After watching this channel for some time, it's refreshing to know that there is still true horsemen in the world. You and your lessons remind me of my grandfather, who taught me to work and train horses. Always a calm demeanor, a soft hand, and a quiet voice. Thank you for what you are passing on.

Barry is a joy to watch. I'm glad to see the trend for quiet, gentle training is catching on all over the world -- Western, dressage, equitation, jumping, etc. Many trainers now use the quiet approach, paying attention to the way horses think and view their world.

This was lovely. I felt like I was there myself looking at the flowers, scenery and enjoying the weather. Beautiful pony and it's wonderful to be kind to them.

Please don't apologize for being passionate about your craft. You are a true master

Maybe alot of people can "break" horse's but only 1 can start and finish a horse to perfection with kinds words and even kinder hands. Your amazing Barry. It's a joy to watch you work.

What a testimony to your training when the whole group of motorcycles passed!

You live in such a beautiful country! There is no garbage & trash lying everywhere, NO JUNK, No blasting loud cars & their stereos, Looks very clean there! Beautiful!

THIS. We need more real trainers like this. I looovvveee that you actually give them an opportunity to deal with ‘real world’ issues- too many, especially in the driving world, keep their horses so sheltered that when a real situation appears they cannot handle it. (Case in point, canter to stop transition on pavement- real world) am so so happy I found you all. I learn something new EVERY TIME! If I ever go across the pond, I’m skipping allll the tourist things and going to camp out on ur door step to watch and learn!!!!!!

Confidence allows driver to enjoy the horse and from that the horse can enjoy being driven It’s a gift Barry has !

Love your videos.... I am “restarting” my Morgan mare in a rubber bit now... I was afraid to before as she would be so strong and bracing against the bit... but we have solved MANY different pain issues... I’ll fitting cart (to narrow), I’ll fitting harness, (back band to narrow and hard), poor balance of cart (to much weight on the narrow back band).... and last but not least... a VERY imbalanced mouth... which cause problems in her mouth! Thank God she is super forgiving... We have had one drive so far in the rubber bit and will continue our re-work this way.... Thank you for your videos! I appreciate your work and have hope we (I) can do a better job with my mare... we have replaced, all the above! Good fitting cart, comfy harness, dental work... and more understanding on MY part... with more to go... the hardest thing right now is to get her used to VERY large/truck like cement mixers or dump trucks coming up behind her... she panics... How do you approach this problem? Thank you!!!

Love your videos. It's obvious you love and appreciate horses. My great grandparents were timber merchants, logging with horses in the late 1800s near Pontywaun in Wales. I often think that when you see horses with a lot of gear on it's because the rider or driver really can't control them any other way and of course it's the horses that suffer for their ignorance.

I love your channel because you really understand horses and you are so right when you say you must be able to read a horses body language. I used to drive horses for a living and we had to break the new horses in when they were on a job. I think that no one should be able to see what a driver is doing with their hands because the feel on the reins should always be as light as it can be.

Barry...”I’m Just an ordinary fellow” Wrong....You are the Master of Horse training‼️‼️👍

Great to see how a gentle direction gets this pony to settle down - as opposed to over-reacting and possibly upsettling him which would have led to even more dangerous behaviour. Instead both pony and driver have a pleasant and safe trip. By the end, I'm sure that all that the pony will remember of the day's drive was that they had a nice time and when they got home he got a wash and a good meal. Perfect!

You are an absolute pleasure to watch. Excellent trainer on every level. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Amazing training methods!!! Fascinating you working with a rubber bit. Most would use a curb bit for driving for "safety". My own horse hat 2 hours of drive training. First time normal bit - he, well prepared, worked like a professional hero in harness (25 years old at that time), second time the trainer put a curb bit on (we were too lazy to change) and the poor guy reared and nearly damaged some cars. you cannot really controll a horse by a tough bit, at least not compensate missing decent and thorough training by a curb bit. You are sooo right. Thanks. Hope lots of horse people listen and learn from you.

I love that you work with the lightest pressure possible. Retaining their sensitivity and being kind is so important, in my opinion. What a beautiful horse and a beautiful drive. Those flowers spilling over into the roadway are so gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing such valuable information from all your years of work and sharing such beautiful drives. It's such a treasure.

Empathy and Old World wisdom....watching these is a treat.

Every time I see driving events there is always some accident. Horse accidents are happening as a driver drives, its how you read and deal with your horses that keeps them from manifesting as an actual incident. This guy is very good. I love watching Barryhook.

Thank you so much for all you present. I refer new drivers and old to your site, because I think we are lucky to have the technology that enables your wisdom to be shared. Thanks again.

Every time I see a new video posted from HDP my day is made. Jake is a pony of character. Barry manages him with the laid back competence of great experience. Jake doesn't know it but he is a very lucky pony.

