From Saddle To Harness

[Laya]

I've been interested in training my horse how to pull a light weight summer carriage for pleasure. I was wondering if someone could offer advice on the steps I need to take, like ground work to the first carriage session. I appreciate any response. Thanks. ;)

[Silvia]

I'm only a beginner at driving, but I think the best thing to start with is long reining.
But I'm sure there are some experts on this board who can give you better advice than me.

[Cathy Reynolds]

Try http://www.carriagelink.co.uk for ideas of websites. Our Benny has done some driving training (I have a full set of tack and a training rig) but all the non-driving people tell me I shouldn't drive him when he is being trained to be ridden as he will build up muscle in the wrong place. All the carriage people tell me this is rubbish! But since he is a very strong pony (actually very bull-necked) and Hannah is quite small I am just sticking with the riding. I'm ITCHING to drive him though! There are a couple of basic books that are good.

Are you in the UK? If so I know there is a magazine called Carriage Driving and there are adverts in there of training courses you can go on to try it out