Every horseperson eventually meets that horse—the one who tests every ounce of patience, skill, and heart you thought you had. A difficult horse can make even the most seasoned handler question their abilities. But here’s the truth many won’t say out loud: some of the most challenging horses become the most rewarding partners you’ll ever have. Training a difficult horse isn’t about forcing compliance or overpowering a problem. It’s about learning to listen deeper, to adapt mo

In a world full of fancy training gadgets and quick-fix videos, one of the simplest and most transformative tools in a horse’s education is something every good horseman knows by heart: the patience tree. Quiet, humble, and deeply effective, the patience tree teaches a skill every horse needs—how to be still, confident, and emotionally steady. What Is a Patience Tree? A “patience tree” is simply a strong, safe tying spot—often a big solid tree or a sturdy post—where a horse l

In carriage driving, the whip is far more than a mere accessory — it’s an extension of the driver’s hand. Used correctly, it communicates clarity, finesse, and respect. Used incorrectly, it can confuse or even frighten a horse. Understanding how to use the whip properly is key to developing harmony between horse and driver. 1. The Whip as a Communication Tool In driving, the whip replaces the leg aids that a rider uses under saddle. It’s your way of saying, “step up,” “move o

Every good horseperson eventually learns that the most powerful conversations don’t happen through words at all. They happen through feel, timing, and attention. Horses are always communicating — through their eyes, their breath, the set of their neck, the rhythm of their stride. The challenge is not in getting them to “talk,” but in learning how to listen. Horses Speak Quietly — If We Let Them A horse’s communication is subtle by nature. In the wild, silence means safety, an

Why I believe every child deserves to know the steady love of a good pony. Some families raise their children with dogs or cats. I’m raising mine with a pony (alongside the dogs, cats, chickens, and even a rabbit). I know I want my kids to grow up learning compassion, responsibility, and the quiet strength that comes from caring for another living being. And for us, that lesson comes wrapped in a tousled mane, kind eyes, and the steady heart of a little gelding who has become

🐴 Getting It Right Behind the Lines: Proper Bit Fitting for the Carriage Driving Horse In the world of carriage driving , every detail...

Every so often, I catch myself passing along a tip to a student—something simple, even offhand—and suddenly I remember exactly where I...

When most people think of exercise and horses, they imagine riding. But driving—working with a horse in harness while guiding from behind...

In the world of equestrian sports, few things capture the harmony between horse and human quite like combined driving. With its blend of...

From City Streets to Competition Fields: My Journey from Commercial Carriage Driver to Professional Combined Driving Trainer When I first...

A Comprehensive Manual for Safe and Successful Harnessing Hooking a horse to a cart is a time-honored practice with roots in agriculture,...

Driving lessons are expensive!! More expensive than riding lessons, and most trainers do not keep lesson horses for students to use in...

Bight of rein safety By Carolyn Aarup, Dakota Winds Farm The “bight” of your reins refers to the excess/loop of your reins between your...

Sweeney Shoulder -What is it? If you’re lucky you’ve never heard of a shoulder sweeney in horses.Sweeney shoulder is caused by damage to...

Every time you interact with your horse you are training him. That means that even if you don't think you are a trainer, you are! You can...

Driving saddles generally have trees just like riding saddles. It's very important that the saddle not be placed too far forward. It will...

Longlining (aka double lungeing) is a training method that has been used for centuries to help teach the horses new skills without the...

I get asked this question a LOT. Recently, my friend in Canada, Carolyn Aarup, summed up this answer perfectly on her Facebook page...

If you’re looking for training to get started driving or to fine tune your skills, I’m available and ready to help. I have opening for 1...

I’ve had quite a few requests for harness parts videos. Today I got around to making a video on the parts of a single Hungarian style...