I worked at Roosevelt raceway on Long Island in New York, and I believe in what you do and Love the style in which you do it! With kindness comes great reward! Thanks to you and the whole crew!! 😘🌎🕊🐴

You often rant about bits. It always reminds me of the time I tried to buy a rubber bit. They are common, but only for driving (so I was told). I wanted it for riding, but the girl refused to sell it to me because it wasn't for riding. That was when I quit using a bit. I ride in a halter now. People can't understand how I can control a horse in a halter. I think you know. I feel sorry for the young girl that wasn't allowed to compete because of her rubber bit. Idiots dictate your horsemanship. Here (Saskatchewan Canada), they even tell you what kind of metal to shove in their mouth. There is a reason I don't show. The horse is more important.

YOU handled the rearing so well so calm I love your technics you truly have a gift with these gracious horses ponys... love goes a long way patience goes a long way x

If had metal bit,he’d be chomping on it. Rubber bits keep their mouth softer I think. I agree you got to make them stand still when u need them too. And your desensitising system is the right way; for a horse to be bomb proof must be used to any eventuality on the road. Your a master horseman ,that’s what you are barry. Good show barry.

We had several pleasure horses growing up (Florida). They were quarter horses. When we got them, they were each used to a bit. We changed and used a hackamore with a leather chin strap on them. They handled beautifully.

I absolutely love what you are doing! You have explained so very much, and I do appreciate that! Thank you for taking your time !!!!!

When you retrain horses, how in the world do you retrain the owners so the same problem doesn't happen again? I love how you are so consistent so that the horses aren't confused.

I have enjoyed your videos, and learning about driving horses. Thank you so much. I am from United States and love horses.

You are a true horseman Barry.iyour experience shines through.you take horses and ponies from all backgrounds.and they all go in the same confident way.calm assertive. A joy to whatch. Who cares about the others .like to see them match you.the horse world is a lot better with you in it.

Thanks for a lovely drive through town and countryside. Beautiful scenery! Vehicles are quieter in your country than the US! And people keep the hedges trimmed so nicely. As to the rubber bits, I say bravo! The proof is in the pudding.

Hi Barry, I am grateful you posted this. I have a youngster who I will put between the shafts sometime in the next 12 months. At his current 2 years of age I have been working on his manners (standing and relaxing) when being led somewhere, in preparation for his future job. (He finds me a boring owner!) I have noticed his "go to" when excited or frustrated in the paddock is a similar form of leap to Jake. My lad does a half rear, straight into a handstand. He often does it in front of a gate. I expect at some stage of his carriage work, he will exhibit this behaviour. It will, therefore, be nice for me to have this reference of you (the maestro) to remember when this eventually occurs. On the subject of herd behaviour; I have had the luxury of living in countries where space is not at a premium as it is in the UK. I have, at various times, had groups horses turned out "on the hill" for a year or more. A horse that has developed a bond with you, will occasionally leave the herd to approach you, given the opportunity. It is very special moment when it happens! As far as critics go, re driving styles: I think it is easy for some people to have a narrow view of "what is acceptable". My observation is that many people get bogged down in their own small discipline and forget that for thousands of years, tens of millions of horses and people have worked together in some form or another (much of this in harness). It can almost become a "tribal" attitude....Our way or the highway.... Humans have always, and will continue to battle the primal part of our brains. We need it for survival, yet it can be all too easy to allow it to affect day to day relationships with the world around us. We find it "safe" to have a familiar patterns to things around us. Often, it is (an unconscious form of) this, that causes people to become dogmatic about there only being one "correct" way of doing things. Instead of embracing diversity, they become insular and obsessed with detail. If they can influence the people around them to think, act and behave the same way, then they feel even safer in the order of their world. Some people find this mindset harder to overcome than others do. The world and history are full of examples of these actions and ideas becoming "religious" ideals. It can be hard work to look for a reason behind the differences we come across in life. It being all too easy to jump in and criticise ideas that are not familiar to us. It takes effort and thought and time to critique an idea; rather than simply criticising it Education is generally the key to opening people's minds to other thoughts and ideas. You are currently doing a great job of this with your youtube channel. PS Is there a reason you do not use leather bits today?

