Converting to a driving horse; TTouch

Question
Hi~  Recently me and my sister purchased our very first riding horse.  We have only ever owned a Clydesdale before this.  Our horse is a 13 yr old QH cross, 15 HH, and trained to neck rein for western riding.  We have been thinking about eventually training her to drive, and wanted to see what you know on the subject.  Also, any good books on the subject, etc.  Are there harnesses available for horses that are not draft?  Where do you suggest we would be able to find these?
Also, we were wondering if you knew anything about TTouch, and alternative remedies to calm and bond with our new horse.  Thanks~  

Answer
Christy,

You certainly managed to pack a lot of request into your message!  I'll answer the best I can.  I've trained a number of saddle horses to drive.  I like to train youngsters to drive before I ride them, I can put a mouth on them, set gaits, get some condition on them.  It's great for youngsters.  Some saddle horses train quickly, others take more time.  Their temperaments are different than draft horses.  You'll have to be the judge of your mare's temperament.  Being trained to neck rein is no big deal.  That's taught after the horse is trained to ride with direct reins usage.  The mare will understand you with the reins if you direct rein/drive her vs neck rein.  I don't know whether you have any experience with driving training or not.  I can't really recommend any books on the subject.  I learned how to train a horse to drive with Standardbreds at the racetrack.  Same thing with the basic beginning steps to putting a leg over a horse for the first time.  I trained hundreds of Thoroughbred yearlings in my years on the racetrack.  It's a safe, sane way to train a horse without trauma for the horse.  I've seen how other people train light driving horses and it's much the same.  But that's a whole 'nother topic.  And of course there are harnesses for them.  Most any harness maker will carry them.  You can also buy them through a lot of the catalog stores - State Line Tack, Jeffer's Equine Supply, Libertyville Saddle Shop - all of who have online sites too.  Look at them to see what's available.  Cost can range from a little over $100 on up depending upon the harness.  Light driving harness will use a breastplate and traces rather than the collar that draft breeds are generally used in.  The rest of the harness is pretty much like any harness.  Many light horses are driven in snaffles but when needed there are heavier bits just like the draft - only smaller.  My big pony drives in a Liverpool; used to use and elbow bit on him.  Just like riding you have to suit the bit to the horse.  

Yes, I know about TTouch but if you are not familiar with doing it then get one of Linda's books (Linda Tellington-Jones) and start with that.  It can be very effective.  A lot depends upon how comfortable you are with the horse, or any unknown horse, because they pick up on you if there's fear or uncertainty.  Mares especially.  

Other things that may help would be Bach's Rescue Remedy, available at health food stores.  It can also be purchased in none name-brand form, Flower Rescue, Flower Remedy.  These are much cheaper than the real Bach's and work just as well.  Just squirt a dropperful on your hand and massage it into her upper gums in front.  Most horses enjoy the gum massage a lot.  Just be gentle.  Don't have to do it for a long time, just to get the Rescue Remedy in contact with the gums.  Give it about 20 min.  See how it works for yourself; put a dropperful under your tongue and swish it around in your mouth before swallowing.  This is a homeopathic preparation, very effective.  Works equally well on humans and animals.  

Let me know what you know about training a horse to drive and driving itself and I will be able to better answer that portion of your request.  I will be happy to advise you.  What kind of vehicle have you considered hooking her to?