DRIVING 101: From Zero to Ground Driving

Teach your horse to drive

from the ground up

Step into driving with clarity, confidence, and a partnership you can trust.

You know the importance of thorough training for your horse. 

You’ve heard that a good foundation is the key to long-term success.

You’ve probably heard people say “start with groundwork,” and you’ve maybe picked up a couple exercises to try.

But when it comes to driving, what does that foundation actually look like?

  • Where should you start?

  • What skills matter most?

  • And how do you know when your horse is truly ready for the next step?

The driving horse’s training begins long before we harness her up. 

Even if you’re lucky enough to have a horse who is calm and willing by nature, she still needs the skills to do the job well. Those skills are built long before you ever hitch her to a carriage—they’re educated on the ground, where clear communication and confidence take root.

🧩

Training that makes sense

Groundwork lets you break the training into small, manageable pieces that can be learned, practised, and mastered one step at a time. Each new skill builds naturally on the last—without overwhelm or confusion.

🐎

Strong, healthy movement

From the ground, we guide your horse to find her own balance and posture before ever pulling a vehicle, building the strength and coordination she needs for long-term soundness. The goal is a horse who protects her body by pulling in a balanced, healthy way with muscles conditioned for the job.

🧠

Skills that stick

We can teach each skill from the easiest, most accessible position first. Once the skill is understood, then we can put it in context and build upon it. This approach keeps learning smooth and stress-free for both horse and human.

🌳

Safe, smooth progress

A well-prepared horse meets each new stage of training without confusion or resistance, because nothing feels like a surprise. Each little success builds her confidence—and yours—and strengthens the communication you’ll depend on once she’s in harness.

Most beginner drivers want to teach their horse safely and kindly…

...but without a clear roadmap, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

You might try to piece together what you see others doing, watch endless videos, or find yourself following tips that contradict one another—only to end up with confusion, frustration, and a horse who’s unsure of what’s being asked.

So many beginner carriage drivers start out with all kinds of enthusiasm, yet never actually hook their horse to a carriage.

  • They think, “how hard can it be?” and rush in without a clear plan.

  • They underestimate what we are actually asking of a driving horse—the physical, mental, and emotional skills required to do the job safely and comfortably.

  • Some drivers do hook their horse to a carriage a few times, but something doesn’t feel right. Subconsciously, they sense they’re moving too fast—putting the cart before the horse—and become hesitant or afraid to continue.

  • When things don’t feel easy, they lose interest or confidence (often both), leaving both horse and driver feeling stuck and discouraged before they’ve truly begun.

Here’s the problem:

Those holes in your training create unsafe situations and frustrated horses

When a horse feels confused, overwhelmed, or pressured to progress too fast, problem behaviours start to crop up. Balking, spinning, even rearing or bolting—issues that are difficult (and dangerous) to undo later.

Progress stalls, doubt creeps in, and you may not even realize you’re avoiding driving at first... But the harness and cart start to collect dust, and driving slowly becomes less and less of a priority, until it’s nothing more than a whim of the past.

4

Reasons why most beginner carriage drivers never drive a carriage

(And how to guarantee you WILL)

REASON 01 – Underestimating the scope of the project

Driving your horse is a beautiful, rewarding endeavour, but it’s also a project—especially if you and your horse are both beginners. It requires patience, planning, and consistent practice. Many new drivers think they can “figure it out as they go,” only to find themselves overwhelmed when small problems pile up.

REASON 02 – A shaky foundation

Everything your horse does in harness depends on the quality of her foundation. Many beginners try to jump ahead instead of building those fundamental skills early on. But even the quietest, most willing horse can struggle if she hasn’t learned to respond confidently, carry herself comfortably, or if she doesn’t understand the job. Neglecting these fundamentals sets you up for trouble later.

