Have YOU ever considered carriage driving? If not, WHY NOT?!

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Arkmiido

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The British Horse Driving Trials Association (BHDTA) have just employed a Marketing Director.. (It's not me!) Carriage Driving is equestrian sport's Best Kept Secret. And I'm interested to know what horsey people know about driving, what they know about Driving Trials (other than Prince Philip does it...) and whether you would consider trying it - what is stopping you from considering it as an alternative for competing? Because it really is an amazing sport.
There are fewer than 120 drivers taking part at a national level. Part of the barrier is the cost, but we still need people involved at the grass roots level - club competition, pleasure driving, showing etc - and possibly some newcomers to these disciplines may end up as National competitors..
Just think, it's easier to get to the top of your game with a smaller pool of competition, and a higher chance of getting to represent your country. There is also a thriving young drivers network, International Competition for juniors, and it really is the most fabulous fun - and a really friendly lot of people.
So, would you be interested in demos / try driving days, held in conjunction with Riding Clubs/Pony Clubs? Would you consider spectating at local events? Any other ideas for promoting the sport?
 
I drive for fun and personal leisure.

Might consider having a go at light trade turn one (London trolleys, milk carts etc) as my new boyf shares the interest so I now have some one to share it all with. And convice to buy a new horsey. I attended my local driving club but didnt enjoy I think for me driving is a personal pleasure and not something I have a real ambition to compete in.
 
Ok so to preempt those who might be interested...
www.horsedrivingtrials.co.uk is the BHDTA website. They have a thriving forum. Carriage driving is quite accessible in the sense that backsteppers are often in great demand (I know, I'm always looking!!) and it's a great way to work out if you would enjoy it. On the BHDTA website is a list of affiliated local clubs - normally one pretty close to all areas - and going along to one of their club events is a good way to meet people who drive. You can also try posting on the BHDTA forum looking for someone local to you. There are also places/instructors that teach with their own turnouts so it's possible to have lessons without having your own pony broken to harness immediately.
Indoor Horse Driving Trials (www.indoordriving.co.uk) oh yes we do it indoors too! and at £30 an event, all three phases, it's a fabulous winter bargain!!
Also a thriving forum there, and lots of advice and possibility of meeting drivers local to you. I was amazed how many there are in my area, despite assuming I was the Only One In The Village.... :)
 
I would love to learn to drive and am seriously thinking about for the future with my horse but i will have to do some mega saving to afford to do it. What would put me off competing in it is that i wouldn't have the transport for the carriage to the from the event.
 
I've always been interested in learning to drive, but as others I don't know anyone that does or where to start. But I do hope that when I get a horse, he / she will be broken to harness, or i'll break them :)
 
toffee44 said:
I drive for fun and personal leisure.

Might consider having a go at light trade turn one (London trolleys, milk carts etc) as my new boyf shares the interest so I now have some one to share it all with. And convice to buy a new horsey. I attended my local driving club but didnt enjoy I think for me driving is a personal pleasure and not something I have a real ambition to compete in.
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I started driving with the intention of ambling round the lanes but caught the "going hell for leather around obstacles in a glorified wheelbarrow attached to a rampaging pony" bug. The dressage I just endure in order to do the manic stuff... (Despite competing in ridden dressage at other times...)
For those not in the know - Driving trials is a bit like eventing - Dressage, then a "marathon" with sections, including a timed walk, and hazards that have to be driven through (lettered "gates") and can include water - yippee! Final part is cones, narrow-set cones with balls balanced on top - aim is speed + accuracy as you have a very narrow margin of error - penalties like SJ for knock-downs. Simple huh?

There is something really wonderful about driving (aside from the competing) and as you point out, it's even better when you can share it with your nearest and dearest! Showing is also a fabulous part of driving, and the joy of owning and restoring vehicles, polishing them, making harness and brass gleam... Although it's far too much grooming for my liking!
 
I am in the US but plan to get going with a LOT more driving. I will just be doing it for pleasure. I have had so much fun trying it out in the past and currently own a mare who has been there and done that with regards to driving as that was her main job her whole life. Although she makes a great riding horse I would love to get her driving again. My hope is also to drive our new mini when he is old enough so really want to get moving on this :) So much fun!
Not sure what competitive driving entails though but I bet that is fun too.





random tidbit.......

