Welcome to our new page, giving you all the information you need regarding courses being held at Carrbridge Carriage Driving.
Introduction to Carriage Driving Course
*Covid 19 Update
Due to the continued risk from Covid 19, I have put in place further measures to ensure the safety of not only my self, but you, my valued clients.
Courses are now up and running again, but please ensure you read and follow the instructions below.
* Bring your own riding/bicycle helmet
* Ensure you bring a pair of riding gloves or pimple palm gloves and a high-viz vest
* Bring your own hand sanitising gel/liquid/wipes
* All will have their temperatures checked on arrival
* Anyone with a temperature above 37.8 C will not be permitted to take part in the course
* Anyone showing signs of Corona-virus will not be permitted on the course, and will be asked to return at a later date.
* I ask that anyone testing positive for Corona-virus in the days immediately following the course to contact me, to ensure I can help with any contact tracing.
* Face shields that fit over your riding/bicycle helmet will be provided, but you must bring your own face mask.
Course Dates 2020
Dates can be tailored to suit your availability, please do get in touch to ask for availability.
This course is aimed at people who are interested in taking up carriage driving, but are not sure where to start.
Over 3 days, you will be shown how to handle the reins coachman style and two handed, harness up, making sure the harness fits your horse/pony correctly, put-too and drive out on the open road and in fields. You will then take your horse/pony out from the vehicle, un-harness and be shown how to care for everything after your drive. You will also have the opportunity to drive a set of cones, build, walk and drive a hazard, honing your rein handling technique, with an emphasis on health and safety at all times.
The course is aimed at individuals and small groups of up to 3 people, and can be booked at a time during the Autumn and Spring months to suit your schedule, and you will receive a minimum of 4 hours coaching per day, with a break for lunch.
Itinerary
Day One – Morning Session 10am start
Informal welcome, with Tea/Coffee and biscuits, plus Health & Safety induction.
English Coachman Style rein-handling practice
Introduction to the horses
The importance of your groom
Harnessing up & Putting too
Long-reining to practice your newly acquired rein handling skills
Un-harnessing
Aftercare of your horse and harness
Lunch – 12.30
Afternoon Session 1.30pm
Re-cap of morning session
Harness up, learning the names of parts of the harness, their purpose and how to fit it correctly.
Go for a short drive on quiet country roads.
Taking out & un-harnessing
Aftercare
Questions & Answers
Harness and Carriage hand-outs
Day Two – 10am
Tea/Coffee and biscuits, re-cap of health and safety
Groom your horse in preparation for driving
Harness up and put too
Go for a drive and learn hand signals, road craft and the importance of thanking other road users
Take out and unharness your horse
Aftercare of your horse and all equipment
Lunch – 12.30
Watch "Between the Shafts" a BDS carriage driving video.
Afternoon Session 1.30pm
Re-cap of morning session
Harness up, put-to and go for a short drive, before tackling a cone course
Take out and unharness your horse
Aftercare of your horse and all equipment
Review of the day’s session
Day Three – 10.30am
Tea/Coffee and biscuits, re-cap of health and safety
Harness up and put too
Go for a longer drive
Take out and un-harness
Aftercare of your horse and equipment
Lunch – 12.30
Afternoon Session 1.30pm
Set up and walk a carriage driving hazard
Harness up and put too
Fun session, driving the hazard
Cool down
Take out and un-harness
Aftercare of your horse and equipment
Review of session
Presentation of certificate
Other Information
I have over 25 years carriage driving experience, am a UKCC Level 2 Qualified Coach in Carriage Driving, hold a Driving and Road Safety certificate, am a long-term member of both the British Driving Society and the British Horse Society, am disclosure and safeguarding certified and have a valid First Aid Certificate.
All lessons will be carried out with two sets of reins, a bit like having duel controls on a learner car.
When carriage driving, visibility is of paramount importance! Hi-viz vest will be provided for all persons on the carriage.
Please note that when driving in fields and along track, these may be bumpy, so this activity may not be suitable for people with back issues. If you suffer from any health issues, please advise us when you make the booking, as a reasonable amount of mobility is required for carriage driving.
Accommodation is available in Carrbridge, which is just a mile and a half away, or there are other recommended B&B’s within a 10 mile radius.
Cost of course, including all tea/coffee and biscuits each day - £330
(please bring your own packed lunch)
IMPORTANT
Carriage Driving is a risk sport!
Whilst all due care to health and safety will be practised, you participate in carriage driving, and this course, at your own risk!
This Itinerary is subject to change.
Prices correct as at 1st July 2019