Can a horse be good under saddle and good in harness?

[Ben H]

Here is a Morgan Mare that is a multi titled halter mare. She won the high point championship for NY and Penn-Ohio as a yearling over aged mares. She's had harness training and loves to lope in harness (great conditioning). This mare does have Withers, even as such a proven show horse she loves to chase cattle.






http://www.skyloftmorgans.com

[aminuts]

Having grown up training Morgans- I couldn't resist. I totally agree that a hard mouthed horses is 'made' by the rider/ driver. They are not born that way- we as handlers make them what they are. So no, harness training will not make them hard mouthed. All our horses are started in harness or at least learn to ground drive before we ever back them. They learn voice commands, the feel of the lines along their sides and around their hocks, etc. Long lining is excellent for tuning up even seasoned horses. Most advanced dressage horses are taught hi level movements with long lining first. Either way- harness or saddle horses should learn how to bend, flex and move off the rider/ drivers aids. Even ranch horses can benefit from dressage work- the better they can bend and give, the faster and more balanced they will be when they turn after a cow. Just an opinion...

I think that there are many horses that can excel in both riding and driving, and then there are some as well that will just take to one or the other more favorably. One of our Morgans that we sold went on to be a versitility champion under saddle in western, jumping, sidesaddle, hunt seat, dressage AND was retired at Walnut Hill Driving Competition (very prestigious carriage show) as a multiple harness champion! I do however think that the more you can do with your horses- the better animal they become. After all- way back they needed a do all horse that took the family to church in the buggy on Sunday and that could also go bring in livestock during the week.

Even our 'prissy' show horses here get down and dirty. Our halter / show champions are expected to be harness broke, trail rideable, not spooky, and they have all seemed to really take to working the cows at the farm with much enjoyment. Keeps them from getting bored!

So cheers to the Morgan enthusiats- although I love ALL good horses! The above mare is Skyloft Seduction and 5th generation of our breeding program...


www.skyloftmorgans.com

[Heel Fly]

Call me a thread hog if you want I don't care.
I have ridden a lot and driven a little and I think it only improves a horse the more you do with them if it's done right . That being said I have yet to see one of my mothers reg. Morgans not have withers and they are just as cowy as any other horse. I think every breed has lemons, I've ridden some QH that you would be ashamed of , matter of fact I have one here to be started that is bred up the wazoo that is a comformational wreck. I am going to take pics of my hubbies morgan gelding and start a new thread for this. You'll appreciate that won't you Curly

[Curly]

[Judith]

Curly , That is great it wont take you very long to get the hang of driving


Ben, She's gorgeous! Can we see more of your babies!

[Ben H]

follow the link uner the pictures...or this one

http://www.skyloftmorgans.com/

[floyd]

I do not ride much anymore but have horses that ride & drive.