REASON 03 – Lack of clear communication

When your aids are inconsistent or unclear, your horse struggles to understand what you’re asking. That confusion only grows when reins, harness, and a vehicle are added into the mix. Your horse becomes tense, unsure, or resistant, and small misunderstandings can escalate quickly into balking, spinning, or even bolting. Clear communication on the ground creates calm, confident responses in every stage of driving.

REASON 04 – Not having support

Trying to navigate all of this alone is a fast track to frustration. Without guidance from an experienced mentor, it’s easy to doubt yourself, misread your horse, and get stuck when challenges arise. A knowledgeable coach provides perspective, practical solutions, and guidance to troubleshoot problems safely and keep your training on track. A supportive community adds encouragement, shared experience, and motivation, helping you stay confident and inspired throughout your driving journey.

Success in driving doesn’t happen by accident.

It’s not luck. It’s not magic.

It starts with mastering your groundwork fundamentals—developing clear communication and essential skills on the ground first, so driving becomes the natural next step in your partnership.

I’m impressed with how much of an impact it has to go back to some basics and tune them up. This is important foundational skill building that is not hard to practice and has a big impact in everything I do with my horse.

– Driving 101 student since 2023

INTRODUCING

DRIVING 101: From Zero to Ground Driving

DRIVING 101:

From Zero to Ground Driving

A group coaching program that guides you and your horse step-by-step from basic groundwork to confident ground driving

Hi, I'm Christine! 👋

After 17 years of carriage driving and more than 10,000 hours working horses in public and urban settings, I’ve learned what it really takes to develop safe, confident driving horses. 

Driving 101 distils those lessons into a thoughtful, easy-to-follow curriculum you can apply with your own horse.

Driving 101 isn’t just a course—it’s an apprenticeship.

You won’t just watch videos—you’ll learn alongside other committed drivers, with direct guidance from me and a supportive community to answer questions, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate progress.

I’ll walk you step-by-step through the exact program I use everyday to develop calm, capable, well-rounded driving horses. With guidance at every stage, you’ll implement each step with confidence, knowing nothing is left to chance.

The result?

A horse who is safe, willing, and confident in harness—and a partnership you’ll feel proud of.

This program is for you if…

  • You’re an experienced horseperson stepping into driving and want to learn properly from the start

    You’re looking for clarity, structure, and guidance to grow your own skills as a driver, so you can move forward with confidence instead of trial and error.

  • Your horse is new to driving and you want to give them the best start possible.

    You want to feel confident in what you’re teaching, knowing you’re building the solid foundation they need to become a calm, capable, confident driving horse.

  • You’re already doing some driving and want to refine your skills and communication

    You’re craving clearer conversations with your horse, smoother responses, and more ease in your work together, creating a driving partnership that feels genuinely connected and confident.

  • You’re curious, committed, and excited to grow as a horseperson

    You’re ready to dig into the details—learning, practising, and refining the fundamentals that deepen your partnership and prepare your horse for driving success.

  • You want real support—not just videos

    You learn best with personalized coaching, conversation, feedback, and a welcoming community you can turn to whenever questions come up.

DRIVING 101

is the first course of its kind that…

Shows you every step in order

No guessing, no gaps, no rushing ahead before your horse is ready—and no getting stuck when it’s time to move forward.

Breaks down each type of groundwork

Learn each type of groundwork—including leading work, lungework, bombproofing, and ground driving—clearly and systematically, so you understand how they connect to build a strong foundation.

Balances theory and practice

You’ll learn not just what to do, but why—so every step not only teaches your horse, but also broadens your own understanding and skills as a trainer.

Combines self-paced learning with personalized coaching

Learn on your own rhythm, while receiving live support, guidance, and feedback to help you apply everything effectively with your horse.

Here’s how it all breaks down

MODULE 1

Leading with Purpose

Find clarity, relaxation, and attentiveness from day one.

