Step into driving with clarity, confidence, and a partnership you can trust.
Youâve heard that a good foundation is the key to long-term success.
Youâve probably heard people say âstart with groundwork,â and youâve 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?

Even if youâre 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 carriageâtheyâre educated on the ground, where clear communication and confidence take root.
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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 lastâwithout overwhelm or confusion.
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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.
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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.
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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 confidenceâand yoursâand strengthens the communication youâll depend on once sheâs in harness.
You might try to piece together what you see others doing, watch endless videos, or find yourself following tips that contradict one anotherâonly to end up with confusion, frustration, and a horse whoâs unsure of whatâs being asked.
They think, âhow hard can it be?â and rush in without a clear plan.
They underestimate what we are actually asking of a driving horseâthe 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 doesnât feel right. Subconsciously, they sense theyâre moving too fastâputting the cart before the horseâand become hesitant or afraid to continue.
When things donât feel easy, they lose interest or confidence (often both), leaving both horse and driver feeling stuck and discouraged before theyâve truly begun.

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 boltingâissues that are difficult (and dangerous) to undo later.
Progress stalls, doubt creeps in, and you may not even realize youâre avoiding driving at first... But the harness and cart start to collect dust, and driving slowly becomes less and less of a priority, until itâs nothing more than a whim of the past.
4
REASON 01 â Underestimating the scope of the project
Driving your horse is a beautiful, rewarding endeavour, but itâs also a projectâespecially if you and your horse are both beginners. It requires patience, planning, and consistent practice. Many new drivers think they can âfigure it out as they go,â only to find themselves overwhelmed when small problems pile up.
REASON 02 â 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 hasnât learned to respond confidently, carry herself comfortably, or if she doesnât understand the job. Neglecting these fundamentals sets you up for trouble later.
REASON 03 â Lack of clear communication
When your aids are inconsistent or unclear, your horse struggles to understand what youâre 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 â Not having support
Trying to navigate all of this alone is a fast track to frustration. Without guidance from an experienced mentor, itâs 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.

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

Iâm 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.
â Driving 101 student since 2023
INTRODUCING
A group coaching program that guides you and your horse step-by-step from basic groundwork to confident ground driving

Hi, I'm Christine! đ
After 17 years of carriage driving and more than 10,000 hours working horses in public and urban settings, Iâve 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 isnât just a courseâitâs an apprenticeship.
You wonât just watch videosâyouâll learn alongside other committed drivers, with direct guidance from me and a supportive community to answer questions, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate progress.
Iâll 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, youâll implement each step with confidence, knowing nothing is left to chance.
Youâre an experienced horseperson stepping into driving and want to learn properly from the start
Youâre 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 youâre teaching, knowing youâre building the solid foundation they need to become a calm, capable, confident driving horse.
Youâre already doing some driving and want to refine your skills and communication
Youâre 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.
Youâre curious, committed, and excited to grow as a horseperson
Youâre ready to dig into the detailsâlearning, practising, and refining the fundamentals that deepen your partnership and prepare your horse for driving success.
You want real supportânot just videos
You learn best with personalized coaching, conversation, feedback, and a welcoming community you can turn to whenever questions come up.

No guessing, no gaps, no rushing ahead before your horse is readyâand no getting stuck when itâs time to move forward.

Learn each type of groundworkâincluding leading work, lungework, bombproofing, and ground drivingâclearly and systematically, so you understand how they connect to build a strong foundation.

Youâll learn not just what to do, but whyâso every step not only teaches your horse, but also broadens your own understanding and skills as a trainer.

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

Develop communication, balance, and responsiveness
Improve your horseâs balance, rhythm, and self-carriage
Introduce the voice commands
Strengthen your horseâs responsiveness while sharpening your own timing and clarity

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

Put the pieces together and transition smoothly into the driving position.
Introduce the outside rein and develop a deeper feel for your horseâs balance and movement
Build healthy contact and straightness in the long lines
Slide naturally into the driving position

Youâve built the foundationânow itâs 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

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 âI can really do this.â
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.
As long reining begins to click, everything feels smootherâyour timing, your hands, your horseâs responses.
You realize youâre 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 youâre on the right path.

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 guessworkâit feels purposeful.
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.
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 youâre not just practising anymore⌠youâre really drivingâand your partnership feels stronger than ever.
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 âI can really do this.â
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 guessworkâit feels purposeful.
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.
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.
As long reining begins to click, everything feels smootherâyour timing, your hands, your horseâs responses.
You realize youâre 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 youâre on the right path.
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 youâre not just practising anymore⌠youâre really drivingâand your partnership feels stronger than ever.

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:
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
Canât make it live? Replays are always available
60-minute live Zoom calls where anything goes
Troubleshoot challenges, share progress, and get guidance on your horseâs training
Bring your questions and curiosities
Call time is usually Thursdays at 12 PM Mountain Time
Replays available if you canât attend live
Explore different styles of driving and their unique challenges
Learn specialty training techniques from experienced professionals
Discover whatâs possible in the world of driving horses
Held a few times per year, with replays always available
We guide you step-by-step on how to film and share videos of your horseâs progress, even if youâre 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
A warm, friendly space where students share progress, ask questions, and celebrate milestones together.
Youâll 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 othersâ progress
Learn from ongoing group discussions and Q&As
Take your learning even further with bonus trainings designed to expand your knowledge and help you become a well-rounded driver.
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 thereâs 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.
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
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 Iâm 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.

