Carriage driving is a multi-layered activity that requires a tremendous amount of preparation and review to be done safely. We started Tuxedo last year, and after a good start, sent him home for a break.

Not much feels better than when horse students come back and still remember their education!

First trot on this young mare, Arabian/Quarter horse cross. Keeping their education as understandable and stress free as possible sets them up better for their future

When working with a horse, especially a young or green horse, observing what exactly could be causing anxiety is important. It is equally important to accurately perceive when they are becoming less anxious and ready to learn.
#coltstarting #smartcoltstarting #observeyourhorse

Here is Caleb (SD Blue Mountain Ashbrook) 4 year old Lippitt Morgan gelding under saddle today. Intern Taylor has been assigned to ride him. Since he is splitting time between riding and driving, he's had about 60 days in each.

Caleb, 4 year old Lippitt Morgan gelding in his 5th solo drive

Kappy, purebred Hackney Horse colt, at 2 weeks! He's starting to grow into his legs! Hackney Horses are critically endangered with less than 2000 left in the world. As history's greatest carriage horse, Willow Grove is doing our part to promote this astonishing breed!

History's first and best carriage driving horse: the Hackney. Breeds have come later drawing from their genetic heritage leaving the original critically endangered. Willow Grove works tirelessly to breed, train and promote select Hackney Horses!

Zoey is doing wondefully in carriage driving! I'm really glad to have carriage dog Jack along to supervise! It takes vast amounts of time and attention to detail to educate and prepare a horse for carriage driving. Failing to do so can land you in the hospital.