Tom O'Carroll Driving Trainer

I recently attended Tom's Beginning Drivers Clinic and it was a wonderful clinic. Tom made everything easy to understand and answered all of our questions. And of course getting to actually take the reins and drive at the end was a big thrill. I enjoyed the clinic so much that I had my first private lesson with Tom the very next weekend! I highly recommend the Beginning Drivers Clinic to anyone that is interested in an introduction to driving.
-- Julie Wright, College Station, TX (May 15, 2006)

"Tom is a terrific teacher. He speaks carefully, clearly, patiently. He entertains questions gladly. He is a very good listener; a rare find among experts; a real gem! He is gentle with both horses and students; showing genuine consideration and understanding. His personable illustrations from his experiences are convincing and compelling. He quickly diagnosed our gelding's bridling issue and deftly defeated it, showing me how to do likewise. He gave Kevin the concept of "good hands" to work toward. Being with Tom for just one day inspired and encouraged us tremendously!
-- Lynn & Kevin Margason, Blue, TX

"Tom O'Carroll has become my personal hero! He needs to know and hear it every day! While I'm certain that Tom makes many young horses into quiet and dependable driving horses, I can attest that Tom is able to transform a fear-driven and emotionally-traumatized mature horse into a happy, well-trained driving partner.

Tom took my 13-year-old Morgan gelding, Caduceus Nakai (Wyoming Flyhawk x Topside Gypsy Queen,) a former syndicated breeding stallion with a Class "A" Morgan performance background, and "re-wired" his head! Incredible! Where did Duce's ingrained fear, fight response and evading reactions go? I have no idea. I just know that they're gone! Gone! What I have now is a powerful and self-possessed carriage horse to use, trust and enjoy!

Tom's relationship with his client animals must be absolutely special! When it was time to go to work, Duce saw Tom and trotted up to meet him at the gate. I'm confident that Tom has the unusual ability to reach and "re-hab" the older horse with habituated fear issues. It's plainly evident that Duce is enjoying being "re-programmed" to assess and accept, instead of reacting in panic and fear. What a fabulous "mental metamorphosis" this horse is experiencing! With Tom's instruction, Duce has faced down his dragons -- and won!

Just thirty days into Duce's time with Tom, I watched as my now-calm and accepting driving horse worked and stood quietly -- like a normal horse. When the session was done, Duce backed the four-wheel marathon vehicle into its stall in the barn a step at a time. Unbelievable! At every step of the "carriage parking" process, Duce knew what was expected of him. He would lick and chew between steps, while listening intently for his next command. The new-and-improved Duce was compliant, soft and submissive, without even a flash of his former rigid and strong behavior. I could almost see the gears turning in his brain as he responded to Tom's quiet commands, praise and encouragement. Anyone who knows Duce would say that this behavior on his part is nothing short of miraculous! Just miraculous!

Would I recommend Tom to anyone with a young carriage horse prospect? Yes, without reservation. Better than that, I know that Tom can make an older horse with "serious Samsonite" into a confident, co-operative and well-skilled driving animal. Duce is all the proof anyone needs!"
-- Nancy Wright, Tired Felloe Farm FARM, Boyd, Texas

"Whether presented with the task of starting a “broke riding horse” to harness, dealing with behavior issues of a young stallion or helping me learn to drive and then to relearn one-handed after breaking a wrist, Tom can do it. We breed Irish Draught horses and well know the Irish horse keeping and training habits. Tom builds on those foundations and also incorporates the gentle, easy understanding of horses of the so-called “whisperers” (without the gimmicks!). It is not about magic: it is about patience, an innate understanding of the horse, and, for students, a solid and positive communication that bonds both horses and humans to Tom and his training." -- Karen Garrett, Prescott Farms, Anderson, Texas

