The clinic on Starting Young Horses, hosted by the South Central Region of the Irish Draught Horse Society of North America, was declared a huge success by participants and auditors alike. Held at Tom O'Carroll's Good Hands Training Center in Navasota, Texas, the clinic drew over 30 horse owners, trainers, and show judges from different corners of the Lone Star State. By the time we paused for lunch, requests had been made for a future clinic with Tom. It was clear that we only tapped the surface of Tom's vast equine knowledge, and the experience left many wanting to learn more.

The purpose of the clinic was to give the attendees an overview of Tom's system of starting a young horse. Although Tom is primarily a trainer of driving horses, the training included manners, leading, round pen work (basic to starting all horses), and then first stages of working in harness, including ground driving. Tom believes ground driving is essential for starting all horses.

The three horses used for demonstrations were (1) Prescott's Flagmount Dancer, "Dancer", a two year old purebred Irish Draught Horse filly owned by Karen and Pat Garrett; (2) Proud Jazzmine, "Jazz", a two year old Irish Draught Sport Horse Filly owned by Kerianne Robertson; and (3) Gowain, a six year old Gypsy Vanner that was imported from England and owned by Donna Meyer.

Dancer had only been in training for one month with Tom prior to the clinic. She was not only a star performer and a "quick study" for everything Tom presented, but a charming comedian as well. Dancer perfected a nose flip/wiggle that allowed her to slip out of the noseband on her training halter whenever Tom turned his back. Typical for the Irish Draught, she exhibited the sense of humor that is a breed trait and kept the audience laughing. Dancer progressed through three months of training during the one day clinic and never complained. Even when the shafts of the sled became hung up in the poles of the round pen, Dancer stood patiently waiting for Tom to free her.

Jazz started her session with giving Tom his exercise in the round pen. The 2 year old Irish Draught Sport Horse filly had athleticism and endurance to spare. Tom concluded the round pen demonstration with Jazz obediently following him without a lead rope. She then proceeded to stand quietly while being tacked. Tom teaches the horse to stand without any restraint. The surprising part of this exercise is that Tom accomplishes this goal in one session. Jazz then progressed to long lining. It was amazing to watch so many new things presented to the horses, and to see them accepting them in a relaxed way.

Gowain came to the Clinic to be introduced to a training driving vehicle. He was already going well under saddle and long lining. His first lesson was to pay attention to Tom rather than his surroundings. Tom's consistent use of the training halter and relaxation techniques encouraged Gowain to lower his head and stand quietly for harnessing. True to his Gypsy Vanner heritage, Gowain settled into the driving lessons and quietly pulled the training sled. He was on track to becoming a promising driving horse by the end of the clinic.

Tom stressed that patience and consistency were cornerstones of training. He demonstrated relaxation techniques and taught the audience the importance of teaching a horse to lower its head when asked. We were clearly able to see that when a horse is calm, new lessons can be learned quickly. Tom is a gifted, intuitive horseman that is equally comfortable communicating with people. His skills made the training steps understandably clear and gave those attending a new perspective on training young horses.

The South Central Region of the IDHS(NA) would like to thank Tom O'Carroll for providing excellent instruction on starting young horses. We are also grateful to Karen and Pat Garrett, Kerianne Robertson, and Donna Meyer for bringing their horses so that we could all see the results of correctly applied training. This clinic would not have been possible without financial contribution from the Irish Draught Horse Society of North America.

written by Sue Holland
South Central Region Chairperson