Re: RC: driving questions

["Carolyn Burgess" <carolyn_burgess@hotmail.com>]

I don't drive horses, so maybe I'm missing something, but I just bought 
another Standardbred from a racing home and asked about an overcheck.  This 
is about the stupidest device I've ever seen.  It is attached at the poll 
and at the pommel, to keep their head up.  Anyone with an Arab works to keep 
their horse from doing this.  It makes them hollow their back and they can't 
round their necks and "collect" themselves.  I thought an overcheck was only 
used in harness racing. Even the woman I bought my Standardbred from only 
used it to race because it is a mandatory piece of equipment.

Carolyn Burgess


>From: "Anita Carlson" <ranger2@net-magic.net>
>To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
>Subject: RC:  driving questions
>Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001 16:35:06 -0400
>
>I just got a jog cart and harness and plan to teach my 6 yr old to drive.  
>he's pretty sensible, and is used to being long lined w/ the bitting rig.
>my questions- should I use the over check?  bridle came w/ a  cheap 1/2 
>cheek driving snaffle (no seperate overcheck bit).  I've been riding him in 
>a bit similar to a Dr. Bristol and he responds better w/ that than the 
>plain snaffle.
>
>also should I use the blinders?  what are the pros and cons?
>what I'd like to do is just use his regular riding bridle to drive with.
>
>thanks-
>Anita Carlson
>ranger2@net-magic.net

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