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Training Miniature Horses to Drive
Spring of "09" Cathie came to my barn to teach me how to
use the Dr. Cook’s new bitless bridle for a mini. I have
driven and ridden a "big horse" without a bit. The only
reason that I have not use this bridle on a mini is I do not
like blinkers. The new bridle for a mini is made so one
decide if they want to have the blinkers on their horse. I
was very impressed with how well Ginger drove with her new
bridle. I would strongly recommend anyone who loves to drive
to seriously consider this bridle. Many people think that a
horse is not "finished" unless they know how to handle a bit
in their mouths. I do not think that you have to even
consider using a bit with your dear mini. They drive just
fine with this bridle-Ginger did better than when I used a
traditional bridle. Thank you Cathie!!!! Heidi J. Sardina
Heidi ground driving Ginger in a Dr. Cooks biltess bridle
for the first time. Prior to this she had been using a
regular halter. The cross under straps provide fine tuned
communication that the rope halter or regular halter does
not - Cathie
Four years prior to meeting Cathie I was involved in a
horrible riding accident. Due to my school pony spooking
with a bit in his mouth, I was thrown at a full gallop into
the indoor arena wall. The impact was so severe that I
knocked the clock in the tack room off the wall. The injury
resulted with a broken knee is three places, femoral artery
shattered, and a spiral facture of the right femur. I never
stabilized enough even to reach intensive care. After
countless operations, today you would never see the physical
damage. However the fear of the event still haunts me. One
friend present that December night ended her riding career.
My husband did not want me to go back to the sport. However
since he understood my love of horses he strongly encouraged
me to buy a miniature horse. At my new barn, the owner gave
me some brochures on one of Cathie's upcoming clinics.
 At
Bobcat Farm clinic, I could not believe the positive results
Cathie was able to obtain with problem horses. One example
was the owner informed Cathie that she was having trouble
loading her horse into a trailer. By the end of the
afternoon Cathie was able to ground drive the animal into
the trailer.
Last Saturday, I spent three hours learning the safe
methods on driving. This is the first time that I have done
anything with a full grown horse and truly green to the
sport of driving. . However, due to my faith in Cathie and
her training methods, I was not afraid to hitch and drive
her beautiful mare, Cachina around the farm. Please look at
the picture, no bit!
Cathie is a true horse whisper. She will spend the time
to show you how to handle the bad behaviors which many of
our equine partners may develop. She can also help start a
young foal, teach you how to load your horse, and the basics
in driving. Many horse trainers do not have the patience to
instruct the human element of the partnership. I sincerely
believe that you owe it not only to yourself, your horse but
to your family and friends to have a safe experience as
possible around horses. If you would like to speak to me in
person, My home phone number is 508-788-1253 and my e-mail
is
heidimacarthur@yahoo.com.
Sincerely,
Heidi Jane Sardina M.Ed.
I had Cathie out to my farm to help me start my mini
driving. I thought it was great to find a trainer willing to
come out to my barn and work with me and my horse! My mini
never had any previous driving training. Cathie worked magic
with him! She started the ground work and progressed at a
comfortable pace that left my little guy confident.
She took things one step at a time to ensure he understood
what was being asked before she moved on as to not skip any
steps. What she accomplished with him in several sessions
was truly amazing! Best of all, my horse was happy which
speaks volumes to the training process.
Thanks, Cathie for your help! Sara Minsk (Mendon, MA)
Cathie and Sunny pulling a log for the first time.
Next step the cart!
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