How Much Contact for Carriage Driving?

How much contact should you have on the reins while carriage driving? Well, the answer varies, as you'll find out in this video.
Learn More:
Half Halt: CoachmansDelig...
Rein Activation: coachmansdelig...

[@beccawicks2387]

You're "preaching to the choir" here! As a dressage rider turned carriage driver and coach, I'm soooo glad that you have addressed the importance of variable contact and the use of half-halts in carriage driving...especially the half-halt, as it can be such an "enigma" to so many riders/drivers. Great explanation.

[@gerberbaby52]

Hello from South Dakota! I am a newbie to driving but not to horses/ponies. My 41 inch Shetland type pony is doing the teaching. We didn't know she drove when I purchased her for my granddaughter to ride but it had been my dream to drive her. I had worked with her on the ground and she seemed like it was not her first rodeo, We had a knowledgeable person come over to fit her harness. He drove her and said it was obvious she was experienced. Only had a few months driving last fall during which she didn't make a wrong move so am anxious to get back at it when our snow has melted. Found your vids and have been getting educated. You have a great teaching style! Thank you for doing these!

[@DianeStPeter]

I'm in Colorado. Originally (native) Rhode Islander. I'm new to driving. Just graduated to a 4 wheel Cross Country vehicle. So happy to be here!

[@tylertrafford4623]

This is one of the most useful talks that I've heard. Andy's advice made a dramatic difference to the way I communicated with the reins to my horse. Andy describes contact very well. He is specific and that made it possible for me to put his methods to work right away. I would recommend this video to anybody who is looking for a way to get closer to their horse through the reins. Believe me, it works almost instantly and forever.

[@annewang9716]

Southern California, Welsh cross youngster started in long lining and driving, not yet under saddle. Contact info very helpful for driving and dressage. Thank you!

[@jackieleonard2853]

England, 12.2 Fell pony, just for pleasure. Love the information. Thanks

[@ronaldkutz8132]

Jefferson, Wi, we drive Haflingers, thank you very much.

[@curtisnewman2073]

I am 53 year old male, my horse is an 18 year old Mustang. We are learning CDE as a cross train to trail maintenance in the Sierra and Sequoia forests. We are training at Clay Station in California.

[@kalitamcdowell2951]

Joining you from NB, Canada. I started training my Canadian gelding to drive in the Spring 2020. Currently, we have about 10 sleigh rides in. Previously, I drove (pleasure and sleigh) my Morgan mare.

[@jackmiller999]

South Carolina. I have followed your editorials in the past in the Carriage Driving Magazine and happy to have found you online. Pleasure driving single sometimes pair . horses are draft cross and Curly. Hoping to use your information to expand families knowledge and safety. Thanks

[@jessicamybeck517]

I drive an AQHA mare in CDE. Very helpful explanations.

[@melaniehellum1281]

Good explanation thank you

[@diannevalentine9551]

Hello from NJ ! This is one of the best descriptions that I've heard of the Half Halt & it's use in driving. Thank you !

[@wendyandrews7832]

Hi from Oregon. Love your videos. Another great one.

[@donaldyurga2233]

From Pennsylvania. Drive mostly pleasure, off the track Standardbreds. Looking to get into some combined driving.

[@carolscott9330]

Hi, we are in Marissa Il. we drive a 4 wheel trail buggy and a 2 wheel Frey cart. and thinking of adding one show this year. lol mostly we drive out with our Club in the St. Louis area. we have been driving our coming 7 Haffie mare. she is 14 hands with a big forward way of going.

[@SharonCodyCowgirlCreations]

First time checking out your youtube videos.....very nice! I have enjoyed all of the online classes I have taken with you. Thanks so much!

[@antoniocrispim2707]

Olá.Sou de Portugal. E já sou tri-campeão nacional de "combinado de maratona" parelhas ponys!

[@CC-si2hj]

Elbert County, Colorado. Miniature horses, would love to do CDE. Thank you for this, you're great.

[@Gamblestacey]

Alberta Canada. Haflinger x

[@tophat6696]

Hi this is the first time on this channel Just started driving a shire UK

[@sarahqueen5506]

Beginner driver of mini horse in NC.

[@redsky8509]

Once again, great information, thank you.

[@denisesams1818]

From California just beginning. 16.1 h Oldenburg.

[@marybaillie4690]

From Ontario Canada...CDE with Small Pony Single in Canada and USA...

[@redsky8509]

just moved to South Carolina, the Windsor area. I drive a mule, he has a very soft mouth, does not take much contact to work with him. drove a pair before that you had to really hold on to them..if I pulled that hard on Tom he would backup or flip over. So yes each animal is different in my world, But you must drive and you must have contact with them.

[@LisadeKramer]

Cortez, Colorado. I am a beginner just got my gypsy mare trained but I need a carriage. I cannot find what I want in my neck of the woods. Mini wagonettes are too small and horse/draft size is too big. I was amazed at how much contact we were actually using when my trainer worked with me. And then I drove her husbands Cleveland Bays and we had quite a bit of contact on them too. I was under the impression that it would be like riding with very soft contact.

[@redsky8509]

very different from riding, yet, we can still be soft with contact. remember when driving we do not have our legs and lower body to help que. On my mule to much contact he stops, so I drive with enough contact so he knows I am there but does not stop. make sense?

[@jennifersmith2110]

Texas, small pony CDE and ?

[@janetkerns4207]

Washington State

[@Oregonhorsegirl]

Grants pass oregon