Saddlebred driving horses under saddle

[anon68314200]

Not sure whether to post this here or in dressage. But I’ll start here.

Recently started a new training position involving carriage horses. Horses are Pennsylvania Dutch and KWPN harness horses. ( as I understand the designation “Dutch harness” may apply to either in the US? )

One of the 4 in hand is full saddlebred. 2 are PA Dutch crosses with some saddlebred.

The full saddlebred (9 years) is noticeably less powerful than the other three (4, 5, 7 years, I believe)

Part of my job will be riding them under saddle. I don’t have much mileage with saddlebreds.

Any advice?

[Zu_Zu]

Half Cheek Snaffle / Running Martingale and ENJOY !

[luvmyhackney]

What ZuZu said. Plus lots of hills and transitions. Poles help too. Lower leg off and only apply for forward or leg aid. Soft hands cause contact is not the same as with a hunter or dressage horse. Most are super light and the reins lay in your hands and you can just feel the mouth.

They are so much fun and super smart so they pick up good and bad habits very quickly.

[OneGrayPony]

Saddlebreds are terrific. I have a friend who deals in a lot of DHH and I don’t know as much about them, but I agree with what’s been said here about saddlebreds. I’d also say to try to spend some time with each animal before you ride them. My saddlebred would walk through fire for me, because I spent that time. They do want to please, so generally speaking I turn all of my aids “down” in volume.They can look super-hot and some of them may be, but often they are really kind of lazy underneath. They just look like fire breathing dragons.

[Christa_P]

I’m assuming this is a CDE team. If so they need to be worked in a correct dressage frame under saddle. The aids can be light and obviously adjusted to the horse, but think about developing dressage horses that step under and work over their backs.

For horses built like saddlebreds with the higher set neck and frequently IMO a weaker back it will probably take longer to get them really using themselves correctly, but as they do they should get stronger.

Also, if the saddlebreds is a leader in the team they will rarely be actually pulling the carriage. It’s the wheelers that need the strength and power for that.

[ASB_Stars]

@Christa P

I’m assuming this is a CDE team. If so they need to be worked in a correct dressage frame under saddle. The aids can be light and obviously adjusted to the horse, but think about developing dressage horses that step under and work over their backs.

For horses built like saddlebreds with the higher set neck and frequently IMO a weaker back it will probably take longer to get them really using themselves correctly, but as they do they should get stronger.

Also, if the saddlebreds is a leader in the team they will rarely be actually pulling the carriage. It’s the wheelers that need the strength and power for that.

THIS!!

You aren’t working a show ASB (where the leg off thing, half-cheek, and running martingale might be acceptable) you are riding a dressage horse. ASBs are incredible bendy so make sure that you are working to keep him straight and correct, just as you do to start any horse correctly. Caveleti are your friend, to build a topline, suppleness all around, and strength. While they do not LOOK as powerful as a DHH, they were bred originally to go forever, and they have the heart of a lion, and that’s why they were the horses of choice for the Confederate officers. That, and the fact that they are beautiful and comfy.

Just use your correct basics- you’ll be fine!

[anon68314200]

@Christa P

I’m assuming this is a CDE team. If so they need to be worked in a correct dressage frame under saddle. The aids can be light and obviously adjusted to the horse, but think about developing dressage horses that step under and work over their backs.

For horses built like saddlebreds with the higher set neck and frequently IMO a weaker back it will probably take longer to get them really using themselves correctly, but as they do they should get stronger.

Also, if the saddlebreds is a leader in the team they will rarely be actually pulling the carriage. It’s the wheelers that need the strength and power for that.

Not CDE. We have single, pair, and 4 in hand ‘war wagons’, but set up is intended as pleasure driving around the property. There is also an antique that the owner hopes to put a 4 to eventually.

They are currently shopping for a fifth horse, the saddlebred is intended to be a spare for the 4.

[Christa_P]

@Isabeau Z Solace

We have single, pair, and 4 in hand ‘war wagons’

The intent is not for the horses to compete, but pleasure horses around the property. There is also an antique that the owner hopes to put 4 to eventually.

They are currently shopping for a fifth horse, the saddlebred is intended to be a spare for the 4.

What I said still applies. Correct driving (outside of breed shows) for pleasure or show still requires a more dressage type frame. This will build the topline and strength needed.

What type of carriage is the antique?

[anon68314200]

@Christa P

What I said still applies. Correct driving (outside of breed shows) for pleasure or show still requires a more dressage type frame. This will build the topline and strength needed.

What type of carriage is the antique?

I will look.