HORSE BASICS #5: HOW DO YOU DRIVE A HORSE?

On this episode of the Horse Basics series, Jim is explaining how you drive a horse! Today he is driving a SINGLE horse. He is line-driving Ken, one of our Percheron horses, for today's lesson! Jim is also sharing the driving commands that he uses to drive the horses.
JIM'S DRIVING COMMANDS
Go: (careful) step
Go right: Gee
Go left: Ha
Stop: Ho
Back up: Back
Watch our videos to learn about draft horses- horse logging, horses farming, and horse training! Jim uses Belgian, Percheron, and Suffolk horses to do work on the farm and in the woods. He teaches about harnesses, horse-drawn logging and farming equipment, horse feeding and maintenance, and voice commands for horses. New videos uploaded every week. Keep watching to see how Jim trains his new Suffolk Punch colts as he has trained his full-grown teams!
Our Horses
Belgian team ► Lady & Bill
Percheron team ► Ken & Buck
Suffolk Punch team ► Duke & Earl
Subscribe - It's FREE! ► / workinghorseswithjim
Please like, leave a comment, subscribe, and tap the bell for video reminders!
Website ► www.workinghor...
Merchandise ► www.workinghor...
Sign up from our newsletter ► www.workinghor...
Patreon ► / workinghorseswithjim
Instagram ► / workinghorseswithjim
Facebook ► / workinghorseswithjim
Amazon Affiliate Store ► www.amazon.com...
Paypal ► paypal.me/work...
Our Filming Equipment
Go Pro 7 ► amzn.to/2QyOLlX​
Go Pro 9 ► amzn.to/3vurlx9
Drone ► amzn.to/3dpufNW
Wireless Mics ► amzn.to/3koPgva
Do YOU have your own KZbin Channel?? We wanted to share about something that has helped us with our channel! We started using TUBEBUDDY and since we did, our channel has grown exponentially!! It helps you find keywords for you video title and descriptions so that KZbin will promote your videos more, and it gives lots of tips on how to help your videos with the KZbin algorithm. If you are interested in signing up, here is the link to join ► www.tubebuddy....
Contact Us!
Email ► [e-mail]
Mailing Address ► Jim Gordon P.O. Box 299 Moira NY 12957
(Some of the above links are affiliate links. This means that we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) for items bought. Thank you! :) )
#drafthorses #horses #workinghorses #belgian #percheron #suffolkpuch #horselogging #horsefarming #horsetraining #workinghorseswithjim

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

I am a 76 year old lady, semi-retired doctor. My happiest days were from 5 yo to 11 yo. We lived on a farm in Southern Georgia USA. We had pears, figs,pecans, chickens, guineas, cows,pigs and a mule. We ate well. We were very poor tho. We climbed the big magnolia tree beside the house. One when mom was pregnant she locked us out so as to quiet the screen door. We played for hours. One time we decided to get into the house. We climbed the kitchen drain pipe and climbed into the window. We all grew up successful adults. Survived the trials of life so far. My 2 brothers are 74 and 73. My sisters are 71 and 70. While laid up with 2 knee replacements I have binge watched your videos. I felt happy. Your loving ways with each other and your animals is heart warming.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Hello, thanks for watching the videos, glad they could be a help during your recovery. Hope you can be back to doing all that you want to soon with your new knees!

[@kristamanson5206]

Interesting to watch Jim working with his horse Ken. They both have a wealth of experience.

[@openrangelivestockguarddog4041]