"I purchased a buggy for my wife Nancy on our 21st aniversary. We had no harness and 10 horses that had never even seen a buggy so I set out in search of a harness. While looking for a harness I was told to speak with Tom O'Carroll. We went to visit him and after some consideration, decided that perhaps Nancy should take "driving lessons" from Tom. We later took Nancy's National Show Horse over for 90 days with Tom... and now, with Tom's advice on restoring the buggy that looked perfectly sound from the outside but wasn't safe to pull. We have a beautiful turnout complete with a new harness. As a side note, we are enjoying driving so much that we have also acquired a Belgian mare with a Zilco harness and a Paul Raber Surrey for taking friends and family for an evening drive in the country. Tom helped greatly in refreshing her memory of driving days gone by and outfitting her with a beautiful harness and carriage. Thanks Tom, for all of the enjoyment you have brought into our lives. You really do have a gift.
-- Dennis & Nancy Ginn

"I have sent several horses to Tom to introduce to driving and each he has returned a safe, responsive driving horse. Tom is extremely knowledgeable, very friendly to be around, and wonderful with horses -- truly a consummate horseman." -- Phoebe Lake, Tomball, TX

"This is a photo of my new Haflinger pair, affectionately called “My Ladies.” Tom O’Carroll helped me find Marigold some years ago, and only recently found Shelly for me. They had only been together two weeks when we competed in this Arena Driving Trial, and we placed second at the preliminary level! Tom began teaching me the principals of driving 15 years ago, and thanks to his continued tutelage and support I am still loving it!" -- Darla Biles, Tomball, TX

"Tom can start a young horse better than anyone I have ever seen. His equine students remember him a very positive way, and can leave his training for several months only to return and pick up exactly where they left off – no “retraining” time. They know his voice for life. Tom teaches horses manners and patience. An O’Carroll-trained horse will stand patiently in harness waiting to go to work.

No one is better with problem horses – if only we could train our kids as well. Tom has an uncanny ability to communicate with them. He thinks so much like a dang horse that the change back to human thinking must be hard for him. Tom builds trust in a problem horse, and then fixes the problem. If he can’t fix it, then the horse just isn’t fixable.

Lastly, we must remember that there is a brain on each end of the lines, and Tom works equally well with drivers. Even though we may not like to admit it, the problems are often with the human element of that partnership.

Generous with his time, Tom is always very willing to work with anyone at an event. He is my “go to” person if I think someone may not be hitched safely or is just needs some additional instruction. He will take the time and work with that person to make sure they have a safe and enjoyable experience. He does this without charge at almost all events he attends." -- Tom Smith, Rosenberg, TX

"Tom has done a remarkable job starting my two year old Irish Draught filly, Holly, in harness. Holly is a strong willed young mare who would throw explosive tantrums when she couldn't do as she pleased. Tom's calm nature, consistency in training, and mature approach established a line of communication with my filly. She now exhibits a good work ethic and accepts direction well." -- Sue Holland

"Over 30 years ago, a friend who had heard of Tom O’Carroll’s training capabilities introduced me to him. As it turned out, we each brought horses to him and awaited the outcome. Under Tom’s guidance, my friend’s Cob stallion became a wonderful, safe driving horse, as did my mare. Since that time, my friend and I have taken several ponies and horses to Tom to get them started right. I much admire Tom’s method of getting a horse’s attention and making him obedient, without breaking his spirit. I’m happy that Tom has chosen to settle in our area where he is handy." -- Stella Gordon, The Horsekeeper

"My pony would stand for harnessing and hitching, tear down the road at the fastest trot she could do, and stop on a dime, but wouldn't stand still once I was in the cart and I couldn't get her to walk or moderate her trot. With just a few lessons from Tom on how to use my hands, and instruction on how to practice, I felt like I had a different pony. Now I know why his training center is called "Good Hands." What I especially liked is that Tom didn't try to correct everything I did wrong all at once. We worked on just a couple of things that really mattered right away. From time to time I had more lessons and learned new things, such as backing up quietly, bending, coming to a normal halt instead of a screeching stop." -- Vita Pariente