The Amish community here survive this way on a daily basis and do not drive cars. Their children even take pony/horse carts/carriages to school each day even all through our winter months here in Wisconsin. My mare came from my Amish friend and she has many a mile logged taking his children to school, plowing his feilds etc.
 
I've always fancied having a go, and have always wanted to watch trials, but I've only ever watched scurry. I think its never been publicised much, if at all. I look forward to the WEG because you see some driving on it usually. I will definately have a look at the website, thanks, and good luck.
 
I saw a programme on TV many many years ago where a TV personality used to try different things, one episode he went carriage driving, so I learned a fair bit from that - although I've forgotten most of it now!

I've often thought I'd take up driving if my old bones got to the point where I couldn't ride any more...
 
lialls said:
I would love to learn to drive and am seriously thinking about for the future with my horse but i will have to do some mega saving to afford to do it. What would put me off competing in it is that i wouldn't have the transport for the carriage to the from the event.
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Ok, so what is your current transport? This is not an insurmountable problem - there are loads of solutions! I've seen so many ways of getting Horse and carriage to the events! Lots of people travel carriage at front of trailer, stood up on end. seats and axles frequently get removed with a couple of spanners. Other option is to have an extended draw bar (I'll try and find a picture) so there is a platform in front of (flat fronted) trailer. Also seen a 2 wheeler strapped to the back of trailer (think glorified bike carrier!!). Never underestimate thje ability to flip carriage onto it's "bum" and it's suddenly alot smaller for transport!
In a 7.5t lorry, EASY to fit carriage + horse. I have a light trailer and a 3.5t lorry for my transport - easy. Electric or hand operated winch for any of the above and you can do it alone....
The problem is when you want to transport you team of warmbloods + presentation + marathon carriage, side stabling, caravan for you and the 5 grooms.... Start saving for your Class 1!!!
 
I have recently been thinking of starting, i was watching some driving trials and it looks great fun, once i have got as far as i can in jumping, its defo something i'll try:)
 
I would love to start driving .. am saving for lessons .. then a horse to drive so expect to see me pootling round when im 80 and have saved enough! :D;)
 
I drive but not competitively. Cost cost cost is the main reason why not. I get my pleasure from schooling horses and doing RDA carriage driving. I have not long since done a 185 mile drive in a week raising funds for a local group.
 
Brontie said:
I've always been interested in learning to drive, but as others I don't know anyone that does or where to start. But I do hope that when I get a horse, he / she will be broken to harness, or i'll break them :)
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Nick - You should definitely give it a go!! Youngsters like us :) keep the sport growing and keep the oldies on their toes! Given your age, if you get in to it and are any good, you could well be competing nationally and even internationally in a year or so. Seriously...
The marathon is like quadbiking, cross country, rally driving and sky diving, all rolled in to one. Possibly with more adrenaline. Maybe that's just me. You should definitely try backstepping - I think you'd love it. In my first season of indoor, I competed in 2 classes at the national indoor finals - held at College EC, Keysoe, Beds... Next final is April 1-3 2011. If I qualify again, you will HAVE to come and watch if you are close!
The dressage involves incredibly well schooled horses - and that's part of the fun - we still require extension, collection, accuracy and the wow factor with paces...
 
Driving is great fun - if you are driving an experienced horse and with an expert sitting right next to you.

It is OK if you have the right facilities and someone to help. Our lanes are very narrow and the thought of meeting something large while driving is alarming. Although there is a local driving person who lives very near, and sometimes comes past, but he isn't worried about traffic.
 
montyforever said:
I would love to start driving .. am saving for lessons .. then a horse to drive so expect to see me pootling round when im 80 and have saved enough! :D;)
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Stick a post on www.indoordriving.co.uk or www.horsedrivingtrials.co.uk forums - offer yourself as a backstepper in your local area, keen to learn, and you never know, you may get handed the reins..... And there are often ponies available for loan that drive!
 
Lobelia_Overhill said:
I saw a programme on TV many many years ago where a TV personality used to try different things, one episode he went carriage driving, so I learned a fair bit from that - although I've forgotten most of it now!