As a struggling new teamster working alone with my horses, I would like to contribute a few things that so far, have helped keep the horses and myself out of trouble. First of all, Jim grew up with horses, has likely 5 decades of experience, and has many many years of carefully planned, successful routine with each of these horses. You should not try to duplicate what you see here with little or no experience and a new horse. Try to buy experienced calm horses. They cost money. If you're like me, you have to take what you can afford and be very careful. When you get your horses don't try to hook them up and drive them right away. Establish a routine of feeding, brushing, handling, checking feet, ground work basics. Search youtube videos of basic ground work and make sure the horse can handle the basics, regardless of what anyone told you. Give the horse a chance to learn you are calm and safe to be around. That takes repetition and patience. Be calm. Give horses that are new to each other, time to get used to one another. Tie them side by side when brushing, checking feet etc. Leave them to stand together while going about your business working in the area around them. If they can do that without issue then start harnessing them... carefully. Collar on and off, walking around the horse moving straps, rattling trace chains, pulling the britchen side to side, lifting the tail, etc. I guess my point is, you can't afford to have a wreck. If you're alone, you really can't afford to have a wreck. You can harness them, walk them in harness, leave them tied in harness, all observed of course while you do other tasks. Don't try to scare the horses, but doing your chores, drop a bucket, move a chain, crumple up a feed bag, and observe your horses reactions. The time to find out something spooks them is not the first time you drive them. Investing in a routine of very small steps that brings you and the horses together, I have found makes a big difference. Always try to end a session on a success. I have to walk my horses to a creek to water them twice a day. I chopped a hole in the ice with an axe all winter. Often we would walk down through the woods in the dark at least once a day. I think now in retrospect, this single task brought us together as much or more than anything else. They would stand there while I chopped, then cleared the chips out so they could drink. Build on the success of each step, and be patient. You can't afford to have a wreck. Did I mention be patient? Lose the ego, take care of your horses, protect your horses. Take the next step only when they and you have passed the previous test. Observe and think. If there is an issue try to find a solution. Don't push a bad position, you risk serious damage to your horses, and yourself. I would also like to highly recommend an article in Rural Heritage on "10 common causes of wrecks" to get your harness as safe as possible. Lynn Miller books are also very highly recommended. I hope this helps someone that is starting from scratch to be successful safely and enjoy the benefits of a life shared with these magnificent partners in labor. And last but not least, thank you Jim and Brenda, the whole family, for everything you have done, and are doing to promote working with horses.

[@openrangelivestockguarddog4041]

The article on preventing wrecks with driving horses is by Doc Hammil. It is in PDF format. If someone more internet savvy could link the article here that would be great! I couldn't get it to work.

[@carolmaziarz7066]

www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=dochammill.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Preventing-Wrecks-with-Driving-Horses.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiL1KOjpcD6AhUGHjQIHQ4AD3wQFnoECA4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2tUxJYvhH1qOKS3miabB2F

[@hawthornfarm]

@@openrangelivestockguarddog4041 Yes, Doc Hammill is great. I've taken classes with him and he is marvelously safety-conscious!

[@joycehennequin8469]

Just a suggestion Brenda 😏 how about showing us some of your recipes,maybe a cooking slot now and again 😀

[@sueupham2519]

Yum... Maybe your Apple pie ,,,I have a secret ingredient that only our family knows ,, 😊

[@joycehennequin8469]

@@sueupham2519 sounds good to me Sue 🌞

[@aldredske6197]

Hi Jim!!😀😀 A little trick I used to do when putting a bridal on if you don't want a halter on them and when you take it off they want to back out. Take the halter off their nose and rehook it around their neck and then put the bridal on and then unhook the halter. That way you still have them tied when you are getting the far ear in. I hope that makes sense.

[@aliciagerman3791]

Great video new at driving blessed with a experienced horse

[@aliciagerman3791]

Ps also have a 6 month draft philly I will have trained or try to do myself when time

[@Ellie.12866]

Horses are in my blood and soul. I've always been able to identify breeds and even the mood the horse is in. My uncle took me to the racetrack many times cause as I watched the horses walk before the race I knew which horse would win or place. First time I rode I was 10 or 11 yrs old and the stable owner asked how long I'd been riding. Years later I bought a Saddlebred gelding from the Humane Society. Best time of my life. Months after I sold him due to financial reasons I went to a tea leaf reader who asked if I knew a horse cause he's thinking about me. I have to be careful about having horse stuff around my house because I would just be sad all the time. The smell and squeak of leather, the barn smell and the velvet muzzles... I remember these things when I watch your videos. Sometimes I can't watch til the end cause I might cry. I'm long in the tooth now (Jim will know where that expression comes from) and my dream of owning and riding again are saved for during sleep only. I hope there are horses in Heaven. I'd love to see my boy Beau and tell him that I never stopped thinking about him.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Wow, thanks for sharing about your deep love for horses(and their love for you).

