Horses of every age find it easier to understand what it is you’re asking them to do when your standing on the ground versus when you are on their backs. 

This is especially important for starting a colt, although  I don’t introduce the driving until the 3rd day of my program which I demonstrate on my DVD.

Now, get your horse saddled up, use a driving halter and tie the stirrups together (I use a piece of sash cord, I call this hobbling the stirrups). Then, run the driving reins through the stirrups. 

To begin with, I stand by their neck and head and lift up on the rein.  Most horses will want to resist the pressure and their head will go up into the air to avoid that pressure. Don’t panic, that is normal. 

Just keep pressure on the halter until you feel the horse’s head start to give to the pressure.  The moment he brings his head down, quickly release the pressure.  Do this a few times on both sides and this will introduce him to his driving lesson.   

When driving your horse, I like to carry a little driving whip to encourage forward motion.  Now we start with one rein, let’s say the left rein, and put pressure on that side of the halter and wait for one step to the left, then release the pressure.Keep him moving forward and continue to repeat this until the colt follows the pull on the rein.  

Now, do the same on the right side, still keeping that forward motion.   

Next, ask him to move in a small circle to the left, making the colt go up into the halter (later it will be into the snaffle) and as well move in a circle to the right, always with forward motion and nicely into the halter, continuing to release the pressure as the horse gives to the halter or bridle.  You will find the horse will be light on his face and break at the pole with a beautiful headset.    

I demonstrate driving clearly on 3 different horses on my DVD which is for sale in 'the Store' on this website.

Gary Hunt recommends doing training and problem solving in a round pen for your safety and the safety of your horse.