Driving for dummies?

[chickflick1066]

Is driving worth getting into just for pleasure? I know it'd be a time consuming and expensive past-time to do with my pony but it's something I think i'd really like to do?

All I want to do is potter around the quiet roads and in the fields? Is it worth it?

Of course I have to see if Stumps has been broken to drive, apparntly she has but I'm not sure. And tbh I wouldn't know where to start, even if she does no more about it then i do.

Should I research it a bit more and see if its for us or just forget about it now?

[Miriam]

Of course it is. The main thing is for you to enjoy it and for your horse to enjoy the work


By all means research.

Start off with long reining. I got Peter to pull a tyre the other day. Rhi I never had to do that with. Same as Jake and Shada.


Just go slowly and gently. Get a cart that you can fix together if it gets damaged whilst breaking the horse in. You can always replace the bits and then replace the cart with something better when you know the horse will work with it. Get someone to help you and when you first try the shafts on the horse dont attach them. Get someone to hold the cart so its easily taken away

[chickflick1066]

Oh thanks Miriam :)

Re the long reining - how would I attach the tyre. I've got the bare minimum basic in regards to resources so...:o Any tips i'd really appreciate :)

[Miriam]

All I do is make sure that it is slip knotted to breeching and slot through tyre so that if anything happens you can let the tyre slip away or slip knots can be easily got our of breeching.

There are some good driving books you can get. Cant remember the name of the girl off hand but sure someone will be able to tell you

[Wally]

You need two of you to pull the tyre first time, someone to hold the quick release knot and some one to lead, if all hell breaks loose you can get your friend to pull the knot and release the tyre.

Where are you in the UK? Can you get to Caroline Dale-Leech in Matlock, Derbyshire, she does have a go days, There are instructors about all over the UK, have a few lessons and see whether you like it. While you are driving you can ask about various methods of training, everyone has loads of little tips and ideas. You learn something new every time you meet a new driver.

[april]

Is driving worth getting into just for pleasure? I know it'd be a time consuming and expensive past-time to do with my pony but it's something I think i'd really like to do?

All I want to do is potter around the quiet roads and in the fields? Is it worth it?

Of course I have to see if Stumps has been broken to drive, apparntly she has but I'm not sure. And tbh I wouldn't know where to start, even if she does no more about it then i do.

Should I research it a bit more and see if its for us or just forget about it now?


yes i believe getting into driving if even just for pleasure to be a rewarding and enjoyable past time :D

it is always worth it if you and/ or your pony enjoy it.

you don't have to get a brand new harness or a top of the range cart. exercise vehicals vary in price and so do harnesses and you can find some quite cheap in good condition

i'd startoff with getting your pony comfortable in harness for starters before even begginging pulling a tyre. your pony might object to having blinkers on the driving bridle.... although i am led to believe that they are not necessary
or your pony might not like having a crupper on.

you can start long reining without a harness just using your saddle, bridle and two lunge lines.. but to pull the tyre you would need the harness, and like miriam said she ties it to the breeching

[chickflick1066]

Thanks for the positive post April :D

I'm quite keen on giving it a go, perhaps after my exams in the summer break :)