	I recently attended Tom's Beginning Drivers Clinic and it was a wonderful clinic. Tom made everything easy to understand and answered all of our questions. And of course getting to actually take the reins and drive at the end was a big thrill. I enjoyed the clinic so much that I had my first private lesson with Tom the very next weekend! I highly recommend the Beginning Drivers Clinic to anyone that is interested in an introduction to driving. -- Julie Wright, College Station, TX (May 15, 2006) "Tom is a terrific teacher. He speaks carefully, clearly, patiently. He entertains questions gladly. He is a very good listener; a rare find among experts; a real gem! He is gentle with both horses and students; showing genuine consideration and understanding. His personable illustrations from his experiences are convincing and compelling. He quickly diagnosed our gelding's bridling issue and deftly defeated it, showing me how to do likewise. He gave Kevin the concept of "good hands" to work toward. Being with Tom for just one day inspired and encouraged us tremendously! -- Lynn & Kevin Margason, Blue, TX "Tom O'Carroll has become my personal hero! He needs to know and hear it every day! While I'm certain that Tom makes many young horses into quiet and dependable driving horses, I can attest that Tom is able to transform a fear-driven and emotionally-traumatized mature horse into a happy, well-trained driving partner. Tom took my 13-year-old Morgan gelding, Caduceus Nakai (Wyoming Flyhawk x Topside Gypsy Queen,) a former syndicated breeding stallion with a Class "A" Morgan performance background, and "re-wired" his head! Incredible! Where did Duce's ingrained fear, fight response and evading reactions go? I have no idea. I just know that they're gone! Gone! What I have now is a powerful and self-possessed carriage horse to use, trust and enjoy! Tom's relationship with his client animals must be absolutely special! When it was time to go to work, Duce saw Tom and trotted up to meet him at the gate. I'm confident that Tom has the unusual ability to reach and "re-hab" the older horse with habituated fear issues. It's plainly evident that Duce is enjoying being "re-programmed" to assess and accept, instead of reacting in panic and fear. What a fabulous "mental metamorphosis" this horse is experiencing! With Tom's instruction, Duce has faced down his dragons -- and won! Just thirty days into Duce's time with Tom, I watched as my now-calm and accepting driving horse worked and stood quietly -- like a normal horse. When the session was done, Duce backed the four-wheel marathon vehicle into its stall in the barn a step at a time. Unbelievable! At every step of the "carriage parking" process, Duce knew what was expected of him. He would lick and chew between steps, while listening intently for his next command. The new-and-improved Duce was compliant, soft and submissive, without even a flash of his former rigid and strong behavior. I could almost see the gears turning in his brain as he responded to Tom's quiet commands, praise and encouragement. Anyone who knows Duce would say that this behavior on his part is nothing short of miraculous! Just miraculous! Would I recommend Tom to anyone with a young carriage horse prospect? Yes, without reservation. Better than that, I know that Tom can make an older horse with "serious Samsonite" into a confident, co-operative and well-skilled driving animal. Duce is all the proof anyone needs!" -- Nancy Wright, Tired Felloe Farm FARM, Boyd, Texas "Whether presented with the task of starting a “broke riding horse” to harness, dealing with behavior issues of a young stallion or helping me learn to drive and then to relearn one-handed after breaking a wrist, Tom can do it. We breed Irish Draught horses and well know the Irish horse keeping and training habits. Tom builds on those foundations and also incorporates the gentle, easy understanding of horses of the so-called “whisperers” (without the gimmicks!). It is not about magic: it is about patience, an innate understanding of the horse, and, for students, a solid and positive communication that bonds both horses and humans to Tom and his training." -- Karen Garrett, Prescott Farms, Anderson, Texas "I purchased a buggy for my wife Nancy on our 21st aniversary. We had no harness and 10 horses that had never even seen a buggy so I set out in search of a harness. While looking for a harness I was told to speak with Tom O'Carroll. We went to visit him and after some consideration, decided that perhaps Nancy should take "driving