The traditional English Coaching method of holding the reins is used in training, as encouraged by the British Driving Society, of which the trainer, Stephanie Dale, is a Member. Lessons are also provided for experienced carriage drivers wanting to learn the English coaching method in order to pass their Road Driving Assessment Test.
Photo courtesy of Hazel Woodbridge, taken on a Le Trec drive in Oxfordshire
"Very thorough and well planned day. Structure was
spot on and the change in the horse and carriage in the afternoon gave
me additional confidence. Very enjoyable". D Bills
"Thorougly enjoyed this morning - thank you! It was very helpful starting with the health and safety and harness information which helped my understanding. Roger and Stephanie's patience with me was amazing!" CB
"Very enjoyable and certainly challenged the brain. Lovely countryside". C Luke
Two Hour Have a Go At Carriage Driving ~ Taster Session
Half Day Lesson
Full Day
Carriage driving holidays in UK: Weekend and longer courses: One to Five Days: Beginners to Advanced (for cotswolds accommodation links, see menu on the left at the top of the page: Accommodation, Gift Vouchers)
Scroll down to see Typical Itineraries for each of the above options. Lessons can be tailored. Carriage driving instruction will depend on the existing skills, progress made and objectives of the Student. The aim is to have an enjoyable day and learn a new skill in a relaxed atmosphere. The sense of achievement gained from learning to carriage drive or to improve existing techniques makes you feel great!
Introduction to the horses Health and safety issues Rein handling practice Put on the harness and attach the carriage Have a practice carriage drive in the field Learn how to drive in a straight line, go round corners, change paces from walk to trot to walk to stop Use of the voice Remove the carriage and harness Wash, feed and care for the horse. Review the training.
9.30 – 12.30 or 13.30 - 16.30 or 14.00 to 17.00 in summer. Please arrive 10 mins early to go through the paperwork.
Introduction to the horses Health and Safety Rein handling practice using the traditional English Coaching method How to handle the driving horse when stationary and when moving Putting on the harness Putting the carriage to the horse In the field, practice changing paces between walking and trotting, going in a straight line, turning corners and stopping. Short drive along the off-road track, the Fosse Way, built by the Romans nearly two thousand years ago Take the carriage away from the horse Take the harness off Care for the horse Review the training.
9.30 to 16.30 (or earlier by arrangement).
On full days: please bring your own picnic or have lunch at a local cafe or pub.
Morning, as above.
13.30 to 16.30 You may get an opportunity to drive a different horse in the afternoon. Introduction to different parts of the harness and the purpose of each part Rein handling practice Putting the harness on in the right order and putting the carriage to the horse. Practice carriage driving in the field and going in and out of cones. A longer drive on the Fosse Way in the footsteps of the Romans and along country lanes. Cool the horse down, remove the carriage and harness. Wash, feed and care for the horse. Review of the day.
Day one as above
9.30 – 12.30
Grooming the horse and pick out the hooves Natural horsemanship communication, how it works and why Health and safety revisited The essential role of the groom Rein handling practice Put the harness on Put the carriage to the horse
Practice driving in and out of cones. Road signals and road sense from a carriage driver’s perspective Take the horse out of the carriage and remove harness Care for the horse
Lunch
13.30 – 16.30
Prepare the carriage horse and put to the carriage Approximately two hours carriage drive along roads and tracks Break for refreshments Return to base Cool the horse down Remove the carriage and harness Wash, feed and care for the horse and carriage. Review the day.
9.30 – 12.30
Feeding, grooming and picking out hooves Natural horsemanship practice Lunging the carriage horse (pros and cons) and practice voice commands. Listening\watching for the horse communicating with you and what it means. What to look for when choosing a carriage driving horse Rein handling practice Prepare the horse for a drive Schooling the carriage horse: collected trot, extended trot, transitions and rein-back Prepare a free-style routine to use in a presentation show to show off your skills Cool the horse down Remove the carriage and harness Wash, feed and care for the horse.
Lunch
13.30 – 16.30 Prepare the carriage horse and put to the carriage Approximately two hours carriage drive along roads and tracks Break for refreshments Return to base Cool the horse down Remove the carriage and harness Wash, feed and care for the horse and carriage. Review the day.
9.30 – 12.30
Working with a younger horse, what to be aware of, how to handle them, health and safety issues Stages of training a horse to drive Long reining practice Explanation of different bits and why they are used Discussion of the bit-less bridle
Lunch
13.30 - 16.30 Prepare your horse for a presentation show competition Practice a free-style routine to use in a presentation show to show off your skills Present your show routine. Cool the horse down Remove the carriage and harness Wash, feed and care for the horse. Review the day.
9.30 to 16.30
Health and safety revisited Two wheel carriage versus four wheel carriage, pros and cons How to balance a two wheel carriage Identify the right size of carriage for the horse Practise driving a two-wheel carriage around cones Remove the horse from the two wheel carriage, remove the harness Care for the horse.
Prepare the carriage horse and put to the four-wheel carriage
Drive to the pub for lunch (not included in the price) or a Tour Through Tetbury
Approximately three hours carriage drive along roads and tracks to include the pub break Return to base Cool the horse down Remove the carriage and harness Wash, feed and care for the horse. Review the day.
* Itinerary subject to change. If you have specific requirements, we can change the itinerary as required. The itinerary can usually be amended according to your experience and objectives.
"Very thorough and well planned day. Structure was
spot on and the change in the horse and carriage in the afternoon gave
me additional confidence. Very enjoyable". D Bills
Scroll down to see Typical Itineraries for each of the above options. Lessons can be tailored. Carriage driving instruction will depend on the existing skills, progress made and objectives of the Student. The aim is to have an enjoyable day and learn a new skill in a relaxed atmosphere. The sense of achievement gained from learning to carriage drive or to improve existing techniques makes you feel great!
