Driving Diary

[Silver1]

Hey everyone, I've noticed that there is a remarkably large amount of drivers on here, in all stages of expertise. I thought it might be cool if we kept a drivers log together, posting experiences, both show and training, and what techniques work and don't work. It'd be nicer for the real n00bs (like me :D) to hear what you guys are doing!

[Wally]

Well, yesterday was an interesting day, 10am gave a total beginner a driving lesson with Andrew Pants, then 2pm Charlie did his first solo flight with Fivla's little cart, then 4pm Kina gave another beginner a lesson in her big cart.

Today is my day off and I'm off to do tourist things

[jayuk]

hi
well thing are going ok with my 2
colt is doing very well going on a spider drive, well hes being long reined there
seem happy with the roller or saddle i think that the right term does not mined blinkers and good in traffic
rosie is a star nothing get her upset along as she know we are going home after a hour or so, hope to get a cart later this year
jenny :)

[Demson]

Busy Busy day.....arrive at the stables 7.50am and muck out..followed by hogging kyle's mane and giving him his shave....and trimmed his tail. Good groom then given some horsehage and fresh water.

9.30am Brushmower is delivered so after being showed how to use it I clamber aboard and set to.

It is now 2.30pm and One 60 x 120 dressage arena and an area for cones is all set out and a path way cut to drive the car down or the carriage.

Back to the yard and groom kyle and muck out and lay bed.

3pm Tacked up and school in the arena till 3.45pm.

Brush Kyle, feed and give fresh water have a natter with the lasses and of course with the farm cat...and 5.05pm set off for the 20min drive home.

arrive home feeling shattered, manage a shower, eat and fall asleep until eastenders came on.

Who said owning a horse was easy....I am shattered..At least I got hte dressage arena finished......Phew!!

[jayuk]

hello
going to a spider drive tomorrow we will be longreining as still training ,hes not seem horses in harness before, should be fun lol,

the herd were fine today move electric fence so very happy herd,

[Silver1]

whats a spider drive? I didn't know you could actually long rein horses at events, what great experience that must be!

[Demson]

After a 3 hr drive from Newcastle we make a detour and stop off a the stables.

I call to Kyle and he starts to wander down the field to the gate...flabbergasted ain't the word... I pick my jaw off the ground and bring Kyle in....

Soon we are harnessed up and as he had Friday off Iwonder how he is feeling.

Wow...energy in bundles as he takes off. good forward stide into traot with mega impulsion...maybe a little too much...a strong workout but he is full of energy and pep which is great to see after his bout of anemia...

The dresssage arena drives well and so have three days to settle Kyle beofre my lesson on Wednesday when we get the New harness and Spider Phaeton carriage sorted out..

[Wally]

Ooh a Spider phaeton, is it an original or a modern copy?

I drove a pair to one for my exam, it was a joy to drive. The one I drove was a modern copy made for presentation and dressage.

Tell all.

[JaniceH]

I'm not driving at the moment, so nothing to report I'm afraid. :( Actually I havent seen a horse for a little while either :(

[Demson]

Mine is a modern version (only one around with detailed leather stitching by Réné Schoop) made to measure for my pony. It is so different to drive compared to my marathon carriage...harder but Kyle finds it better and actually carries himself better in it.

[Wally]

How is dear old Réné? I bought a vehicle off him 20 years ago. He's great, what a character.

[Demson]

Wally Ibet if you saw him he would be as he was 20 years ago..he seems that sort of chap.

Very friendly, good to chat to and do business with and can be quite funny..can be a bit forgetful but then so can all of us...

Réné is looking well and doing plenty of business...He keeps asking us fo rphotos of our carriage as it was the first one that he has had made that has the lovley leather detail on it and extra that we asked for.

I love it and will be using it at Alnwick and Windsor. I need to get some practice driving the cones in it though

[H & Bailey]

well just bought my first driving pony :D havent done any driving before to speak of,at the riding school I worked in they had a pony and governess cart and occasionally put her in harness so had a drive a couple of times but just around the arena so all advice and tips appreciated !

[Demson]

Tired at having just go tback from competing at Alnwick but for some quick advice

Don't be in a hurry...
Relax and enjoy it
Don't try to hard
Have plenty of lessons but only from an experienced carriage driver
Riding Dressage and and basic schooling under saddle will help loads
Don't always school inthe carriage th esame way each time or drive the same routes too often as your horse will get bored and switch off
Read plenty of books
Go and watch at events (amazing what you can learn by watching)
Don't be afraid to admit you were wrong
NEVER use your whip to punish
Teach your horse voice aids (very important)
Make sure your harness and carriage fit your horse not the other way around
Put the bridle on last and take off first
Put the carriage to the horse (not the horse to the carriage)
Use two people to harness up (for safety) and when putting to.
Learn the highway code (it is slightly different for horses than cars)
ALWAYS wear reflective gear all round (breast plate, boots, sheet, Jacket and carriage tabbard)
Florescent gear is not enough use reflective gear

Hard to think when I'm exhausted but hope I could help in some way