[@suzanneyoung8011]

Your comment brought tears to my eyes. I think you'll see your boy again. I'm hoping to see mine too.

[@Ellie.12866]

@@suzanneyoung8011 And now your response is bringing a tear to my eye! God love us, and take good care of our horses until we get there ❤ 🐎

[@fion1flatout]

Great teamwork! It's not just that Jim knows the answers, Brenda knows the questions! What a brilliant demo Ken gave us on voice commands. I think most people don't even know that a horse can tell left from right

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Hi Fiona, thanks for watching. Yes, and also,he does better with right and left than some people do😀

[@TotalHorseMedia]

I ALWAYS line drive colts before going for the first ride. They need to have the concept of being steered before I get on their backs. I’m new to driving and taking lessons. I bought my first Pioneer Forecart this week with harnesses and gear for single or team driving. Your instructions have been very valuable to me. I will be introducing my three year old Percheran/QH cross to the harness this weekend. I have a couple of other experienced but rusty driving horses at my farm that I will be working with also. Again, thank you for sharing your obviously vast experience.

[@maryleonard6381]

I had to laugh at Brenda’s statement “Ken won’t listen to me as well as Jim”😅 I guess Jim is pretty obedient???😉! Jim is a great teacher, I’m enjoying your sessions.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

That's not what Brenda meant, haha. Thanks for watching😀

[@josephrasberry3850]

Haha it’s sarcasm Jim lol.

[@brittnyhawk8633]

I just got my first draft. Been long time saddle horse owner so this all new to me. I been watching you for awhile. I can't wait to harness and get driving.

[@ponygirl5716]

About the extra lines length when you are actually sitting driving a cart or vehicle-you can sit on the extra length. That way your hands are less busy trying to deal with the extra. The difference between Ken driving with Jim vs. Brenda: Brenda speaks regular English and Jim speaks “farm-draft horse”. 😂😂🤣🤣. Love it!!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Yes, that is true. Haha, almost 2 different languages

[@johnkomosa4089]

Yep, ah ha.😄

[@jimcour291]

Moving your hands often Jim, as well as fixing your stance, will also help the horse get and keep a "soft or driving" mouth!! Nothing worse than a hard mouthed horse

[@markbeauseigneur5947]

This is a very informative series. I have learned a lot. Don't have any horses , but my father grew up on a farm where they used horses. It helps me to be able to talk about that with him.

[@daleevans4261]

I'm in the same boat as you Mark. My new husband had 2 Clydesdales and a Morgan. I talk to him often about his horses. And love to hear the stories about all they did with the horses when his kids were growing up. He misses his Clydesdales so much. Great times living on the farm he had.

[@mfc4591]

Easter greetings to you and the family. Well done to both of you, a big pat for Ken too.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Same to you!Thanks! Will do!

[@stanhensley3082]

What a great video. Jim you are a very good teacher. Brenda you sure ask good questions. Maybe some time Brenda can teach 🤔 Jim how to bake a cake?? That would be fun to watch!! Thanks 😊.

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

Brenda; About reaching the ears of the horse to slip bridle on. The shortest horse i deal with is 17hh and I'm 5'6" ( 16hh 2inch lol). So no way im reaching their ears if they dont let me. We taught them to lower their head on command. Problem solved. There is nothing they cannot learn

[@robertmarino2158]

Jim , suggestion , with the two wheel cart , can you show Brenda doing the driving , & giving the command 's , she is learning & doing a fine job ! Her voice , doing the driving has become more positive , clear & stronger ! Stay safe everyone !

[@lucinaramsey4705]

Seems like a gorgeous day for driving lessons, thanks for sharing.

[@jamescox8233]

may i say hi to you jim and brenda. jim that was a very interesting vido, ken did a great job doing what he was told to do .brenda I say, you did a greai job with ken, good going. jim i learned a lot from you. god bless and stay safe , all of you ...jim dartmouth nova scotia canada.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Hi Jim, glad you enjoyed the video. Have a great weekend!

