Driving question...

Casey76

Casey76

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Is it possible to drive a horse with only one person, or is driving always a two person job (one to drive, and other groom to hop out and hold horses head whilst stopped etc)

If it is possible with only one person... any links to lightweight vehicles suitable for a 15.2 - 16hh horse?

Thanks :)
 
No you should never drive alone, I do in my schooling field with my groom working on the yard alongside if the horse is experianced and settled I warm up with the groom on the when I am happy with the horse put her down and she keeps an eye while she works .
For driving out its a big no no.
 
We only drive our mare for pleasure but never ever go out alone on her, I nearly always hop off at junctions and stand by her head even though she's bombproof on the roads I like to be extra careful rather than sorry, we also often get stopped by children wanting a stroke of her, so again i'd hop off and hold her so she doesn't get anxious, there's lots of occasions I could mention where the extra person is needed, at home in the fields etc, hubby will drive alone but i'm still on the yard so not far away, enjoy your driving it's great fun.
 
For carriages look aT the carriagelink website lots of second hand on there for new hartland ( they also sell trade ins and ex showroom carriages) and Bennington both sell fabulous carriages
Carriage driving magazine is worth subscribing too if your interested I think you will enjoy it.
 
No never alone. It can be done with one person driving an experienced horse & a hacking companion, provided the rider can be equally quick to the driven horses head as they could from the carriage, & ridden horse would need to be a steady sort too in an emergency.
 
Accidents happen so fast and a loose horse with a carriage on the back is a major accident, especially on the road. Always have a groom or passenger. That way when things go pear shaped the driver can keep contact with the horse via the reins while the groom gets to the head. No matter how good you are getting off the carrriage you will lose an even contact with the reins, if the horse is already worried about something then you could have a major panic. Even with a quiet well schooled horse.
 
EPRider said:
Accidents happen so fast and a loose horse with a carriage on the back is a major accident, especially on the road. Always have a groom or passenger. That way when things go pear shaped the driver can keep contact with the horse via the reins while the groom gets to the head. No matter how good you are getting off the carrriage you will lose an even contact with the reins, if the horse is already worried about something then you could have a major panic. Even with a quiet well schooled horse.
Click to expand...

Thinking about it makes me feel queasy .
 
Thanks all... that's what I was thinking. Oh well, another thing to cross off my list of things to do.

Sometimes it can be a bit difficult living by yourself, and haveing no family in the area to help with things!
 
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