The British Driving Society
Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire Area

NEWS

Sylvia says - I joined the BDS in the late 1970s after an introductory driving course with Carol Dale (how many of us must owe our interest in driving to her!). The final day’s drive to Chatsworth with the coach and four remains one of my most vivid and exhilarating memories.

I currently own a bright little Morgan gelding and to keep him in hay and shoes work as a freelance writer and editor – see www.ssulledit.co.uk - and I continue to enjoy the friendliness of the Beds, Bucks and Herts BDS group, so I hope to be able to do a little bit to publicise our activities and encourage people to think about taking up driving and joining us.

Sylvia Sullivan Publicity Officer

There are several ways I’d appreciate your help:

1. Achievements – not necessarily or exclusively in the show-ring or competition – don’t be shy! Let us know what you’ve been doing and if possible take a photograph! 

2. Contacts – let me know of any personal contacts you may have with newspapers, television, radio or other local horse groups 

3. Photogoraphs – we have a constant need for good quality photos for which you own the copyright or have permission to use for BDS purposes.

All ideas are welcome – and remember, when supplying information, to answer the questions who, what, where and when!

My horse Troy

25.04.09

Frequently Asked Questions 

Where can I learn to drive? 

The British Driving Society has a list of qualified Light Harness Horse Instructors (LHHIs) throughout the UK, who can advise you and pass on the skills of driving safely, considerately and to high traditional standards. Your Area Commissioner may know of other people who teach in your locality.

Will my pony be suitable for driving? 

Most horses and ponies take happily to driving. They should have a calm, reliable disposition and be traffic proof. Driving can provide a new career for an outgrown family pony and a new interest that involves all members of the family.

What equipment do I need for my own turnout? 

Apart from the pony, you will need initially some webbing harness and an exercise vehicle. You will also need a driving whip, high-visibility tabards for horse and vehicle. The driver should wear a hat, gloves, and a driving apron.

How much will it cost? 

Good quality webbing harness can be bought new from about £250 upwards. A good quality exercise vehicle can be bought new from about £1500 upwards.

How do I train my pony to drive? 

Your horse and pony should be obedient to lunge and to the voice before being longreined in harness. Introduce new equipment gradually and do not attempt to introduce a horse to a vehicle on your own. Ideally, seek professional help.

Useful publications: Breaking your horse to harness: 

A step by step guide by Sally Walrond (available from the British Horse Society www.britishhorse.com/acatalog/Driving_Books.html) Learn to carriage drive with Minta Wynn (words by Sally Taylor) £14.99 plus p&p. order from 0800 137201. Carriage Driving Magazine, Jesses Farm, Snow Hill, Dinton, Nr Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 5HN www.carriage-driving.com

Useful address: 

British Driving Society, Executive Secretary, 83 New Road, Helmingham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6EA Telephone: 01473 892001 www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk Beds, Bucks and Herts Area Commissioner: Linda Swain Telephone: 07850 706978 www.bedsbh.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk The British Driving Society provides a wide variety of services for its members, including training, social outings, competitive events, pleasure drives, annual show, insurance, a newsletter and journal. You do not have to have a turnout to be a member.

© Sylvia Sullivan 30.8.08

It is a legal requirement that a record is kept of all journeys made transporting animals, including horses.

The details required are shown via a link on this form which you can download and use a copy for each journey.