[@rodleger7132]

Have very little experience with Horses. I do respect them to the hilt, as I do all animals. Love your videos as I find it very educational. I want to learn more. I truly respect you and everyone else who has this knowledge. I wish I did. Modern lifestyle has lost it's ability in practical knowledge. Please, keep the videos coming.

[@sueupham2519]

WOW this is really,really good,I wish we were younger again to start over,,I remember my dad doing his reins,,,, hahahaha 🤣🤣😆 that sure surprised us all with your cowboy ride.. awesome....Brenda you're doing great today.

[@jipjojed]

Very Interesting! Especially the emergency stop!

[@brendahogue5487]

Love your videos and enjoy watching them every time they come on.. Happy Easter to you and your family

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Same to you!

[@juliagoodhope420]

This video was very interesting. So much valuable information!

[@momclean]

It might be worth mentioning that when using reins on any bit, that the pressure used on the bit should be just enough that you can ' feel ' the mouth - not to hang on the bit, or , be heavy handed because to do so makes the horse hard mouthed and will fight the discomfort of the bit.. Have a peaceful Easter break, great to see you all once more..love from a sunny Spain today..🤗❤

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Yes, thanks for bringing that up. HOpe you have a wonderful easter also. It is nice and sunny here today also but probably not as warm as there!

[@streamer_services]

I watch alot of Ricks videos from... think like a horse and good luck america so i appreciate what you do in regards of trying to show us how you do these things....thank you for that.

[@kingwood4357]

Jim, thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching!

[@RaymondWKing-dn8wf]

You make a great Teacher Jim. I'm being reminded of things I'm a little rusty on myself. This is very important valuable instruction to a new Teamster, please pay close attention to Jim. This is what I've Discovered, holding your lies from the bottom of the hand up over the thumb is for Cold Jawed Horses that someone has messed up, or maybe at times for a New Colts that's being a little Confused or Hardheaded. It might give a little more Strength in Holding your Line when things get crazy. It's all wase Best not to get that far into a Mess. Slow down take your time now. I was taught to start a Colt with an older solid reliable stable Horse that can command the Colts attention. No days not everyone has an Older Horse for this purpose. The Problem I see with it is, it rubs the web and can make your hand sore in time. You all Wase need to run your hand up and down the lines. With the lines running through your Fingers to go out or you can strip the lines when you need to shorten things up a bit. Lines between the thumb and index, index and Middel Finger etc. as Jim is teaching. to the Horse is indeed more natural and comfortable and won't make you hand sore. If you are driving 4 up or 6 Up you can run your Lines between lower Fingers and still have a solid Grip on things. If you have a Crazy Cold Jawed runaway Horse, put I'm on the Wheel team.

[@nickwagner3520]

Today's video the silos were in the background. I always wonder if Jim made the Silo toppers? They are not the typical silo top that you see in the midwest.

[@jjock3239]

Great lesson and wonderful video. In 1960, I was working for a small logging operation, where we used draft horses to skid the logs from the drop off to the landing, where they would be loaded onto the trucks. The guy that normally worked the horses got injured, and I was given the lesson you just videoed, and then thrown into the fire. I had been around my grandfather's draft horses while they were still working, but I had never driven horses myself. I survived the next few days, but it wasn't because of me, it was that the horses were so good. It is an experience that I will never forget. I was 6ft 2in, and I still remember how large those horses looked to me: Since then, I had not been around horses, until we recently sponsored a Clydesdale for the therapeutic riding society. That involvement , and your video, brought back a lot of great memories. Thanks.

[@sueupham2519]

Thank you,,and Happy Easter folks,,and to your Momma and the girls

[@MrsMcbey]

Loved the ride part thx vid

[@Chameshi]

It was very informative to see Brenda driving Ken, because Jim makes it look so easy it's hard to know what details you actually need to pay attention to when driving a horse :) Thanks Brenda for doing that, and Jim for the lesson!

