Driving lessons

[blitznbobs]

Ive had horses forever but would love to learn to drive (horses that is) but whilst riding schools are 10 a penny i wouldnt know where to start looking for driving lessons - any suggestions?

 

[splashgirl45]

If you are anywhere near Essex , ashfields has a good instructor her name is Araminta , Minta for short and we(my family) paid for my sister to have a driving experience for her 60th and I went to take videos, it was great and when she drove round the fields I stood on the back with Minta. I am very tempted to have a go myself in the summer if I can afford it. She got my sister to do the tacking up as well so we were there a good couple of hours . Would highly recommend

 

[Rosemary28]

My friend near Prestbury was still doing lessons last year (I think you are not too far from me in Cheshire?) but I need to check if he is carrying on this year as he is getting on a bit now! He's a bit eccentric but a great horseman.

Alternatively someone like Fred Pendlebury in Lancashire would be a good shout but again, I don't know if he has retired!

If you just fancy a trip out and a go at holding the reins, you'd be very welcome to come and see my pony and have a go round the field and I'll take you round the lanes, but I'm afraid I'd be a rubbish teacher!

 

[Skib]

I went for a couple of lessons in East Surrey. I think I found the lessons via BHS website near where one of my aunts was living. But it was 2014 or 2018, and I found a yard which was participating in First World War centenary events.
The first lesson was entirely tacking up. Then we drove in an indoor school but I never got to drive out doors.
This was my fault really as I decided I didnt much enjoy driving and wanted the horse moving under me. I didnt much like long reinging either.

 

[windand rain]

Depends where you are but most areas have a few that will teach you. If near Grantham Bennington do taster lessons

 

[Glitter's fun]

You're way out of my area but these might help
List of Instructors 2022 - updated (britishdrivingsociety.co.uk)
British Carriagedriving
(1) Driving Horses and Ponies in the UK. | Facebook
Horse Driving Clubs in Cheshire (cheshirehorse.co.uk)
(1) North West Driving Club | Facebook
(Can you tell I'm meant to be cleaning the kitchen!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Contact the BDS, they have lists of instructors and trainers you can contact.

 

[throwaway2022]

Following this, I’m near you and have been wanting to learn for ages! Two of mine drive but I haven’t a clue where to begin.

 

[Rosemary28]

Following this, I’m near you and have been wanting to learn for ages! Two of mine drive but I haven’t a clue where to begin.

Whereabouts are you, as I know blitznbobs is quite near me

 

[blitznbobs]

Also any good book recommendations would be fab

 

[windand rain]

There is a very good old fashioned book called driving on a shoestring if you can find it

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Also any good book recommendations would be fab

Look up Sallie Walrond, she's had a number of very good driving books out ?

 

[Glitter's fun]

Also any good book recommendations would be fab

Driving a Harness Horse, a step by step guide , by Sallie Walrond

Also there was a previous thread on this, I'll go & look for it & edit it in...

here we go Driving - essential reading. | Horse and Hound Forum

and this is mostly about further north but you might find something useful in it.. .. Everything Driving | Horse and Hound Forum

 

[throwaway2022]

Whereabouts are you, as I know blitznbobs is quite near me

I’m in WA5, I think I’m right in that I’m not far from ‘blitznbobs’ without wanting to sound like a creepy internet stalker ?

 

[blitznbobs]

I’m in WA5, I think I’m right in that I’m not far from ‘blitznbobs’ without wanting to sound like a creepy internet stalker ?

Im v near holmes chapel

 

[throwaway2022]

Im v near holmes chapel

Why did I think Lymm?! Can’t even blame the covid brain fog for that ?