JRJ Trail Horsemanship & Packing School

DRIVING CLINIC April 8th, 9th, 10th & 11th

Clinician Ellen Hockley, assisted by Steve Laughlin, will be instructing driving techniques for all levels. Ellen is a CHA certified instructor, has many years experience driving both heavy and light, driving on cattle drives, sleigh rides, theater caravans, combined - there is very little in driving that Ellen has not done.

Ellen and Steve are bringing their experienced team to hitch and be driven by participants. What a thrill to drive a heavy team - don’t miss it! If your horse is ready then it could be driven in harness with one of Ellen’s – a very safe introduction to being hitched for the first time.

There will be many activities – some concurrent – to enhance your driving skills. Ground driving, harness savy, single hitches, double hitches…..etc! There is a limit of 8 participants on any given day – take any combination of days you desire – first come first served.

Place – JRJ Ed-Center – 494 256th st Aldergrove BC

Time – 8:00 am every day

Cost - $100 per day - $25.00 to audit

Approaching and Catching a Horse

A relaxed but careful attitude gets the job done!

Horses have evolved as a prey animal. Their first reaction to perceived danger is to flee. If they are restrained and thus prevented from fleeing, they may kick or bite. Loud noises and sudden or unexpected motion can be perceived as danger. Horses are big, heavy and quick. Their normal prey reaction when startled can cause injury to anyone near them while being groomed, saddled, or lead.

To Approach a Horse:

Make sure the horse is aware of your approach.
Approach towards the front left shoulder, using your voice to maintain contact.
Hold out your hand and let the horse sniff to assure it of your identity.

To Catch a Horse:

Movements should be steady and confident, not sudden or grasping.
If haltered, hold the halter and secure the lead rope to the halter using a snap or by tying a bowline.
If not haltered, place the tail end of the lead rope around the neck, hold it and put on the halter by holding the halter strap in your left hand over the poll and the buckle or loop in your right hand. Raise the halter until positioned on the head and buckle or tie.

Turning out a Horse:

Turn the horse away from the direction it wants to go.
Release the horse and step back. Generally it is better to remove the halter when turning out a horse to prevent it from getting caught on something.
Do not shoo or slap the animal to get it to move away. It may kick out as it turns or passes. It is better for you to walk calmly away, leaving the horse.