[@leearellano5303]

I haven't put a bit in my adopted Belgians mouth, he HATES to have his mouth messed with. I ride him very well with a halter...do any other adopters have some issues with bridling their adopted draft? ?Also, Max does respond to 'step' and 'high step' which i learned from your channel, and gee and haw! It was so cool to learn than, to give him cues he knows! THANK YOU and thanks so much Brenda for asking our anticipated questions. Seriously, if you've adopted a draft and don't have draft knowledgeable people in your group, these videos are invaluable...Jim uou riding the horse at the end was a fun way to finish the video and let me see how you do it...your daughters were cool when they rode i think it was Lady

[@georgegoertzen4723]

And he rides off into the sunset at the end... of an excellent video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience so the rest of us (and our horses) can benefit from it!

[@kopenhagenkid]

Happy Easter 🐣

[@jackyclayton6276]

Thank you for your knowledge . I'm Just starting out my sulfolk punch cross .hopping to get her to help pull some logs out of wood.

[@randybutler4772]

Very interesting to learn the method of signaling direction commands. Before finishing high school I “trained “ a yearly Shetland pony. Only upset the two wheel cart one time. Didn’t have Jim’s knowledge. Thank you for sharing. Good word Brenda.

[@mishloud4215]

I enjoyed this video...very informative

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad it was helpful!

[@normanreed572]

Just a thought when Brenda says ho, she kind of says it as a question. I’ve found in training dogs that if you are positive in your commands the animal will pay better attention to you. Enjoy your videos and I don’t even own a horse. Farmed for 50 years the “modern” way and feel I probably missed a lot.

[@billcarriere5374]

I have to agree thinking the same .

[@jessicamunda8765]

I loved the ending when Jim got on his back and trotted to the barn. 🥰

[@clairestaffieri4398]

Did the horses get a shave and hair cuts? Seems like Jim did not. Brenda, Ken's "air kiss" to you gave me such a laugh. Even though I am about as far from horse ownership as a suburbanite can be, I deeply enjoy watching you two work with your horses and live your lives. xo Claire

[@kirbygulbrandsen4507]

Maybe Jim is like me, I only shave about every five days because it irritates my neck. Not to mention the cost of razors nowadays, besides beauty is only skin deep.

[@lorenzowoodson624]

Jim is definitely The Horse Whisperer! You're not too bad yourself Brenda! Happy Easter to you guys! 🐇

[@conradmorin1891]

Jim and Brenda, it is so nice to see you work together and in harmony.......You both complement each other so well, as you are so respectful and loving. Really nice to see. Your horses are so majestic and wonderful, andJim makes it look so easy.....all the time. I am always afraid that when he is close -up to the rear of the horses, such as when he fastens the cart or implements, that a horse could kick him accidently. That makes me nervous, for Jim. I really appreciate and enjoy your videos.

[@georgegoertzen4723]

Bridle training - I never work a horse with a halter under a bridle because it doesn't fit and work the way it should, the combination of the bit on the bars and pressure of the headstall on the poll. I too will work young colts (and fillies) with the halter as well, but over top of the bridle. To accomplish this without them learning bad habits like evading the bridle or backing out, I undo the halter and keeping hold of the straps, just let the nose band fall off the nose before rebuckling the halter around the neck. Then put on the bridle (and ask them to take the bit - don't bang it on their teeth!) much the same as you do, and then unbuckle the halter, slip its nose band back over the nose, over the bridle and rebuckle it behind the ears. This way you have the safety of the stronger halter for holding or tying without harming his bars. And he's never really loose to get away from you with the halter working as a collar tie while you bridle him. Admittedly I've never bridled a work horse but I have bridled some equally tall hunter types. I always train these ones to lower their heads to accept the bridle. It makes it a much more pleasant experience for both of us in getting the headstall gently over their ears.

[@jerrybriscoe4735]

You remind me of my grandpa so much.

[@benzoverakers1877]

Great information as usual!!! Have a great and blessed Easter!!!

[@jeankornetka5213]

Wonderful ending to a great day. You are both so enjoyable to watch and listen too.

[@susanl3064]

Thank you for the lesson...very informative. I really enjoyed Jim "hopping" on and taking off for a short ride.

[@turegus6590]

Hey good movie. Have had two adennder named Belgian horses in Sweden. The way I've been driven in, I know it's a lot of work. I think you have good horses. Have a good time🙂

[@kopenhagenkid]

Great video Jim

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks and Happy Easter to you!