Hi Barry,I have just came across your film.It is wonderful to see such a knowledgeable and kind old fashioned horseman in action.You remind me of my dear old uncle.He would have been over a hundred had he been alive today.He spent his life training and schooling driving horses.No matter how damaged the horse.I never seen him once raise his Hand or his voice to a horse. But with kindness and patience he was always In charge.It is a privilege to watch You.I will be looking out for your posts.

this is the lesson my new off track STB is 'struggling' with. Patience, we can stand still..... a real foreign concept to a racehorse 🙂 he is learning it in a flat nylon halter because he came with a major bit issue, instantly and consistently puts his tongue over

so nice to hear another person telling people what I have been saying, try the bit on yourself.... then tell me how 'gentle' it is

Your perfect, I love your opinions based on years of experience. I do wonder if you used to play horses as we did as kids!😂 You've made your decisions based on your experience, not what is the done thing. Your videos give us all the tools to carry on what , we also agree......is a better way of doing things. I hear you correcting me as I drive😁

Wow, this was such an amazing video! Jake is in good hands. Beautiful scenery💛very lovely to watch.

I have retrained clients horses into a rubber bit that where very reactionary they couldn't stand the mettle in their mouth and where really violent and fearful of the pressure and I have had some horses that work happily with a plain snaffle and are satisfied. Some that prefer other bits like a French link etc. In my mind I work with what they are happy to go in and have many no leverage bits I have leverage bits with the tags still on that look pretty on the wall but have never used them. I think with your hands you could drive a horse in any bit it's the skill and feel and quality of communication. Your preparation etc. I have watched people for years and seen people with unhappy horses doing lots of unruly thing and people doing everything from no bits to horrid bits and the horses not listening regardless of the efforts. So communication and training . If they put the work in like you they should have good results.

I love the magnificent drives through England, with a wonde rful, kind good looking driver. Just like a lesson with a story and scenery...Just perfect.

Thank you for everything you do ! I've learned a great deal about driving horses from you (your videos), and it has made driving horses better without comparison for both me and the horses !

I love hearing about the olden days 😊. I’d never heard of leather bits before. I’d love to see those catalogues!

I have learned so much from your videos and I’ve been recommended your videos to several people who are learning about driving . Thank you for sharing the wealth of information

Think it’s wonderful how calm and gentle you are with him and how you explain everything he’s beautiful

My favourite video of yours so far. ❤❤❤ this.

I'd like to point out that one of your training "tricks" is that you don't overreact to the horses first reaction. So you don't add fuel to the fire, so to speak. I recall one very good handler saying that you need to be the calm center in your horses world.

Enchanted with your videos. They are wonderful! I love your talent.

You are a very good instructor for people and your horses . good lessons. I cherish this sound advice . Thank you.

Thank you for these informative videos

Thank you for all your wonderful tips! :)

Love your patience and understanding ❤

Another Barry success. I love you Barry!

I love you say it as it is, especially about bits etc.

That emergency stop was impressive, and you’re quite right, one day it may be needed.

Great to watch.

You're a very smart man with horses. Thank you for your advise. Matt Clarke

Amen sir. You are so right. Thank you so much for your video

Exactly-the standard of how you train them!

Interesting to see the difference in his ears towards the end of the video. I don’t drive, but I thoroughly enjoy your videos.

I love your films so much!

Barry this is a pleasure to watch.god bless huw an rie.from huw butty in South wales

This really good n I always enjoy these videos .

"Pressure and release" refers to a lot of training things that aren't related to bits. In a nutshell, anything that encourages a horse to do something is "pressure" and removing that cause or pressure is "release". The release is as a type of reward for the horse's positive or desired response to the pressure.

After watching many of your videos I also use only rubber bits for my horses. Thank you!

Love watching your video's.

You sir are amazing 🤩

What a lovely little boy, hardworking and pleasent. Oké, here and there a litle temper, but overall very nice and an hard worker, strong also😊

Great video

I've done a tiny but of driving when I was younger. I loved it.

I love all your videos. Any horse I have in for backing, is backed with a rubber bit in its mouth. Even the ones in for rehabilitation, when it came to putting them back into work, I always, stud, gelding, mare, put in a rubber bit. Because I get a better response everytime with that rubber bit and voice. There is no one who can tell me otherwise that this is incorrect. If you leave yourself open to learning, the world's your oyster. Close your mind to learning, and you will always live in a cave. Best Regards from Ontario, Canada, Jenn.

Wonderful! Thanks for reminding us there is another way. Where can I find the steps to start a horse to drive.??

My new idol is Barry, have learned much from him😊

I was in a barn of an old Standardbred harness racer not log ago. I think he was active in the '60's-'80's, maybe? Sure enough, I found a 100% leather driving bit.

I have only been driving a year or 2, when I came alone your videos! I find them insightful and with wonderful content. I have a 2 wheeled cart with no break system on it, and so I have to use the rain to stop it. How could I change that? Or maybe put a break system on it? I live in the US in a small town and as far as I know I am the only one here that drives my horses. I would appreciate any suggestions. I watch your videos as often as I can. You have been extremely helpful with helping me to train my 2 boys to harness. I love to drive and I love my boys! Thank you.Carrie

Well done......

