Carriage Driving

What is it?
The ability to fit driving harness to a single horse or pony in a correct and safe manner and put-to a two-wheeled vehicle of correct size, weight and balance. Knowledge and skill is developed on reign handling and correct driving positions and use of the whip. Maintenance of harness and vehicle together with health and well being of the animal is included.

Safety Message
Participants should receive appropriate training from a qualified instructor who holds the Light Harness Instructors Certificate (L.H.H.I). Correct procedure should be explained together with safe handling of animal. Suitable footwear and headwear should be worn at all times with appropriate outdoor clothing to suit the weather conditions.

Ideas/Aims
• Clean some items from a set of single leather harness.
• Correctly assemble a harness.
• Harness Up and Put to with an Assistant, using Planned Procedure.
• Balancing a vehicle demonstrated and discussed.
• Carry out Road Driving Manoeuvres using any Suitable Turnout and the English Coaching Style of Driving. (Reigns held in the left hand with right hand supporting.)

Review/Assessment
The young person should be capable of harnessing up and putting to safely (with assistance) in approximately 30 minutes and driving a single turnout safely. Making simple transitions from walk to trot/trot to walk, simple turns and progressive halts and must be in control of the horse/pony at all times throughout the performance.

Governing Body/Organisation
The British Driving Society, 27 Dugard Place, Barford, Nr. Warwick, CV35 8DX
Tel: 01926 624420
web site: www.carriage-driving.com