  • Build clear communication and reliable responses

  • Establish the core habits and qualities of a good driving horse

  • Step into the role of the grounded, consistent teacher

MODULE 2

(Re)discovering Lungework

Develop communication, balance, and responsiveness

  • Improve your horse’s balance, rhythm, and self-carriage

  • Introduce the voice commands

  • Strengthen your horse’s responsiveness while sharpening your own timing and clarity

MODULE 3

Expanding Horizons

Build physical and mental strength for real-world driving

  • Develop healthy, balanced gaits for long-term soundness

  • Learn to work at a distance while staying connected and responsive

  • Improve steadiness and reliability around different sights and sounds

MODULE 4

Bridging the Gap

Put the pieces together and transition smoothly into the driving position.

  • Introduce the outside rein and develop a deeper feel for your horse’s balance and movement

  • Build healthy contact and straightness in the long lines

  • Slide naturally into the driving position

MODULE 5

Ground Driving Like a Pro

You’ve built the foundation—now it’s time to drive!

  • Practise the core skills of driving: rein handling, timing, balance, and smooth transitions

  • Build consistent, confident communication

  • Enjoy driving with ease and confidence

Here’s what your journey "From Zero to Ground Driving" could look like...

MONTH ONE

You begin with Module 1, laying the foundation for clarity, connection, and relaxation.

You start to notice your horse paying attention with a softness you may not have felt before.

You join your first coaching call, get feedback on your early exercises, and leave with a sense of “I can really do this.”

MONTH THREE

Your horse grows more confident stepping out in front of you and braver in the face of new sights and sounds.

You feel your partnership deepening as you both gain steadiness and clarity.

Coaching calls and community support keep you moving forward without overwhelm.

MONTH FIVE

As long reining begins to click, everything feels smoother—your timing, your hands, your horse’s responses.

You realize you’re almost ready for the next stage and confidently begin the search for a driving harness that fits your horse and your goals.

Your horse stays relaxed and engaged, giving you the unmistakable feeling that you’re on the right path.

MONTH TWO

Lungework brings everything into sharper focus.

Your horse gradually becomes more responsive and balanced. She starts to anticipate less and listen more, and everything feels more organized.

Groundwork no longer feels like guesswork—it feels purposeful.

MONTH FOUR

Your groundwork feels steadier, more consistent, and more enjoyable than ever.

You begin to see how each exercise connects to the next, and your horse moves with a sense of comfort and familiarity in the work.

You join a guest training about combined driving, and suddenly a whole new world opens up. You feel inspired, energized, and excited about where this journey could take you.

MONTH SIX

Ground driving is feeling like second-nature now, and you go everywhere: around the arena, down the lane, through the back fields, and beyond.

Your horse feels steady, responsive, and genuinely confident wherever you go.

You realize you’re not just practising anymore… you’re really driving—and your partnership feels stronger than ever.

Here’s what your journey "From Zero to Ground Driving" could look like...

MONTH ONE

You begin with Module 1, laying the foundation for clarity, connection, and relaxation.

You start to notice your horse paying attention with a softness you may not have felt before.

You join your first coaching call, get feedback on your early exercises, and leave with a sense of “I can really do this.”

MONTH TWO

Lungework brings everything into sharper focus.

Your horse gradually becomes more responsive and balanced. She starts to anticipate less and listen more, and everything feels more organized.

Groundwork no longer feels like guesswork—it feels purposeful.

MONTH THREE

Your horse grows more confident stepping out in front of you and braver in the face of new sights and sounds.

You feel your partnership deepening as you both gain steadiness and clarity.

Coaching calls and community support keep you moving forward without overwhelm.

MONTH FOUR

Your groundwork feels steadier, more consistent, and more enjoyable than ever.

You begin to see how each exercise connects to the next, and your horse moves with a sense of comfort and familiarity in the work.

You join a guest training about combined driving, and suddenly a whole new world opens up. You feel inspired, energized, and excited about where this journey could take you.

MONTH FIVE

As long reining begins to click, everything feels smoother—your timing, your hands, your horse’s responses.

You realize you’re almost ready for the next stage and confidently begin the search for a driving harness that fits your horse and your goals.

