TRAVERSE CITY -- Managing and directing two tons of horsepower can be a daunting proposition.
But students at this weekend's sixth annual Draft Horse and Mule Driving Clinic absorbed the art and science of driving Shire, Belgian and Percheron horses from experienced drivers.
They learned on the seat during hours of driving single, two, four and six horses hitched to a range of wagons and buggies, with experienced drivers demonstrating and giving advice at every turn.
"There's such an opportunity to introduce students to new challenges in a safe environment because we're there to help them," said Dan Hubbell of Cedar, co-organizer of the event.
Reins situated just so in gloved hands to maximize control, novice drivers guided the horses in turn to walk, trot, turn, back up and stop. The patient horses pulled the drivers, teachers and passengers through the fields and orchards of a private farm on the Old Mission Peninsula that hosted the course.
"It's a pretty unique experience," said Suzique Couture of Mesick. "You're sitting up there and have these two horses and they could do whatever they want but they're listening to you."
Over three full days, 15 students attended ranging in age from children through adults. Not every student stayed the whole time; many came for whatever portion of the clinic they could fit in their schedule.
Ten volunteers from the association were on hand to help with the curriculum, which also included basic horse care as well as harnessing.
The Northwest Michigan Draft Horse and Mule Association, which has about 50 member couples, sponsored the event. Welcoming all ages and skill levels, the clinic was aimed at younger drivers in particular to ensure continuation of a fading skill set.
"A lot of our members are older and they are starting to sell their horses," said Nancy Wieland of South Boardman, who co-organized the driving clinic with Hubbell.
The association even offered generous scholarships for students ages 16 and younger to encourage participation.
"If we don't pass on the knowledge, it will be lost," said Hubbell. "Mostly it's not written down and even if it is, it's not the same as learning it hands-on -- it's a physical skill."
Driving a horse provides owners with another way to enjoy their horses, although the inexperienced -- whether horse or human -- require different knowledge and equipment. Although riding horses is a much more popular and familiar activity, Hubbell has seen an increasing interest in driving.
Wieland has one explanation: "Driving is easy on the older body."
As with riding, competent driving also requires psychological skills in handling the horses, which are very attuned to human emotions. While the breed of draft horses has been selected for a calm and amenable temperament, the driver still needs to be calm and confident. Other horses can also be used for driving.
"A lot of it is psychological, believing that you can do it," said Hubbell.
Count 11-year-old Peter Hansen of Buckley among the believers after the weekend. Never having driven a horse before the start of the clinic Friday morning, despite having two ponies at home, by Sunday afternoon he was ably handling a team.
"I like to drive them around and have fun," said Hansen, who also enjoyed learning to harness the team. "I think you have to think more than anything."
"Being always aware" and "defensive driving" are watchwords whether driving horses or cars. Good single or team drivers anticipate the horse's next move and work to head off potential problems.
"Be prepared to react and react quickly but be calm, too, because if you get excited it just feeds into the horses' excitement," said Couture.
For information about the Northwest Michigan Draft Horse and Mule Association, call Dan Hubbell at 947-5600 or Nancy Wieland at (231) 369-3760.
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