[@chrislittlefarm]

Very good lesson! You're a good teacher, Jim! What I do is to always try to keep a very light connection to the mouth and when turning for example left I start with releasing the right line and then slightly pull on the left (and vice versa for turning right). Especially when doing a tight turn one should release both lines some when the horse steps into the turn/moving the head in the desired direction. To my students I always say to put the halter around the horse's neck when you put on the bridle, that way it doesn't bother but the horse is somewhat not completely free. I think the most important thing you said was that it's always very good to anticipate what the horse might do next. This is a very true sentence for every moment when dealing with horses not just driving and it cannot be said often enough, beginners should just learn to "think like a horse". Wish you two a wonderful easter time! 😊 -Chris

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Good thoughts Chris, thanks for sharing! We wish you a Happy Easter as well!

[@georgegoertzen4723]

Aha, check reins! But first - how you face the snap on a horse. Always, always set the snap so the smooth side is towards the horse and the 'snap' or open side is facing out so the opening doesn't rub against your horse's skin. You automatically snap it on correctly here but someone new to horse's might make that mistake and not figure it out until he's rubbed a sore spot or the skin raw from the pressure of the opening on the skin. Check reins! I love to see the Budwizer (I'm sure I've misspelled that, but I'm not a beer drinker) Clydesdales all dressed up and heads checked way up as they thunder into an arena or down the street in a parade. But it always pains me that the grooms don't release ALL those checked up heads as soon as they are off show. So many times, I've seen them standing, begging for relief while the grooms stop to chat with passersby and the horse's check isn't let loose until he starts to unharness each individual horse. The last horse isnt unchecked until it's his turn to be unharnessed - hours! It's inhumane and so easily remedied by simply releasing all the checks as soon as they leave the parade.

[@johnking8679]

That was an extremely interesting video, Jim !! There is plainly a lot more to driving a horse than one can imagine !! Just really enjoying this instruction !!

[@donnadavis1058]

Thank you. I'm enjoying these basics classes. Great job explaining. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@jillpickup9981]

Long reining is an ART. It's very difficult xx

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Takes practice

[@lauragibson3308]

I've looked forward to this all week. You two are great and make me laugh and you're horses are a credit to you. I've just bought my first belgian draught, Rosie. Pray for us 😅

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching. Haha, will do.!

[@tvitytvity5570]

Perfect !!! Thank you for this video

[@markgross6140]

Mic at GFF Percheron Farm: Thank you so much for sharing what to do with a runway team. Saw the bit or see saw the line. This could save the horses and you from a accident.

[@kimfleury]

So much to learn! It makes sense that you can't learn to drive a horse just by watching videos. After all, you can't learn to drive a motor vehicle just by watching videos, either. Not even that driving game at the arcade, where you're in the driver's seat but you're just reacting to things that come up on the video screen. The feel of an actual vehicle is completely different. But before beginning to drive, whether horse or motor vehicle, it's good to get some pointers to be aware of what to watch for. I enjoyed this video as always 💕🐎

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Yes, good point. Thanks for watching!

[@joycehennequin8469]

Good evening Jim and Brenda,happy easter to you and your family.Well l definitely wasn't expecting that at the end...you rock Jim 😀 This video was very very good and the rest is yet to come.l for one am really excited 😊 l belive holding your rains correctly is the very best way in connecting with the horse,the horse knows what you want of him even with light hands...being rough is in my opinion is a no no.Anyway lm definitely looking forward to the next video,thankyou so very much for taking the time to video this and sharing....Great work both of you 👌 all the very best dear friends......l still have this huge smile after seeing Jim jump up on Ken lol 😆

[@johnkomosa4089]

Ah ha.😄 yes, huge smile. Nice comments regarding light hands, very good. Thanks

[@robertbarnes2309]

I could sit and watch Jim all day very interesting

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

thanks for watching!

