Carriage Driving Competition

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fitzaud2

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I'm just back from day 1 of the first carriage driving 2d event and Wow, it was fantastic. I was judges script for the dressage. I learned lots today. It takes alot of skill to get the movements, and the cones are so narrow. Thank god i was only spectating and not actually doing it, i'd have knocked all the cones and been the laughing stock. I can really see myself geting into it though, anybody do it that's on here????
 
No, but I have always wanted to get involved in driving. I think it is fantastic. I had a small go with a local lady, she let me drive her horse, he responded to all verbal commands and it was heaps of fun, but just not got much spare time.
 
I love carriage driving competitions, we first started going about 15 years ago, had a bit of a break when my friend retired and then started going again a few years ago, still a lot of the same people competing as there was before.
I have groomed a few times in the dressage and the cones and earlier this year i backstepped on my first marathon.
My pony drives as well, don't get out that often as i don't very often have a helper but i love it.
 
I used to backstep for a guy who did very well in pony singles and have to say it's the most exhilarating thing I've ever done :D I took over from his wife when he got more competitive and starting scaring her in the obstacles :D I think he liked me because I would swing off the back urging him to go faster:D I do remember pony, carriage and us completely leaving the ground and flying through the air at a comp somewhere (think it was Lowther) amid gasps from the spectators - we won that day :o

Ah, takes me back ...:p
 
My lad was competition driving horse for a well known driver. I would love to have a go but I have now more or less retired him, as he is 17 and has had a hard working life. Still love to watch them, there is so much skill in it.
FDC
 
Fany Du Champ said:
My lad was competition driving horse for a well known driver. I would love to have a go but I have now more or less retired him, as he is 17 and has had a hard working life. Still love to watch them, there is so much skill in it.
FDC
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He would probably still enjoy the British Driving Society outings, they organise evening outings in the summer, and it is fun, also a chance to dress up for everyone.
There are also local driving "events" from grass roots fun to International events.
They are always looking for volunteers if anyone wants to get involved.
See also the SCDA (scotland) and Scurry driving
The BHS provide basic Public Liability insurance in with the annual subscription £30.00
 
The big problem I had, was that no one in the BHS pointed out at the beginning that I needed an experience assistant, for this reason and others, I sold my carriages and my harness[es], though I still have one left which I use when breaking ponies to get them used to things flapping around their legs, bum and tail.
My "experienced driving pony" turned out to be a bit of a spooky character, and that really is not what is required, so I gave up on the driving and backed him to ride.
 
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MrsD123 said:
The big problem I had, was that no one in the BHS pointed out at the beginning that I needed an experience assistant, for this reason and others, I sold my carriages and my harness[es], though I still have one left which I use when breaking ponies to get them used to things flapping around their legs, bum and tail.
My "experienced driving pony" turned out to be a bit of a wimp, and that really is not what is required, so I gave up on the driving and backed him to ride.
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I didn't, I started through the HDT route. I was assessed at the first meeting for knowledge and safety of turn out and a short test, the was given a Novice competence certificate - they were all very helpful!

I haven't got any horses at the moment due to personal finances!!! but I am planning to break, show and compete with a small pair - either shetlands, exmoors or section A's

My biggest problem is having help - backstepper/groom.... Hubby is not interested and no children to blackmail into it! lol
 
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