Where to go for driving lessons in Suffolk?

Innocence · #1 28th Jun 2011, 04:45 PM

My daughter is reluctant to ride our shetland because he can be a little fast and she isn't the most confident.

So i thought i may try my hand at driving him but want to know where to go for lessons and also where to begin teaching him to drive?

Wally · #2 28th Jun 2011, 04:56 PM

Swingletree Stables? John Parker, is he near you?

http://www.swingletree.co.uk/

Innocence · #3 28th Jun 2011, 05:08 PM

Yes he is, well about an hour away but worth a shot for some advice on what to do to get started.

Wally · #4 28th Jun 2011, 05:27 PM

He's one of the best there is. Start with him and you won't go far wrong

Innocence · #5 28th Jun 2011, 06:06 PM

Cheers Wally!

laceyfreckle · #6 28th Jun 2011, 06:08 PM

valley farm also do lessons in driving

http://www.valleyfarmonline.co.uk/

have no idea how good they are though.

Let me know if you do book something up or want some company as i'd like to get piccolo going under harness soon(ish) she's been long reining pretty well and has worn a harness but that is as far as we have got.

Innocence · #7 29th Jun 2011, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laceyfreckle

valley farm also do lessons in driving

http://www.valleyfarmonline.co.uk/

have no idea how good they are though.

Let me know if you do book something up or want some company as i'd like to get piccolo going under harness soon(ish) she's been long reining pretty well and has worn a harness but that is as far as we have got.

Ooo definitely, my sharer wants to get into it aswell so we could do a day trip out! Mouse has been long reined but he hates wearing a crupper. I know nothing about harnesses so don't know if this will be needed or not!

Wally · #8 29th Jun 2011, 07:48 AM

If you have him in a full collar with a pair then you can get away without a crupper, sadly for singles it is a very important part of the harness, False breeching could be the answer, but it's really only for the flat show ring and no use with any hills.

What kind of crupper are you using ATM? a change of design could be the answer. Is it too tight?

Innocence · #9 29th Jun 2011, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wally

If you have him in a full collar with a pair then you can get away without a crupper, sadly for singles it is a very important part of the harness, False breeching could be the answer, but it's really only for the flat show ring and no use with any hills.

What kind of crupper are you using ATM? a change of design could be the answer. Is it too tight?

It was a saddle crupper and it was padded at the bit that sits under his tail. He hates anything sitting under his tail. He had never worn one before therefore it could be something that he needs to get used too. I only tried it the once to stop the saddle slipping forward, but i sorted out that issue and stopped using the crupper.

Wally · #10 29th Jun 2011, 08:30 AM

You really need to have a crupper, you could try using just a 3 fold flat , soft leather crupper, rather than a thick padded one, he ought to get used to it for safety's sake. A pony that is fussy round his back end won't make a rally safe driving pony. That's why carriage drivers never worry about the back ends of horses!

Innocence · #11 29th Jun 2011, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wally

You really need to have a crupper, you could try using just a 3 fold flat , soft leather crupper, rather than a thick padded one, he ought to get used to it for safety's sake. A pony that is fussy round his back end won't make a rally safe driving pony. That's why carriage drivers never worry about the back ends of horses!

Ok i will work on him and see if i can sort out his issues. He is only 5 so still young enough to learn that it won't hurt him.

Dawny · #12 1st Jul 2011, 12:39 PM

Perhaps incorporate lots of gentle tail handling while grooming. Lifting etc warm crupper and hands a must!