| Author | Message | ||
     Edwina Mcguigan |
hi, thanks so much everyone for all your help so far, i learnt to drive on the job grooming for a pony team as part of my work experience when at college and it amazes me how friendly and helpfull everyone is in the world of driving thanks so far and any other info is still greatly appreciated | ||
| Duncan Seth-Smith |
Hi Edwina. Lots of advice already so take your time and look at each option. I am on my fourth make of carriage, I now drive a Bennington BX4. If I could start again, I would have had a Bennington from the start and saved money in the long run. So try and drive/ride on as many makes as possible and talk to owners of different makes before you spend your money. | ||
| Fiona Powell |
Hi, Edwina, I hope you are finding the advice here useful and that you'll join our wonderful sport when you are ready... (Sorry, this is a bit long.) As a club event organiser and secretary, I like to hear from anyone considering starting our sport before they enter an (EACDG) event - but you don't have to be a member of our club to call or email me - I'll talk to anyone! What I usually suggest includes (assuming one is completely new to the sport and doesn't know anyone competing): learn a lot and meet people by coming along to an event to watch (I'll take anyone around to introduce them to a few people, if they wish); even better, come and steward (extra Brownie points!) - this helps you learn a few rules, too; if you want to come and help or act as a groom for someone in the dressage or cones phases, that can usually be arranged at our events; have some flatwork lessons - even if you are a brilliant driver already - with a recommended trainer before you compete so you'll know what driving judges look for; ask, ask, ask - as you are doing! In the East Anglian Carriage Driving Group, pneumatic tyres are fine (if bouncy on rough tracks); well-fitted and clean Zilco, webbing and similar harness is fine - the horse's comfort and the safety of the turnout are the most important considerations. Yes, we have a "drive a single first" policy which applies to everyone new to the sport who wishes to drive multiples. It's very important that we see how people and their horses act under competition conditions, among other turnouts, etc. That's "in a nutshell". You might find someone who'll lend you a single carriage - just check that, if you buy a pairs/single carriage, it's not too heavy for a single. You don't say how big your ponies are - we compete with a Fenix Flyer single which weighs about 140kgs and a very fit 13 hand pony - but a single can be from 90kgs. A pony pair carriage should be 225kgs minimum (but ask at your local club what weight is acceptable...). Find out more from Reference on this site and call your local club sec who will, I'm sure, be welcoming, helpful and constructive. Hope this helps! p.s. Come to Ashfields, near Great Dunmow, Essex, 25-26 April, if you want to meet us? Call me 01473 735732 if you want a chat. | ||
| Naomi Harbach |
Hi Edwina I would really recommend a bennington carriage for your ponies, if you are lucky you may find one which can be used for both single and pair. I have had bennington carriages for the last 7 years and have been really happy with all of them! They are strong / durable and look smart and they will talk you through any special requirements you might have. I would recommend you get a four wheeler with a marathon seat as this will really help with your back pain. Regarding pneumatic tyres, they probably arent ideal as on the marathon you may go over flint or stoney areas and it would be awful if you got a puncture. Stick to traditional wheels if you can. Zilco harness also sounds ideal! Hope this helps and happy driving Naomi | ||
| Danielle Twitchen |
Wilf Bowman Ripley also sells lots of different carriage that are specific to the hdt. They are very nice carriages and very reasonably priced. Speak to him. He runs the events at Ashfields Danielle | ||
| Simon Heath |
Edwina, That sounds like a specific requirement and a possible bespoke build to take into account spring and damping rates and seat comfort. There is a lot of choice these days and you really do get what you pay for. There is an experienced driver called Mark Broadbent. Check out his web site at www.fenixcarriages.co.uk . I would recommend chatting to Mark and comparing to other makes. As we enter the season get to some club and national events and chat to the competitors for their opinions as well and any other advice offered here. | ||
| Edwina Mcguigan |
i am fairly new to carriage driving, i have a pair of ponies, a very experienced hdt pony and a 5 year old who has only just been broken to drive, which i drive out on the roads and tracks near to my home. i am looking to start doing hdt events what are the rules (if any) for the different types of carriage/harness you can use? my harness is zilco and i asume that will be fine for all 3 events? i am looking to buy a new carriage and need one which has very good suspension as i am disabled and suffer with back pain, and would like one that goes single/pair as i belive you have to start with a single at club events? can you use a carriage with pump up tyres at club level hdt? any info would be greatly appreciated thanks |