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Driving horses
can be enjoyed
at many
different
levels,
from exploring
countryside
lanes
in a pony
and trap, to the
ponies used
in scurry
driving around
obstacle
courses. At
higher levels
there are
one, two or
three day
driving trials,
using singles,
pairs
or four-in-hand
which include
a dressage
section, a marathon
to test speed
and
stamina, and
an obstacle
section
using natural
hazards
such
as water,
gates and various
other obstacles.
Driving
is very different
to
other equestrian
sports, with
a vehicle
and often
more than
one horse
involved.
Consequently
a lot more
control is
needed over
a group
of
horses being
driven,
than
a single
horse
under saddle,
and
when accidents
occur they
can be extreme
due to harness
leathers becoming
entangled
around legs
and feet.
The
harness is
going to
be the
major
factor affecting
the movement
of
the driving
horse or pony.
The overhead
check rein
should be
fitted to
allow
the poll to
be the
highest
point
and
the nose
slightly in
front of the
vertical.
When fitted
too
tightly
it causes
the nose
to
be extended
too far
set-forwards,
as in "star
gazing" or
the head to
be set to
one side.
Both these
actions will
cause tension
to develop
in the poll
and upper
neck, which
will transfer
along the
underside
neck muscles
to the shoulders,
where the
horse will
begin
to show stiffness
and restriction
in extension
of the forelegs.
When horses
are pulling
into collars
they
become more
developed
in
the shoulders,
this can cause
problems
in the lower
neck and wither
area. Traditionally,
carriage horses
are bred with
upright pasterns
in front,
causing jarring
from
ground level
into an upright
shoulder,
which compounds
problems in
the
wither and
shoulder
area.
Foot
balance is
of prime
importance
in
the driving
horse, as
bad shoeing
or wearing
studs can
create
an appearance
of shoulder
lameness and
can cause
sore shins
by the
inevitable
concussion
in
front.
Driving
horses do not have
as much
engagement
from behind
in their
action due
to the rider's
legs not
pushing
them on,
and although
they do
not have the added
weight
of a saddle
and rider,
and are
not required to
jump fences,
their back
problems
will
become apparent
from the
twists and turns
of driving
around the
obstacle
courses, and slipping
on mud while
cornering.
It
is the wheelers
behind,
rather than the
leaders,
of a four-in-hand
group,
which have
more problems
in competition,
and accidents
can result
in legs
through traces and
horses
in a
panic with
a carriage
upside-down.
The
overhead
check rein
can cause
falls, especially
on
uneven grass
tracks,
when the
horse
would usually
lower
its head
to assess
foot placement.
Some
harness
horses may
run into
each other,
causing
a
collision,
or may
run out
at corners
taking
the other
horses with
it.
Harness
racing is
another
form of
driving.
The Standardbred
is the breed
used,
they can
trot
or pace
at high
speeds
without
breaking
into canter.
Chiropractically, driving
horses will
benefit
from regular
checks to
treat problems
in
the poll
and withers,
caused
by the overhead
check rein,
at
the early
stages before
affecting
their performance
levels.
Similarly
pelvic
problems,
caused by
tight cornering
around obstacles
or slips
on mud,
should
be checked
for regularly.
After
a major
accident
while
competing
in driven
classes
the pony/horse
should be
assessed
by
the vet
and, if
its injuries
were felt
suitable
for treatment,
use a chiropractor.
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