Your horse stays relaxed and engaged, giving you the unmistakable feeling that you’re on the right path.

MONTH SIX

Ground driving is feeling like second-nature now, and you go everywhere: around the arena, down the lane, through the back fields, and beyond.

Your horse feels steady, responsive, and genuinely confident wherever you go.

You realize you’re not just practising anymore… you’re really driving—and your partnership feels stronger than ever.

What’s included in the coaching program

In addition to the video lessons, trainings, and resources inside the course portal, your Driving 101 experience also includes live coaching with Christine to help you apply the work effectively and keep you moving forward safely and smoothly.

There's no substitute for an experienced coach who knows you, knows your horse, and has your back every step of the journey.

Here's how it works:

MONTHLY COACHING CALLS

  • 90-minute live Zoom calls, focused on one module at a time

  • Share your videos for personalized feedback and guidance

  • Ask questions about the topic at hand and get real-time solutions

  • Call time is usually Tuesdays at 6 PM Mountain Time

  • Can’t make it live? Replays are always available

MONTHLY OFFICE HOURS

  • 60-minute live Zoom calls where anything goes

  • Troubleshoot challenges, share progress, and get guidance on your horse’s training

  • Bring your questions and curiosities

  • Call time is usually Thursdays at 12 PM Mountain Time

  • Replays available if you can’t attend live

SPECIAL GUEST TRAININGS

  • Explore different styles of driving and their unique challenges

  • Learn specialty training techniques from experienced professionals

  • Discover what’s possible in the world of driving horses

  • Held a few times per year, with replays always available

PLUS: FULL SUPPORT TO LEARN THE "TECH STUFF"

  • We guide you step-by-step on how to film and share videos of your horse’s progress, even if you’re new to video or not confident with technology

  • This ensures you can fully participate in coaching calls, get personalized feedback, and track your improvements over time

And to make sure you're supported and connected every step of the way, you'll also get access to:

The Driving 101 Members’ Lounge

Private Facebook community

A warm, friendly space where students share progress, ask questions, and celebrate milestones together.

You’ll find support, guidance, and encouragement whenever you need it.

  • Ask questions

  • Share photos and videos of your work

  • Connect with like-minded horse people

  • Get inspired by others’ progress

  • Learn from ongoing group discussions and Q&As

Bonus trainings

Take your learning even further with bonus trainings designed to expand your knowledge and help you become a well-rounded driver.

Bridles, Bits, and Lines: An Open Discussion

Questions about headgear are some of the most common I hear, but bridles, bits, and blinders are kind of the "politics and religion" of the horse community. I tend to steer clear of these topics on social media, because there’s just too much nuance involved.

But in DRIVING 101, we go there. We explore these topics in an open, thoughtful discussion to help you make informed choices for your driving horse.

Choosing Your First Horsedrawn Vehicle

Selecting the right vehicle for your horse and your goals can feel overwhelming. In this training, I guide you through the options, explain the pros and cons of different carts and wagons, and show you what to look for in terms of safety, fit, and usability.

  • Two wheels vs four

  • Shafts, singletrees, and brakes

  • Fit and balance

  • Choosing the right vehicle for you 

PLUS: Real-life case studies and candid training videos

Inside the course portal, you'll also find a growing library of case studies and candid videos from real training sessions.

In many of these, I narrate live, sharing exactly what I’m noticing, thinking, and doing in the moment so you can understand the reasoning behind each decision.

See me school my own horses, learn as you watch challenges being solved in real time, and take away practical strategies you can apply directly with your own horse.

💭 Now imagine…

  • You’re ground driving your horse around your farm with ease, moving smoothly together as a team

  • Your horse is relaxed and responsive—truly understanding what’s being asked at every step

  • You feel confident in your skills and in the foundation you’ve built

  • You share a deep sense of trust, connection, and partnership with your horse—ready for any challenge

  • You feel the pride and satisfaction of having educated your driving partner from the ground up

This is what we aim to achieve inside Driving 101.