[@dianehall5345]

Good morning Jim & Brenda- This is a very informative video for me! Hope your family had a Happy 4th of July. I have owned two horses and three ponies. I was trained Huntseat, but never learned to drive. So one good thing is, I have " light hands" and can properly use double reins. If the opportunity ever presents itself, I would like to get an older draft-type gelding that rides and drives. My 1/2 Perch was a joy to work with and an easy keeper. He was trained to stop if I dropped the reins or if I sat back in the saddle. This was very helpful, as he was only three years old and tended to play when we were supposed to be out for a ride! There are draft people near-by who can teach me to drive. The only reason I left halters on my horses in the field, was easier to catch them. So I do see the benefit of keeping a halter on to be able to harness up a difficult horse. I found out the hard way about letting a horse throw its head or tuck his head. My school horse should have worn a running martingale in class. She threw her head up on a corner and we flipped over backwards! It was horrible! Needless to say I was injured. So I am all for good harnessing safety advice. Thank you Jim & Brenda. Its been many years since I was able to " talk horse " to anyone who can understand and appreciate just how passionate I am about these wonderful animals. ~ Diane

[@johnhenderson299]

Just a wonderful video

[@patriciawilhite7038]

This was a very informative video! I am learning a lot from this series. Thank you so much Jim and Brenda! You’re an awesome team. Happy Easter Blessings from Arkansas! HE IS RISEN!!

[@territn8871]

Jim makes everything look so simple when he's driving, but I would be a nervous wreck, which the horse would pick up on and probably not do anything I asked him to do! That's where experience comes in cause I've never been around draft horses at all. I think your teaching will be even better when you actually start training the colts to line drive. They will be completely new to driving and an inexperienced person like me might grasp the motions and commands a little more!! Another question, say you are working with a stallion and a gelding, side-by-side, is the stallion harder to control and cause problems for the handler? Or could the stallion cause the well trained gelding to pick up bad habits? Loved watching Jim ride Kenny and take off in a gallop!!! You all have beautiful horses and I love watching them! Blessings to you both and family on this Good Friday and Easter✝️🙏

[@kopenhagenkid]

Great camera job Brenda

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks Kevin!

[@lindaarmstrongjackman9788]

So interesting. It is always surprising how responsive those large horses are to a driver (who knows what they are doing). Thanks for the trip down memory lane. 😁👍👍

[@toniherron6371]

Hi Jim n Brenda, when I was taught to drive and when teaching my kids to drive always made a point of being 6feet behind the horse for the unexpected moment, so there was room to react when ground driving, by the way, great videos and reference material for all , green or experienced. Cheers from Queensland, Australia

[@georgegoertzen4723]

And thanks for explaining the way his push into the collar changes depending on where his head is. I love heavy horse pulls, especially when you have a team that really work well together and when they have been stopped by the weight before completing a pull and together they dig down in and get it going for that last few feet. I've seen them with and without check reins and prefer to watch them throw their heads down as they dig in for that final effort and I've wondered why ANY are checked so they can't. You've explained it very clearly here and now I understand. I've always thought they were just there to keep them from pausing to snatch a mouthful of grass while working or for appearance in front of a flashy carriage.

[@jamesmorrison1884]

Hello Jim Brenda very nice. Your a expert Jim and a expert horse. Will be nice to see more training with the colts. Have a great day. Remember Jesus Christ thus weekend and hope we are all thankfull.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Hi, thanks for watching. More to come on the colts. Yes, it's all about Jesus!

[@willbehnke4732]

Do you hook your reins to the bridle with the buckles facing in or out/ snaps open side facing the horse or away? Thanks Will

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Hi Will, I usually hitch the snap towards the outside but there’s a risk of getting hung up no matter which way you go.

[@willbehnke4732]

@@WorkingHorsesWithJim You bring up an excellent point. First I was thinking towards the inside so it couldn't catch the other horses but etc. But still could catch other items. Thanks

[@elvinirons5959]

Awesome listening to your training class, your a wonderful horse person, another thing I tell unskilled Teamsters is the tone of your voice n never yelling, I had Several Haflinger’s in my time that Me n my Dad broke, never raised our voices, if u yelled around my ponys they would start getting nervous !! 👏👏

[@jasonhill4517]

Thanks another great instructional video. The wealth of information you share is so helpful.

[@henrydeyoung7689]

This video is what I have been waiting for!!! If you look at my comments over the last year or so, I am interested and fascinated on how you talk to your horses, use the reins plus the combination of both. Great video. Thanks. It was the best.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Hello! Glad some of your questions were answered at long last😀. Thanks for all your support! Take care and Happy Easter!

