H&C

CARRIAGE DRIVING: EQUIPMENT

A private driving competitor

It may sound obvious, but a comfortable, well-fitting harness and suitable carriage is paramount. Your trainer should be able to guide you, as there are many different types of both and mistakes can be costly.

Depending on its intended use, harness is available in leather and /or synthetic materials, off the peg or made to measure, from the UK or imported, from a saddler or via the internet, all depending upon the depth of your pocket and your ambition.

Two or four wheel exercise vehicles, suitable for novice turnouts, are also widely available, including the quarterly carriage sales in Reading each year. Remember to take relevant measurements with you if you’re planning to buy at auction - shafts and balance can be pricey and awkward, if impossible, to alter.

For you, the driver, a well-balanced - perhaps fibreglass - driving whip will be necessary, as well as a loose fitting pair of leather gloves, a suitable hat and knee rug or apron. Another essential on the highways has to be high visibility gear for you, your passenger, the animal and also the rear of the vehicle. These are easily bought from specialist retailers, saddlers or the web. Remember also to include some spares whenever out on the roads – a piece of string or two, a spare trace that fits the horse, a rein and a hole punch may all come in handy. It is advisable to include first aid kits for horse and human.

Of course if you eventually plan to take your new turnout to one of the many BDS area shows and compete, then this is a different affair. If entering as an exercise or pleasure driving turnout, then perhaps a really good clean up of all the items usually used will be sufficient, but some competitors will have another better set of most items, to be kept for best.

When eventually upgrading to a private driving class, a traditional type vehicle with a pair of carriage lamps will need to be purchased, a gig, dogcart or phaeton perhaps depending on the animal, along with a set of patent leather full collar harness. The whip will need to be suitably smartly attired, carry a bow top holly whip and wear brown leather gloves. The groom also needs to be correctly turned out for the vehicle.

If in any doubt about any aspect of kit or competition, don’t be afraid to ask. Most carriage drivers are passionate about their sport and will be delighted to pass on their expertise to those just starting out.

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