I have loved my experience in Driving 101. I’ve been wanting to get into driving for years but I didn’t know where to start and have found it a daunting community to enter. This program has really propelled my knowledge and confidence and I have loved every moment.

Cat Tether

This program offers so many new ideas and perspectives. I have integrated Christine’s descriptions into my daily lessons with my mare. Christine’s tone of voice and the words she uses convey such a sense of calm and confidence. Her approach is centered on the horse's well-being, the safety of everyone, and the ability of the horse owner to confidently and competently teach their equine, and themselves to drive. I am so glad I joined Driving 101.

Student since 2023

Join Driving 101 today

Your program package includes lifetime access to 40+ video trainings, reference materials, regular coaching support, and a friendly, encouraging community—all the guidance you need to start driving your horse with confidence and clarity.

Choose the package that fits your life:

MOST FLEXIBLE

Pay monthly

6 payments of

$133 USD

  • Immediate access to all course materials

  • Five modules of video lessons

  • Monthly coaching calls and office hours

  • Private Facebook community

Plus these bonuses...
  • Bridles, Bits, & Lines class

  • Choosing your First Vehicle class

  • Special guest trainings

  • Real-life training videos

PAY ONCE

Pay upfront

1 payment of

$697 USD

SAVE $100
  • Immediate access to all course materials

  • Five modules of video lessons

  • Monthly coaching calls and office hours

  • Private Facebook community

Plus these bonuses...
  • Bridles, Bits, & Lines class

  • Choosing your First Vehicle class

  • Special guest trainings

  • Real-life training videos

UPGRADE TO VIP

Unlock VIP support

1 payment of

$1,497 USD

Unlock exclusive support and fast-track your progress with the VIP Package!

You’ll get everything included in DRIVING 101 plus one-on-one coaching every two weeks for real-time guidance, tailored feedback, and dedicated support to help you and your horse move forward smoothly and confidently.

Includes everything in the general admission package, plus:
  • 12x one-on-one coaching calls in your first six months

  • Dedicated support to help you achieve your driving goals

  • Focused & Forward vision & training strategy workshop

Only 7 3 VIP seats available

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

You deserve to feel good about your investment. If you find within the first 30 days that Driving 101 just isn’t the right fit, email to let us know. If we can’t sort things out together, we will issue a full refund.

Note: We may ask a few questions to understand your experience so we can keep improving the program.

Questions? Answers.

I ride, but I’ve never driven before. Is this program suitable for beginners?

Yes! If you’re an experienced horseperson stepping into driving, you’re exactly who I designed this program for.

While it may look like you’re here to train your horse, the truth is that we’re developing your skills just as much as theirs. You’ll be learning right alongside your horse every step of the way, growing your skills together as a team.

I have a very young horse. Is it too soon to get started?

Not at all. With young horses, the early groundwork is especially valuable—and you’ll simply move through it at a pace that suits their growing body and mind. If your horse is under three, you’ll likely spend more time in the first two modules than someone working with a more mature horse.

And don’t worry about the old warnings you’ve heard about “too much lunging.” There is far more to lunge work than trotting endless 20-metre circles. In Modules 2 and 3, I’ll show you how to get tremendous value from lungework without stressing young joints or boring both of you with tedious circling.

Everything can be adapted to suit your horse’s physical and mental maturity, ensuring training stays safe, appropriate, and enjoyable.

My horse and I already have some driving experience. Will we still benefit?

Absolutely. Many experienced drivers join to fill in gaps, improve clarity and responsiveness, or rebuild confidence after past challenges.

The skills taught here deepen communication, strengthen connection, and refine the quality of your work—no matter how much experience you already have.

Is this program suitable for drafts / minis / gaited horses / donkeys / insert breed here?

Yes—absolutely. Driving principles apply across breeds, sizes, and types, and the program is designed to support them all.

The exercises are adaptable and focus on clear communication, responsiveness, balance, and confidence—the foundations every driving animal needs, whether they’re a Percheron, a mini, a gaited horse, a donkey, or anything in between.

