I will give you a couple of courses to practice. Be creative and make your own courses to vary the direction of turns, tightness of turns, and speed.  By using markers and a pattern, you will improve your precision. All of the courses I will describe can be performed at a walk or the trot.  Patterns should be practiced in both directions. 

Course #1: The Cross 

(requires 6 markers or cones)

This course is in a cross or “+” style configuration.  For ease of reference, let’s call the arms of the cross north, east, south, and west.  Markers are set in pairs so the horse is driven between them.  One pair of markers should be at each end of each arm of the cross.  The pattern is started from a start line located anywhere the southeast corner of the cross.  Start by driving the horse straight past the starting point, then turn him left to pass between the cones on the south arm. Proceed straight, and then turn right to pass through the cones on the west arm. Proceed straight, and then turn right again to pass through the cones on the north arm. Follow the same pattern and finish by halting as you pass through the cones on the east arm.  The sharpness of the turns made in this course can be varied by where each pair of markers is set up on the cross.  

Course #2: The Serpentine

(requires 6-8 markers)

Set up single markers in a straight line.  The distance between the markers can be the same or can vary.  Start at a line at one end of the markers and drive the horse in a serpentine (weaving) pattern between the markers.  Halt after the last marker is completed. 

Course #3:  Poles and Markers 

(requires 13 markers, plus 3 poles)

This course is going to be a little tricky to describe, so I am going to give you the elements of the course and let you use your imagination to create it.  The important concept with is that we’ve added poles to go with the markers to help horse pay attention and help the handler reach the middle more easily.  

The course includes these elements:  1) A start line made of a pole on the ground with two markers on each end.  2) A “V” shaped element made by setting up a 3 markers on each point of the “V”.  Lay poles from each of the top points of the “V” to the closed point on the bottom, 3) A large Square or Box consisting of 4 markers set up equal distance from each other.  You will be driving the horse around the Box.  The size of the Box can vary.  The larger it is the easier it will be to turn around.  The smaller the Box, the tighter a turn. 4) A line of 3 markers spaced to form a short serpentine, 5) A single marker that will mark the spot to halt. 

Here is one example of how to use these elements:  Start by ground driving the horse over the start pole, then proceed to the “V” obstacle.  Drive him over the right side of the “V” then proceed to the Box.  Drive the horse completely around the outside of the Box 1 to 1-1/2 times then proceed to the Serpentine.  Drive him through the Serpentine, then return to the “V” and drive him over the pole on the left side.  Finish with a halt at the single marker. 

A ground driving course will help reinforce the importance of keeping the horse straight from the poll through the withers to the back of the hip. Because you are walking behind the horse, you can analyze whether his body is straight. When you are turning, lightly position the horse’s head and neck in the direction you want to turn, just enough to see the horse’s eye with the body staying straight. When turning, the horse must move off the outside rein.   

When it is time to quit for the day, ground drive the horse to a location where you would like him to stop. Ask him to “whoa” and simply drop the lines on the ground from your driving position. Walk up to the horse’s head.  First unsnap the longe line from the bit, and then take it out of the surcingle ring or stirrup working from the front of the horse to the back. Bring the line to you.  Do the same with the opposite line.  When both lines are free from the horse, coil them into neat loops so they can be easily handled.  The horse should stand quietly when you are doing this until you are ready to lead him back to the barn.  Praise him and congratulate yourself on a great driving lesson!  

Build on this basic knowledge to do more patterns at different speeds within the walk and trot.  Ground driving can even be done at the canter once the handler and horse have enough experience. 

A Ground Driving Review: 

• The secret to ground driving success is practice. Do not start ground driving until the horse has completely mastered your voice commands and maneuvers through ground work and longeing session. 
• Do not attempt to ground drive a horse that has a tendency to kick or that you do not know well. 
• Do not attempt to drive until the horse shows you that he is steady and comfortable with the reins at his side as evidenced by him standing still when he is sacked out with the reins.  
• Do not drive until the horse is perfectly secure with the longe lines dragging behind him. 
• Maintain a minimum 6-foot distance behind the horse when driving.  The closer you are to the horse, the better your control and timing. 
• Hold your arm and hand position similar to how you would hold the reins for riding.  Let the line come from the bit, over your index finger to rest between it and your thumb and then come out the bottom of your hand. 
• Always look at the topline of your horse when driving, not the legs. 
• Use verbal commands to execute maneuvers and only a light tension on the lines.
• Use variety in your driving lessons by varying speed, gait, and direction.  

Have fun with ground driving. Take the time to learn how to do it and practice.  It will help you develop coordination and timing. It will teach you a lot about your horse and improve your ability to analyze his body position. A young horse will learn how to respond to rein pressure. He will learn the basics of turning, changing directions and gait, stopping, and backing with the stress of the rider’s weight on his back.  

For the older horse, ground driving will improve his response to bending to either side, transitions, simply to do something different together with you to add variety to the training routine you can use as training and conditioning tool any day of the week, even on days when circumstances do not allow you to ride. 

The part on ground driving in my “Longevity Training Series,” will enhance this series. You may order it and other fine training materials as well as learning about our courses at www.lynnpalm.com or by calling 800-503-2824.