I've often thought I'd take up driving if my old bones got to the point where I couldn't ride any more...
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Ah yes... Although going out for a winter drive with your friend/hubby/child with a blanket over your knees is also something to enjoy in your 20s! Hey, this winter I'm doing indoor driving trials (summer outdoor season is over..) hunting, dressage, unaffiliated SJ, hooning round some XC courses, and continuing backing a youngster, maybe trying to get a unicorn of ponies together to compete in multiples. (A pair, with one in front, so not quite a team).
I'd say that driving is the biggest adrenaline rush! I know former eventers, international dressage riders/judges, show jumpers and team chasers who all now drive... And not just cos they got old (although I frequently resent being beaten by a 75 year old :o:o Even if she was a top dressage rider in her time!) And they reckon it's all the same buzz ;);)
 
I am planning on breaking Blue to drive. I have been eyeing up some training carts and harnessess and am looking forward to learning.

Karen Bassett supplies our horse drawn hearses at work and often drives the team herself. Her horses are amazing, and I must admit she has inspired me somewhat :)
 
ORANGEHORSE said:
Driving is great fun - if you are driving an experienced horse and with an expert sitting right next to you.

It is OK if you have the right facilities and someone to help. Our lanes are very narrow and the thought of meeting something large while driving is alarming. Although there is a local driving person who lives very near, and sometimes comes past, but he isn't worried about traffic.
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I agree entirely - and please don't think I'm advocating anyone buying a cart, wacking on some harness and taking on HRH at a national! Facilities, equipment and the right level of knowledge, help and tuition are all musts if you want to do right by your horse, (and not die in the process.) Our roads are dangerous these days - and are also pretty risky while riding. My experience of driving out (meeting lorries, coaches, speeding cars, tractors, rattling livestock trailers, motorbikes....) is that people are often so delighted to see a horse drawn vehicle that they slow right down to look, comment or just smile and wave. It is also harder for them to speed past you as you are wider, so often one of you has to pull in.
It goes without saying that any horse/pony that you take out on the road should be suitably introduced to traffic. My youngsters spent alot of time standing at the end of my driveway, in blinkers, while cars etc go past at 60 because we are in the driveway, so not seen or an obstruction to them. Therefore, normally totally unfazed when I start leading out, then progress to long lining. I also think having been hacked out lots is a great grounding for horse you later wish to drive. Plus it's normally the quieter heavy/cobby types that people drive for pleasure, which tend to be saner. When driving out you should always have a groom/backstepper who can go to the horse's head if you meet traffic that you are unsure of. And bring on the excessive reflectives!!
 
wilsha said:
well have been in someone elses carraige but i would be scared to try with my pony as he is quite un predicatable
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Ah yes, not every pony is suitable, including several of mine.. Although my best driving pony is the least suitable on paper - totally nutty, spends most of her time on her back legs, then turns in an impeccable dressage, faultless cones, and a storming marathon. Still takes 3 of us to restrain her long enough to get her in the carriage when we are competing, while she goes up and paws the ground, leaps through the air, and generally tries to imply she'd like to get going, NOW! But she's otherwise awesome, except for the rearing and leaping the ramp to get into the lorry - people now come and watch this party trick as it happens on the command of "Hup!"

Outgrown kids ponies are often the best - those that have got the t-shirt. And I would also recommend professional help/tuition in breaking your own horse to harness.

I am selling a rather adorable black shettie mare who drives, done driving trials at club level, driven pair, tandem and single, totally traffic and idiot proof etc, but is too big for my current team candidates. She's ideal for a novice. PM me anyone who is interested.
 
I love carriage driving, first got into it a long time ago, friend used to compete, she was international champion in 1989 with her horse, we used to go to competitions with her, spend the weekend away helping her and others out. We gradually stopped going when she got into vaulting with her daughter.
Then a couple of years ago my sister got chatting to a lady who lives near us, her and her husband both compete and there was going to be a competition near us, so we went along to spectate and meet her, and met someone we knew from years before, had a brilliant time and got totally hooked all over again, have done been to loads of competitons in the last couple of years.
I have a fantastic pony who is broken to drive, i drive him a bit but often i'm missing a backstepper but we also go and do a driving demo with him.
One of the things i love most about carriage driving trials is everyone is so sociable and friendly, its just like having a weekend away with friends but with a bit of competing thrown in.
Heading to a club event at the weekend, and i'm so looking forward to it, role on Dalmeny!!
 
I would if I could use my saddlechariot and no blinkers or bit ;)
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