The first class was held in the spring of 1994 and there has been enough interest that we plan to continue offering the course once a year.The course is conducted at the Carriage Wheel Ranch in Chugiak Alaska.We teach single as well as team driving, and offer hitch driving and carriage driving classes.

The course is one day, about 8 hours. We start by getting the class accustomed to the horses and the horses accustomed to the students. This involves rounding up the horses, brushing, combing, and preparing the hooves. Even students who have had previous horse experience can be intimidated at first by draft horses that weigh over a ton and stand up to 19 hands high, so getting to know the "Gentle Giants" is an important step.

After the horses are brushed and cleaned the students learn about harness function and proper adjustment. Then we demonstrate how to harness the draft horse. Harnessing can be physically demanding for someone who hasn't developed the correct technique. But done correctly even the smallest and shortest individuals can harness our largest horses Bob and Barney, who weigh over 2000 pounds and are over 18 hands.

After harnessing, students learn to line drive singles and teams in our arena .  Working with the teams builds confidence in the driver and horse. Students learn to do circles, figure 8's, and backing maneuvers. Next we break for lunch with a campfire next to Peter's Creek, a glacier fed stream. Lunch provides a good opportunity to discuss what was done during the morning session and answer questions.

After lunch the fun begins . We go for 4 to 5 mile wagon and cart rides. The morning part of the class is physically demanding-  grooming, harnessing, and   hitching walking behind the horses.

Now the student gets to sit down and learn to drive a wagon. There is nothing like the feeling of driving these strong and powerful animals, learning to control their power with your own hands while traveling through a beautiful birch forest near Chugiak.

The training ride takes us over a one lane wooden bridge, along a swift flowing stream, down a narrow country road and finally on a well traveled busy road.

After the driving session is over, the class learns how to unharness and care for the horses. Particular attention is given to horse care during cold conditions and the necessary precautions that must be taken. When the day is done, the student will be tired, but proud of their accomplishments and newly learned skills. We hope to see you in our next class. 

View a Slide Show of the Course

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