lessons" from Tom. We later took Nancy's National Show Horse over for 90 days with Tom... and now, with Tom's advice on restoring the buggy that looked perfectly sound from the outside but wasn't safe to pull. We have a beautiful turnout complete with a new harness. As a side note, we are enjoying driving so much that we have also acquired a Belgian mare with a Zilco harness and a Paul Raber Surrey for taking friends and family for an evening drive in the country. Tom helped greatly in refreshing her memory of driving days gone by and outfitting her with a beautiful harness and carriage. Thanks Tom, for all of the enjoyment you have brought into our lives. You really do have a gift. -- Dennis & Nancy Ginn "I have sent several horses to Tom to introduce to driving and each he has returned a safe, responsive driving horse. Tom is extremely knowledgeable, very friendly to be around, and wonderful with horses -- truly a consummate horseman." -- Phoebe Lake, Tomball, TX "This is a photo of my new Haflinger pair, affectionately called “My Ladies.” Tom O’Carroll helped me find Marigold some years ago, and only recently found Shelly for me. They had only been together two weeks when we competed in this Arena Driving Trial, and we placed second at the preliminary level! Tom began teaching me the principals of driving 15 years ago, and thanks to his continued tutelage and support I am still loving it!" -- Darla Biles, Tomball, TX "Tom can start a young horse better than anyone I have ever seen. His equine students remember him a very positive way, and can leave his training for several months only to return and pick up exactly where they left off – no “retraining” time. They know his voice for life. Tom teaches horses manners and patience. An O’Carroll-trained horse will stand patiently in harness waiting to go to work. No one is better with problem horses – if only we could train our kids as well. Tom has an uncanny ability to communicate with them. He thinks so much like a dang horse that the change back to human thinking must be hard for him. Tom builds trust in a problem horse, and then fixes the problem. If he can’t fix it, then the horse just isn’t fixable. Lastly, we must remember that there is a brain on each end of the lines, and Tom works equally well with drivers. Even though we may not like to admit it, the problems are often with the human element of that partnership. Generous with his time, Tom is always very willing to work with anyone at an event. He is my “go to” person if I think someone may not be hitched safely or is just needs some additional instruction. He will take the time and work with that person to make sure they have a safe and enjoyable experience. He does this without charge at almost all events he attends." -- Tom Smith, Rosenberg, TX "Tom has done a remarkable job starting my two year old Irish Draught filly, Holly, in harness. Holly is a strong willed young mare who would throw explosive tantrums when she couldn't do as she pleased. Tom's calm nature, consistency in training, and mature approach established a line of communication with my filly. She now exhibits a good work ethic and accepts direction well." -- Sue Holland "Over 30 years ago, a friend who had heard of Tom O’Carroll’s training capabilities introduced me to him. As it turned out, we each brought horses to him and awaited the outcome. Under Tom’s guidance, my friend’s Cob stallion became a wonderful, safe driving horse, as did my mare. Since that time, my friend and I have taken several ponies and horses to Tom to get them started right. I much admire Tom’s method of getting a horse’s attention and making him obedient, without breaking his spirit. I’m happy that Tom has chosen to settle in our area where he is handy." -- Stella Gordon, The Horsekeeper "My pony would stand for harnessing and hitching, tear down the road at the fastest trot she could do, and stop on a dime, but wouldn't stand still once I was in the cart and I couldn't get her to walk or moderate her trot. With just a few lessons from Tom on how to use my hands, and instruction on how to practice, I felt like I had a different pony. Now I know why his training center is called "Good Hands." What I especially liked is that Tom didn't try to correct everything I did wrong all at once. We worked on just a couple of things that really mattered right away. From time to time I had more lessons and learned new things, such as backing up quietly, bending, coming to a normal halt instead of a screeching stop." -- Vita Pariente
Page updated: 1/18/07