LOVED the note at the end. Such a nice explanation. But talking of keeping out of the horses mouth, I ride Quarter Horses in the US - mainly Western Pleasure. From the age of 5 & up if we show we are required to have a bit with a solid mouth and sides. Basically a curb bit. Most WP horses now are “spur trained” so you ride with your legs/spurs & most spurs are blunts or very soft rollers. This way we can leave the mouths alone or even ride without any head gear at all. But I just wish you were here training. I would send my 6 yr old gelding to you in a heartbeat. Thank you for thinking of the horse but expecting them to do as told.

I totally agree with what you're saying about bites I listened to my horse and end put her to harness as a 4 year because she wanted to be challenged mentally ( I have a horse that has a brain) She is a driving mare but unfortunately due to my lack of experience, my lack of help I have stopped driving now, which I deeply regret she really would take much to put back in harness as very well to learn

Who or where can I buy rubber bits? Your training makes great sense to me. I have cutting horses and just got a 2 yr old green broke in harness mini from my brother. She's a joy to drive but I plan to watch more to do her justice going forward. Thanks Mr Barry

Thanks so much for posting Jake not behaving perfectly, we are in awe of your skill Barry but seeing a pony not being 100% perfect and seeing how you react is invaluable for those of us trying to go it alone. LOL @ your 3 times in the same video talking about the pain of a curb bit but I am having a nightmare time trying to find a 4 inch rubber snaffle for my mini. The only bit I have been able to get for him so far that isn't too extreme for me to want to start him in is a mullen mouth but even then, I'd prefer not to put metal in his mouth. Certainly hard when the suppliers won't supply.

From a training perspective, this is building resilience. This can mean the animal gets put in a situation where it's uncomfortable and slightly painful but training for it gives the animal confidence to either try something else or carry on depending on the situation

I somehow like the fact that you have so many roads unseen from the fields, hidden with bushes, we don't have that in Switzerland. The people living behind these bushes don't see the roads and cars , which is nice...

Fantastic video again. Just a quick question. Do you do any long reining in traffic before going out with the cart or is it all done when driving?

What a lovely way you have with horses. have you heard if the Beauriful Jim Key? Please take the time to read the story on you-tube. It is a true story and very inspirational.

Wonderful horse black and White 🐴🐴👍❤️

We call that sneaky tail where I come from. 🤣

How could I start driving?. I have been riding but lost my nerves and would love to learn driving. Thank you very much. Your horses are so good

Hi im just watching your videos on utube wow your good!!.. I was just wondering do you train cobs to drive too I have a 2year old hes not been rode or driven before but he is so laid back I would think he would learn quickly and I want to learn to drive myself but haven't got a clue

Thank goodness someone understands bits and horse anatomy pressure release no pain release and we can not do that to humans. Why Because that torture

I would love to just sit in on one.of your training outings.

Hi. What are your thoughts on not using blinkers? Will be interested to hear.

Barry u are a good driver. So many people misuse horses and I'm glad u dont

Please show us your lights and how there connected on the back of the carriage, iv wanted to do it on my carriage,

Beautiful countryside😯😳🤩

When does new barn lane become old barn lane?

"already done it and been there"..pretty sure that y'all had already taught him what it feels like to have the breeching up under the tail before that happened on this trip. : )

I would love to see a video of you transitioning a spoiled or unruly horse over to the rubber bit including how and what you work on with him to be sure he is responsive and safe prior to taking him out in the cart.

Just going back to the bits, I drive my boy in a butterfly, but it’s a flexible rubber without a curb chain and it’s on the snaffle loop. Looks like a ‘driving dit’ but is gentle. Silly rule in the show ring if that’s the case.

A lovely lesson.. thank you. Would you ever have a rubber bit with a thin mouthpiece? I purchased one from Korsteel, but the mouth piece is so fat that he really didn't like it. He now is in a bit with what referred as "maximum. Tongue relief " mouthpiece, and I only use the snaffle rein when driving, and he is quite happy, but if you would ever have any of your bits available, I would be more than happy to purchase.

I have a horse I would like to start on a buggy, road horses all my life but want to try a buggy, but never done it how do I start, I love watching your videos, but haven't seen the one for beginners yet

I think bits given people a false sense of security. That's why in most competitions now you have to use bit but my argument is always if metal bits work so well how come horses can still bolt with them? Why do people need to come up with stronger bits and nosebands that force their poor mouths closed. I think if a horse is taught with fear and pain there will always be something that can override that but if it has trust in it's handler, it is more likely to be safe and confident. Unfortunately, lots of people just want a quick fix and not what's best for the horse. Back when I was a teenager, we always rode bare back and headcollars and they are still the best memories!!!

where do you actually buy your rubber bits? i have happy mouth bits bu they are certainly les flexible than you describe yours. thank you