[@dreamcometrue2498]

I'm so glad that I found your channel. I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos! You are a "GREAT" teacher and Branda you did an AMAZING job!!!

[@freemanhochstetler9598]

The best part was when ken dropped a fart 💨 on Brenda, had to rewind quite a few times, it was hilarious 😂

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Another great tutorial Jim and Brenda. nice to see the fruits of all your training and how you did and do it. Happy Easter! ECF

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Same to you!

[@jerrybriscoe4735]

Nice video.

[@daleevans4261]

Happy Easter Jim, Brenda and family. That was an amazing video. Enjoyed it very much. Thank you for sharing your world with us. I learned a lot. The chances of me getting a horse are slim to none. But wow! These videos are amazing. Too bad it's only a 7 part series. Your horses are gorgeous and I love seeing them whether they're working or not.

[@j.ericswede7084]

Amazing to watch the animal that built civilization at work (or in training). Love the videos.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching

[@aerockh2725]

*Brenda* "Thanks, Billy, for letting me use your stall!" *Billy* Nods Hilarious!

[@hejnye]

very well trained Ken is, he is a star!

[@rottiman100]

A very happy Easter to all of you, thanks for another entertaining and informative video. Well done.

[@teeforchange]

I’m starting to think Kenny is the sweet heart of the bunch. He was terrific! Brenda looks like a teenager. Would love to see her self-care routine. Jim riding off on Kenny at the end was a shocker. Wow he’s a great horse back rider you can tell because his shoulders only bounces at that speed not his Lower body. Soo fun this video.

[@farmboy5622]

Loved the info. Especially loved the ending with Ken and Jim riding off into the sunset. Jim must have been feeling his "oats" today!!! Yee-Haw!!!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tylerwells8314]

A good way to keep those lines up on his back is to use a leather strap through the top of the britchin ring. I’ve seen some guys use a short strap with a ring on each end to put the lines through. Works really good 😊

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

That's a great idea!

[@larryschmidt6152]

Thanks for this. Together you cover a lot of ground from different perspectives and levels of experience.

[@danamelby4090]

Great info i never drove horses before but great info and teamwork

[@rodneywroten2994]

thanks for sharing

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching!

[@lesliewbogertsr7492]

My one question is I have noticed when Jim is in horse pulls contests - he tends to pull down on the reins - why is that?

[@ronjahner8773]

thankyou from north dakota

[@margaretwilling765]

Brenda, one thing you could try is to undo the top latch of the halter and drop the nose out and faster the halter again on his neck so he still has the halter around his neck do he doesn't back out. Then put the bridle on and then undo the halter off him

[@AnnainAwe]

This is a fabulous video for a beginner student human, thanks a million? Do you have a video specific to a beginner student horse.

[@patdiggins9252]

Happy Easter, I am enjoying these new segments very much thank you for taking the time to help out the novices out there.

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

We really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. This is the bright side of technology. I'll be in the market for a harness soon so I'll definitely be taking your input in those videos

[@janeteckhart4886]

Thanks Jim. Nice job, Brenda!

[@shirleyparent1873]

Thank you.✌

[@shirleyparent1873]

I've been wanting to see you ride. Cool

[@douglaswright3998]

This is just a question. Why dont you us the i think it's a pressure point right behind the ears at the beginning of the back of the neck. And press there with the tumb and point of your pointer finger. To get them to lower there head so you can and anyone short to be able to put a bridal and halter on. That's the way i learned to do it from my dad.

[@alb5489]

Douglas has a good point. So many folks use a bucket or ladder or some other thing that can become part of the problem when they slip off. Much better to take the time to teach the horse to lower its head. (Horses put their nose down to eat.) Light pressure on the poll (top of head behind the ears) with one hand and pressure on the face at the point where the noseband would be, release the pressure when the horse lowers its head. Once that is learned it will become habit.

[@perjrgensen8280]

Greetings from Denmark. 👍

[@thestone46]

Another GREAT lesson! How about a suggestion regarding handling a "Bolt" or "Runaway"