Some questions about driving

J

Jbrogan

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Hi

I've been thinking about buying a pony and trap to have some fun with and enjoy. I'm 5ft 6 and around about 11st and I would like to be able to take out my OH who is 6ft 1 and 15 stone. What type of pony would be able to pull a lightweight cart with us both in? Also I've never driven before is it hard, is there people who teach?
Thanks
 
Lots of people teach, and no its not hard. Obviously it depends what you want to acheive, but its pretty easy to plod round the roads.
A 12.2 or probably even 11.2 or full up shetty could take you both.
 
The key to a novice driving is getting the right pony, a good 12.2 to 13.2 would do everything you want, you need to really go for somthing experienced that has been driven in company and on its own, ideally somthing 10+. Initially I would get some lessons and go from there. Just be careful who you go to for lessons as there are lots of people who are qualified to teach but who haven't been driving long themselves.

Have a look at the British Driving Society web site.
 
Experience of what and what quality obviously make a big difference. If it is simply a hack, for trotting round the roads about £1500-£2000 could probably get you somthing very reliable, you could get somthing for cheaper certainly, and probably one that has done a few bits but that seems to be the general price for a normal type. Many are for sale from the travelling community for around £1000 and less and you could strike lucky, could have a disaster. I know of 12.2 experienced HDT or show driving ponies for sale for up to £15,000, they are very experienced, and you wouldn't pay much less for a HOY/naional championships pony for any other disipline.
 
Like rara said, you can pay what you like really but I think £1k-£2.5k would get you something nice thats seen the world and would pootle about.

But defo get lessons first, harness is so often fitted badly and theres no such thing as a small accident driving when you take into account horse, harness, carriage, passengers and other vehicals. Don't want to put the fear into you though!

Have a flick about through carriage link, theres a bit of everything on there
http://www.carriagelink.com/index.php?op...&Itemid=156

British Driving Society has loads of good links and driving is probs the friendliest of all the disciplines so ask about!
 
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British Driving Society has loads of good links and driving is probs the friendliest of all the disciplines so ask about!

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www.horsedrivingtrials.co.uk and look up your local club, they will be happy to help you, or your local organiser from www.indoordriving.co.uk is usually happy to help and advise. Generally very very friendly and nice people.
 
Thanks, for all the advice, mainly I just wanting to hack around the countryside and enjoy it so on't be looking for a world beater pony just something nice and safe. Thanks again
 
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LOL I'm feeling the love tonight
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It must be the thought of seeing all those 4 in hands!


Oooo back on topic, the sallie wallrond books are very good too. Theres a threshold picture guide version thats about £5 or theres "driving the harness horse" which is good too.
 
Can only repeat what has already been said. You do need an experienced been there, done it pony, and you would be best advised to get some lessons from a qualified LHHI first.
One thing I can say is, you will love it and soon become addicted. You also get more respect from car drivers than horse riders do. Go for it and have fun
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If you want to start driving, I would strongly recommend that you join the british driving society, as all members are covered by insurance against accidents when driving.You will also find out who is in your area and can join in drives and social events. Joining membership is £27 (i think)
 
Hi, you can also join the BHDTA, which covers you 3rd party for driving on the roads... It also allows you to compete if you want, and in my opinion, it is easier cost wise to compete in driving trails than the showing that the BDS offers...

Just my t'pence worth!
 
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