| Author | Message | ||
     Anne Dickens Member Username: Annedickens Post Number: 12 Registered: 01-2010 |
Thanks both Until very recently, I'd been driving them in exactly the way you describe Dawn - for about two years! (After a lesson with Anna Grayston when she recommended it). But in fact I've recently readjusted and think I should have done this sooner, as the lazy one couldn't ever get right up with the other one with his traces shorter, even with no contact from the reins! Have now taken shoes off which is going to be a challenge i.e. excuse for him not to work!(Am now based in France and having farriery problems so taking the plunge and going barefoot.) The other pony is already barefoot and has feet like iron so fingers crossed his pal ends up the same way.) Anne | ||
| Dawn Hunter Member Username: Dawnhunter Post Number: 2 Registered: 03-2012 |
Hi Anne, I had exactly the same problem with my pair. The problem was solved by adjusting both the traces and the rein coupling. The more forward going horse having shorter reins and longer traces, the lazy one longer reins and shorter traces. The most important thing to remember is to always adjust both coupling reins never just one, so if you move the coupling rein one hole closer to your hand to shorten one horse you must move the other coupling rein one hole in the opposite direction. If this sounds too complicated, I would be willing to explain it better over the phone or show you if you are close enough. | ||
| chris manger Member Username: Chrismanger Post Number: 12 Registered: 01-2012 |
Hi Anne, Yes this is a very common problem in multiples. Glad you are seeing some rewards. Driving single is the only way, I also use there name at the same time as the whip. This way when they are back in the pair you can shout their name instead of using the whip and not upset the other one. | ||
| Anne Dickens Member Username: Annedickens Post Number: 10 Registered: 01-2010 |
Hi Thanks very much for the link - a helpful site. What a shame noone has any tips to share - can't believe I'm the only person with one keener than the other! Hey ho... For anyone interested, I have been driving the lazy pony on his own on the pole on both sides and it has definitely made a difference already. He has gone well in his pairs vehicle on his own and seems to have gained confidence and go better when out with his partner. Happy driving! Anne | ||
| Patti Atkinson Member Username: Pattia Post Number: 34 Registered: 03-2007 |
There are some grest articles on this site by Hardy Zantke that were a great help for getting slow brain round clever beasties! Well worth a read. http://www.frogmusic.com/drivingpairs/ | ||
| Anne Dickens Member Username: Annedickens Post Number: 9 Registered: 01-2010 |
Hello All Can pairs drivers please offer some advice about getting the lazy one of my pony pair to work harder?! I know there's always one ..... but he is getting very naughty. He has been going as a pair for about 3-4 years (maybe I have left this question too late!). He is very sound and strong, pulls fine as a single, which I try to do regularly, and will (inevitably) pull a bit better on way home. He also pulls well at speed - it is walk and working trot he's not so good at. His collar fits well and I have added a pad. I have tried crossing traces and I and ponies don't like it! (Though any tips on making this work better welcome.) I have his traces a fraction tighter so he reaches his work sooner (he is also a bit shorter than the other one). I have swapped sides (though perhaps not enough?). He doesn't respond to the whip - but he does to voice. The other pony is very sensitive and forward going - which means he responds to everything whether it's meant for him or not. This doesn't help! I thought I would drive him single in the pairs vehicle with the pole. I have done that with the other one (when I had no single vehicle for a while) but never with him. Have others got experience of doing this regularly - are there any tips advice? Will it help? Any other advice/ideas please let me know. I know sometimes pairs just don't work out and perhaps that's the problem, but I'd like to keep trying as we have fun out and about - just feel sorry for the worker! Many thanks Anne |