You’ll learn how to work with your equine’s unique strengths and challenges, and the coaching calls give you personalized guidance tailored to your specific horse.

Do I need an arena to do this work?

Not at all. Most of the work in Driving 101 can be done in any reasonably flat, safe area—such as a paddock, pasture, yard, or laneway. I’ll show you how to adapt each exercise to the space you have—in fact, presently, I don’t even have a true arena myself!

I live somewhere with long, cold winters. Can I still participate without an indoor arena?

Absolutely. I live in Alberta, Canada, so I’m right there with you.

Much of the early groundwork is done entirely at a walk and doesn’t need a huge amount of space. We can easily adapt the work to suit the ground conditions you’re working with—and if you have to take a week off here and there, that’s totally okay.

In many ways, joining as we head into winter is ideal—you can focus on the quiet, foundational work now, so by the time spring arrives, you and your horse are already well underway.

I don’t own any driving equipment. Do I need a harness or cart to begin?

No, you don’t need any driving equipment. A halter and lead rope are all you need to get started.

As you progress, we’ll introduce a few additional tools (like a lunge cavesson), and I’ll guide you on exactly what to get and where to find it.

I don’t recommend buying a harness or vehicle yet. The program includes bonus trainings to help you choose equipment confidently when the time is right—saving you money, frustration, and guesswork.

I’m not very tech-savvy. Will I be able to participate? What equipment do I need?

Absolutely—and you don’t need anything fancy. If you have a smartphone (or another device that can take video), you’re all set.

In the first two weeks of the program, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to record and share your videos so it feels doable rather than overwhelming. Many students start out unsure and are soon surprised by how simple it becomes with a little support—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Can I really learn horse training skills online? How does this compare to in-person lessons?

You sure can. One of the biggest advantages of learning online is that you can see exactly what each step looks like in the video lessons—so you know what you’re aiming for and what comes next.

Instead of relying on an instructor to tell you what to do in the moment, you learn the material first through the videos, then bring your work to the live coaching calls for personalised guidance and feedback.

It’s instruction and coaching working together, supported by community connection—and it’s incredibly effective.

How much time do I need each week?

Most students practise 20–30 minutes per session, a few days per week. The lessons are short and easy to follow, so you can fit them into busy schedules—in fact, short, focused sessions are often more effective than long ones.

Since the program is self-paced, you can find the training rhythm that best suits your life and your horse’s needs.

How long will it take to get my horse ground driving?

Every horse–human team progresses at their own pace, but the program is designed as a six-month journey. If you’re practising 4–5 days per week and participating in the coaching calls, it’s very realistic to expect your horse to be successfully ground driving within that timeframe.

Some move faster, some take longer—this program gives you the structure, support, and clarity to keep moving forward at the pace that’s right for you.

What if I can’t attend the coaching calls live?

No problem—every call is recorded and added to your course portal within 24 hours. You’re welcome to submit a video for coaching, even if you’re not able to be there live. Some students only watch replays and still get the full value of the coaching.

Do I have to share videos to get value from the program?

No. Many students learn simply by watching others get coached. Sharing videos is completely optional—but if you want personalised feedback and guidance, the coaching calls are the best opportunity.

How long do I have access to the course and coaching?

Your course package includes lifetime access to the full course library, including future updates and additions.

You also get lifetime access to all monthly coaching calls, office hours, guest trainings, and the private community—so you can revisit support anytime and progress at the pace that fits your life.

On coaching calls, we give priority to new students first, and then open space for veteran students as time allows.

I’m not on Facebook. Can I still join?

Yes. The Facebook group is optional. You’ll still have full access to the course portal, coaching calls, replays, and email support.

What if it’s not a good fit?

You’re protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide within 30 days that the program isn’t right for you, just email us. If we can’t resolve the concern together, you’ll receive a full refund.

Š 2025 Christine Beattie Equine