Lily's Harness Training

Last Update:  August 20, 2003

Following is  a picture log of Lily's training to harness.  

Her first lesson was on Oct. 12, 2001.  She is a little more that a 1 1/2 years old so her lesson is simply to get her used to the collar, harness, and bit.  Once she was standing calmly with the harness and bit in place she was led around the paddock to get her used to the feeling of the harness moving on her body.  An overly large collar was used to make it easy to put over her head.  Her first lesson was a big success.  Click on any of the following pictures for a bigger picture.

Oct. 13 - The lesson above was repeated.  This time while Lily was led around in the paddock I used verbal commands and reinforced them with the lead.  Lily is being taught "Gee" (go right), "Haw" (go left), "Whoa", "Back", and "Kiss" for get going and go faster.  I also use the word "Easy" for settle down and slow down a bit.

Oct. 14 - I introduced the bridal today.  I was surprised that Lily didn't think anything of it.  I held it so the bit was at her lips and she opened her mouth for the bit like she had been doing it all her life!  I then repeated the previous lesson, again using verbal commands.  After her lesson she just stood at the gate as if she were asking for more time in the harness.

Nov. 4 - I gave Lily her second "driving" lesson today. I set up four orange cones in the paddock and ground drove her around the cones. It was tricky getting her to understand that when I pulled (very gently) on a line that she was suppose to turn in that direction. She would often not understand that she was suppose to keep moving forward and would just turn her body. I just kept behind her and prodded her with the "kiss" sound and a tap with the whip to let her know that she was suppose to keep moving. All turn commands are given with verbal "gee" and "haws" along with useing the lines for control. This lesson was short, about 10mins, but by the end of it she did a perfect serpentene around the four cones being very attentive to the bit and being very relaxed. She had learned that the thing in her mouth was just a guide and not something to be feared. I will continue this lesson for the rest of the week. On Nov. 10 I'll be taking her to a friends farm and driving her there, so check back then for some new pictures.

Dec. 3 - Due to wet weather and a broken water pipe we didn't make it to my friends farm.  Lily's training continues, although I haven't had anyone around at the time to take pictures!  She is being ground driven in the paddock around various obsticals.

Feb. 10 - It's been a pretty icky winter.  Snow and a lot of ice.  I finally got someone to take my camara and get a picture while I was out long lining Lily.  Of course the battery went dead after the first picture! Here it is:

Next weekend, weather permitting, I'll be taking Lily to my friends farm for a more challenging driving lesson!

June 21, 2002 - I was able to get a little time today to drive Lily.  I managed to talk my 11 year old son into being the camera man.  I think he did a great job.  I didn't realize until I got inside that the camera was on the wrong setting and the pictures ended up overexposed.

August 20, 2003 - Well it has been a long time since I've done an update on this page!  So sorry!  Lily's harness training has progressed very well.  She is being driven on our for-cart two or three times a week and she loves it!