom with me just in case? (I do have a helper this weekend)
What else can I do to keep his attention?
Any tips on the standing still?
Presumably lots of transitions and turns etc are a good idea?

Thanks for reading, I want to get this right. I think he has it in him to be great fun to drive, but I just feel I need a bit of guidance at the moment! There aren't many people up here who can help, there was a super guy called Jack Clyne but he is retired and not in the best of health and I've been advised not to ask him for help because though he would, it wouldn't do HIM any good.

[The Moo]

I personally wouldn't attempt any driving, especially if he is having a fidget while standing still, without having a groom with me. I know plenty of people who do drive by themselves though and never had an incident/accident (yet).

I would reinforce the standing still while on the long reins, interspersing the walks with short halts and long halts so he never knows when he is supposed to move off and has to listen to you.
At the weekend my friend gave me a tip to keep my elbows by my side (but my wrists still soft) so if Cherry did step forwards she came to a 'dead' feel, after a couple of goes she got the message.

This is just what I would do with my pony, it may not be appropriate for Harley.

[harleydales]

It's stopping stopped that's the problem, not the actual stopping! He does stop beautifully on long reins, and waits to be asked to move off. I think it's more the thought of going of on a jolly that gets him gee'd up! Maybe I should have done more walk and field work before venturing out, but there's a fine line between useful work and boredom (and misbehaviour) with Harley.

But I can do the mix of walks and long/short halts from the gig, poss with my groom walking with him to start with then away from him then in with me?
We could long line him on the harness first, then go for the gig.

That's a good one with the elbows, I'll try that.
I think it's best to always have someone with me in the field, not necessarily on the gig but there just in case at the moment. I would NEVER go out on my own on the roads.

[tinkerdorisalison]

Hi Jane - glad the driving is going ok. Good advice given by everyone.

If it was me I would take him out for a longish drive, plenty trotting and then, when he is tired out he will be more inclined to halt and stand ok!
You can then practise stopping and standing and get him used to the voice commands.

Take care and have fun

[harleydales]

LOL Alison, it would have to be a 20 mile drive!!
Seriously though, there might be something in it. Perhaps I'll do some work in the field and then go out round the loop.