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

Have considered it as I have a friend who drives (not competitively) and I've had a go BUT the prohibitive cost (for me) together with the lack of storage space for a vehicle (I have a rented field) mean it's totally out of the question. However, if I suddenly came into a lot of money I'd love a smart little bottle-green-with-gold-lines ralli car . . . . . .
 
 
DanaHart said:
2 of my friends compete in horse driving trials, and a couple of years ago I went with 1 of them to Sandringham '3 day event' - I tell you, it was exciting to watch, and it really did make me want to try it....... Daniel (can't remember his surname, rides for a stunt team) competes at this sport, and I had the pleasure of meeting him, along with Alf Bowman and Karen Bassett...

Daniel Naprous - The Devil's Horsemen. He is rather impressive! I saw him at the South East Carriage Driving Fair at Ardingly, held every March.

There was a woman there who competes part-bred spanish horses (I think they're crossed with shires (??)) and they were absolutely amazing to watch!!

I would LOVE to compete in driving trials, but I'm afraid it is a very expensive sport.
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Yep, but then all sports can be expensive - think about how much you could spend on dressage/event saddle(s), on lessons, on posh lorries... At club level, ok yes you have to buy the carriage and the harness and sufficient transport for your turnout, but it's really not that bad... I manage to do it as an impoverished nurse with student debt and an expensive divorce (although it may well have actually caused the divorce?)
 
nativeponies said:
how do we go about finding local driving clubs?

and tuition :o
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Clubs are affliliated to the BHDTA - go to http://www.horsedrivingtrials.co.uk/
and on left side is a menu - click affiliated clubs
and either click on the map to locate your nearest one, or there is a list. Where abouts are you? If you contact your local club, they will probably know the local instructors for the area.
Also:
http://www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk/
click on training on left hand side - then at top of this page is a link to a list of holders of the LHHI and BDS preliminary teaching exam holders.

If you can't find someone local using the above methods, try www.horsedrivingtrials.co.uk and www.indoordriving.co.uk/forum.php and post on the forums your area and that you are looking for tuition - someone is bound to be able to point you in the right direction. Also could post on there to offer to backstep to gain experience - again someone local to you may be able to take you out and give you more of an idea?
 
And the UK Coaching Certificate (Driving) holders:

Anna Grayston Edenbridge, Kent
Chris van Reen Banbury, Oxon
David Taylor Witham, Essex
James Broome Chepstow
Margaret Brockie Bolton, Lancashire
Minta Winn West Sussex
Pippa Bassett Dorking, Surrey
Rachel Stevens Rothwell, Northants
Rowena Moyse Swansea
Sara Howe Sevenoaks, Kent
Sarah Jane Williams Leicester
Sarah Wildy Weobley, Herefordshire
Sue Mart Newark, Notts.
Wilf Bowman-Ripley Dunmow, Essex
 
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