Easy in the Harness

This is the start of an occasional series about Driving Rites of Passage. These are things that most drivers seem to experience as they dip their toes into driving. Many drivers have owned a Meadowbrook at some point in their driving life if they do pleasure driving.Have you had experience with Meadowbrook carts? Do you love them or are glad they are now in your past? Let me know!The Carriage Association of America has an article on the history of the Meadowbrook as well and I used it and other sources for the history of the vehicle: The Quirky History of the Meadowbrook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you need to look for when selecting a vehicle for you and your driving animal? This discussion covers the important, basic points to consider for ensuring that you have a vehicle that is both functional and comfortable for you and your driving partner.I have a brief article with illustrations discussing vehicle fit here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/107412296 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Picking the proper bit can be a big topic in driving. Selecting one that works well for your animal. While this is a topic best addressed with visuals, I make an attempt to discuss bit cheeks and mouthpieces in an introductory fashion to help give people a baseline understanding of how to talk about them and what to look for in one.I have a post with illustrations on driving bit cheeks here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/basic-cheek-for-98729400I have an article in-progress covering mouthpieces that should be finished this summer. I'll update this post with a link once it's finished! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode discusses the difference between reactions and responses from our animals and how to help them respond better in stressful situations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This short podcast covers one of the overarching principles in my training philosophy that developed after reading the book "Give Your Horse A Chance" by Lt. Col. A. L. D'Endrödy. The physical book is no longer in print, but you can find electronic versions of it. My copy was published by Trafalgar Square Publishing in 1999. That principle is the idea of asking the animal to do something, and then giving them the space to allow them to do it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Self-Carriage is a valuable trait for any horse to have no matter the work they are being asked to do. In this episode I discuss how to evaluate, check, and improve your animal's self-carriage for better, more fun and productive driving.If you want more carriage driving related content and would like to support this podcast and the other content related to it, please visit https://www.patreon.com/certhorsemanship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Open and closed bridles: What they are and why we use them. Considerations for why you might drive using an open bridle or a closed bridle. A discussion and a few stories about why someone might chose to drive their animal in an open bridle over a closed one and vis versa.If you want more carriage driving related content and would like to support this podcast and the other content related to it, please visit https://www.patreon.com/certhorsemanship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the most important gait for the driving animal? This is a trick question: it's standing still!This is a discussion on why standing still is so important to driving and how to help improve your animal's ability to stand when needed.Find more great driving-related content and support the podcast at patreon.com/certhorsemanship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Easy in the Harness Podcast! Stories, Solutions & Strategies for Safe, Satisfying Driving.In this episode we are covering driving resources for helping you get started on your driving journey, whether it is training, competition, or practical work.Governing OrganizationsInternational Equestrian Federationhttps://www.fei.org/drivingAmerican Driving Society Americanorganization for driving competitionResource for Canadian and USA drivers.americandrivingsociety.orgCarriage Association of AmericaMotto: ”Helping preserve our horse-drawn heritage”https://www.caaonline.com/North American Classic Six-Horse Serieshttps://naclassicseries.com/ or drivesix.comHaflinger and Hitch Pony Champion Serieshhpcs.orgEducationCarriage Association of Americacaaonline.comRural Heritageruralheritage.comCoachman’s Delight-Andy Marcouxcoachmansdelight.comTo find more great content relating to driving and support the podcast go to our Patreon site at patreon.com/CERTHorsemanship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.