Recap of our CCDS Spring Clinic
Saturday, April 16
Happy Spring everyone,
After a two-year hiatus, we finally were able to gather once again last Saturday for our April seminar. This year, CCDS was pleased to host three guest clinicians. Jeff Morse, Sarah Bates, and Bruce Jones shared their professional advice and knowledge for an educational and informative program with 28 members and friends attending. Registration was at 9 o'clock with attendees socializing in the horse barn over coffee and donuts. Then starting at 9:30 we headed to the heated indoor arena for the first phase of the program. The carriage museum was open during the pizza lunch break for quick tours. The day ended with Sarah and Bruce demonstrating a mini super derby galloping their pony, Buccatti, through the gates to cotton eyed Joe music.
The format of the seminar included pre-prepared presentation as well as interactive discussion in addressing questions from attendees on anything and everything about introducing and evaluating your horse for driving and purchasing the right equipment.
Jeff Morse emphasized the importance of clear communication with your horse. As a driver or rider, your horse is looking to you to be a leader. And as a leader, you must be very clear and consistent with the instructions you are sending to your horse. Whatever vocabulary you use with your commands, it must be easy for the horse to distinguish each command. The command for walk, for example, must be easy for the horse to distinguish from the command for trot. Additionally, you need a clear and discreet (Jeff is not keen on clucking) command for changing the speed of the walk or trot.
All three of the presenters agreed on one primary principle on choosing a horse that is safe as a driving horse: the horse must reliably stand patiently in the crossties for long periods of time. If the horse jigs around in the crossties, he will undoubtedly jig around when you need him to stand when hitched or being hitched. Sarah recommends this tip for teaching this: draw a line in front of the horse’s front feet as he stands in the crossties. Then stand by and calmly re-position the horse anytime he moves a foot beyond the line. You must be calm, but relentless on this, and start with a short duration lesson followed by increasing duration until he really has this concept down.
Bruce discussed the importance of good dental care for the driving horse. Effective communication with the horse is greatly impaired if the horse is experiencing dental pain. While there are many veterinarians who are proficient in routine equine dental care, Bruce recommends seeking out a reputable equine dental practitioner. He has worked with several talented and reputable equine dental practitioners who have identified and resolved dental issues that were previously undiagnosed by the veterinarian. Small dental corrections and adjustments can make a huge difference in the performance of a driving horse.
CCDS greatly appreciated the time and dedication of our clinicians. We also send a huge thank you to the Wallers for once again hosting our events at the beautiful Orleton Farm grounds.
Our next event will be the Members Appreciation Party scheduled for May 18. Stay tuned for more details.
Maureen
