Horse Driving Trials Club Inc.

 

These simple hints will help you to drive more safely

*  Always securely tie your horse up when harnessing.

*  Never try to back a horse between shafts that are lying on the ground

*  Make sure you attach the reins to the winkers BEFORE you harness the horse to the vehicle

*  Your reins should always be buckled together.  This way you will never drop one.

*  Always try to take someone with you when you go out driving

*  NEVER take the winkers off your horse if it is still in the vehicle

*  NEVER take the reins off the winkers while the horse is still in the vehicle

*  Don't tie a nervous horse to the side of a truck or trailer

*  If you are unharnessing a horse in unfamiliar surrounds, make sure you have a capable person at his head or that he is securely tied up.

*  You must NEVER allow anyone to sit in the carriage before you the driver, have taken your place and are holding the reins.

*  Likewise, you as the driver should NEVER leave the vehicle before all passengers have got down.

*  Don't over feed and under work your horse.

*  Remember to signal to other traffic on the road before stopping or turning.

*  Take great care when passing another carriage and only do so when you can see plenty of clear road ahead.

*  Do not overtake another carriage at a fast trot.

*  Never drive too close to the carriage in front of you.

*  Always be watchful of your horse whilst out driving,  especially his ears which may give you warning of something he has seen or heard.

*  Always have an active capable person with you when driving a green horse.

*  You should always carry your whip.

*  Do not drive a green horse at a show or driving event.  Take him on a couple of outings first and let him see other horses in carriages and see how he behaves.

*  Always work your horse regularly prior to an event.

*  Regularly check your harness and vehicle for wear.

*  Items to carry when driving: a spare trace, leather punch, a knife and some strong cord are all handy emergency repair items.