Youâre ground driving your horse around your farm with ease, moving smoothly together as a team
Your horse is relaxed and responsiveâtruly understanding whatâs being asked at every step
You feel confident in your skills and in the foundation youâve built
You share a deep sense of trust, connection, and partnership with your horseâready for any challenge
You feel the pride and satisfaction of having educated your driving partner from the ground up


I have loved my experience in Driving 101. Iâve been wanting to get into driving for years but I didnât 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 Christineâs descriptions into my daily lessons with my mare. Christineâs 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

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


Immediate access to all course materials
Five modules of video lessons
Monthly coaching calls and office hours
Private Facebook community
Bridles, Bits, & Lines class
Choosing your First Vehicle class
Special guest trainings
Real-life training videos

Immediate access to all course materials
Five modules of video lessons
Monthly coaching calls and office hours
Private Facebook community
Bridles, Bits, & Lines class
Choosing your First Vehicle class
Special guest trainings
Real-life training videos

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

You deserve to feel good about your investment. If you find within the first 30 days that Driving 101 just isnât the right fit, email to let us know. If we canât 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.
Yes! If youâre an experienced horseperson stepping into driving, youâre exactly who I designed this program for.
While it may look like youâre here to train your horse, the truth is that weâre developing your skills just as much as theirs. Youâll be learning right alongside your horse every step of the way, growing your skills together as a team.
Not at all. With young horses, the early groundwork is especially valuableâand youâll simply move through it at a pace that suits their growing body and mind. If your horse is under three, youâll likely spend more time in the first two modules than someone working with a more mature horse.
And donât worry about the old warnings youâve heard about âtoo much lunging.â There is far more to lunge work than trotting endless 20-metre circles. In Modules 2 and 3, Iâll 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 horseâs physical and mental maturity, ensuring training stays safe, appropriate, and enjoyable.
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 workâno matter how much experience you already have.
Yesâabsolutely. 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 confidenceâthe foundations every driving animal needs, whether theyâre a Percheron, a mini, a gaited horse, a donkey, or anything in between.
Youâll learn how to work with your equineâs unique strengths and challenges, and the coaching calls give you personalized guidance tailored to your specific horse.
Not at all. Most of the work in Driving 101 can be done in any reasonably flat, safe areaâsuch as a paddock, pasture, yard, or laneway. Iâll show you how to adapt each exercise to the space you haveâin fact, presently, I donât even have a true arena myself!
Absolutely. I live in Alberta, Canada, so Iâm right there with you.
Much of the early groundwork is done entirely at a walk and doesnât need a huge amount of space. We can easily adapt the work to suit the ground conditions youâre working withâand if you have to take a week off here and there, thatâs totally okay.
In many ways, joining as we head into winter is idealâyou can focus on the quiet, foundational work now, so by the time spring arrives, you and your horse are already well underway.
No, you donât need any driving equipment. A halter and lead rope are all you need to get started.
As you progress, weâll introduce a few additional tools (like a lunge cavesson), and Iâll guide you on exactly what to get and where to find it.
I donât recommend buying a harness or vehicle yet. The program includes bonus trainings to help you choose equipment confidently when the time is rightâsaving you money, frustration, and guesswork.
Absolutelyâand you donât need anything fancy. If you have a smartphone (or another device that can take video), youâre all set.
In the first two weeks of the program, weâll 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 supportâand weâre here to help you every step of the way.
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 lessonsâso you know what youâre 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.
Itâs instruction and coaching working together, supported by community connectionâand itâs incredibly effective.
Most students practise 20â30 minutes per session, a few days per week. The lessons are short and easy to follow, so you can fit them into busy schedulesâin 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 horseâs needs.
Every horseâhuman team progresses at their own pace, but the program is designed as a six-month journey. If youâre practising 4â5 days per week and participating in the coaching calls, itâs very realistic to expect your horse to be successfully ground driving within that timeframe.
Some move faster, some take longerâthis program gives you the structure, support, and clarity to keep moving forward at the pace thatâs right for you.
No problemâevery call is recorded and added to your course portal within 24 hours. Youâre welcome to submit a video for coaching, even if youâre not able to be there live. Some students only watch replays and still get the full value of the coaching.
No. Many students learn simply by watching others get coached. Sharing videos is completely optionalâbut if you want personalised feedback and guidance, the coaching calls are the best opportunity.
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 communityâso 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.
Yes. The Facebook group is optional. Youâll still have full access to the course portal, coaching calls, replays, and email support.
Youâre protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide within 30 days that the program isnât right for you, just email us. If we canât resolve the concern together, youâll receive a full refund.

Š 2025 Christine Beattie Equine