| Author | Message | ||
     MARTIN PINK Member Username: Dalespilot Post Number: 4 Registered: 09-2010 |
I agree with Fiona that it the individual Horse that best suits your requirements. If you are new to carriage driving then I would suggest you consider a Dales Pony or Cob. They are economical & easy to keep,equally proficient at riding or driving. They have a superb working & collected Trot , not to mention a power Trot that makes cantering in the Cones unnecessary. My Boy may be chunky but he still makes very good times in the obstacles. | ||
| Linda King Member Username: Linda_king Post Number: 24 Registered: 05-2012 |
Hi Ellie, I totally agree that you should buy a pony for what job it does and your needs and not go for any particular breed. We are also quite new into the sport and the type of ponies I started out looking for and the one we eventually ended up with for my son is totally opposite and the sort of pony I said that I definatley did not want at the begining (we bought !) and he has brought my sons driving along in leaps and bounds. HDT seems to be a sport in which a big variety of both full and part bred ponies go. We have found that members of BHDTA and the IHDTA are most helpful and have lots of knowledge there are more than willing to offer newbies. I would go along to your local club to watch and ask, you will be amazed how much you will learn! | ||
| Nicolette Hughes Member Username: Nicolettepurple Post Number: 58 Registered: 05-2008 |
I completely agree with Ruth and Fiona too. Also you need to match your personality to the characteristics of your horse and its breed. If your highly strung or a bit nervous you then need something very dependable and calm. If your easily intimidated on the ground be careful if buying a section "D" or some other breeds, (We have one!) Lorna is right section C's are very popular driving ponies and really good at the job. Cross breeds are really worth looking at as they can combine good elements from both breeds. Don't overhorse yourself to start with, you don't want to scare yourself. Initially have fun, learn the ropes and then get something more sparky when your ready. Good luck. | ||
| Fiona Powell Member Username: Fionap Post Number: 203 Registered: 03-2007 |
Personally, I think what matters is how well the individual horse matches you and what you want to do and the level you want to do it at, as Ruth wisely says. I strongly recommend that you go and ride and drive as many horses (and big ponies) as you can before committing to buy one. You will (if you haven't already) make lots of driving friends and the word will get around about what you are looking for. There are plenty of animals for loan, too, especially when people get to know you. If I were starting over, I'd do this! What suits you when you first start will probably quickly change, too, as you grow into the sport. I hope you will find your special horse - but it may take time! | ||
| Lorna Ingam Member Username: Stigman Post Number: 8 Registered: 04-2010 |
hi i a welsh c who is fab he does the marathon easily but is very laid back so tends to fall asleep in the 10 min halt so is always ready for the obs !!! i get him very fit but all the welshies make great drivers . good luck | ||
| Ruth Auton Member Username: Rauton Post Number: 27 Registered: 08-2007 |
you need to consider your level of competence and to what level you wish to compete at (club or National). for indoors a big chunky cob / friesian may stuggle to make tight turns. How competitive are you? I have friesian X and they are fine for what i do at club level adn i plan my routes accordingly ( long routes as they cover the ground well and wouldn't do aswell if i tried to make tight turns). have a look around and see what takes your eye and how people drive different types. | ||
| Kathleen Upsall Member Username: Katastrophy Post Number: 81 Registered: 10-2008 |
I have a sec D, who struggles a little bit with the marathon as he gets far too excited at the stop before E, so runs out of brainpower before the obstacles (but manages very well, just feels flatter than he should) and a homebred who is off for breaking to drive very soon, his dam was TB x Connoe and sire is Hanovarian x Trotter...! | ||
| ellie clements Member Username: Ellie Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2012 |
I am looking to buy a ride and driving horse but i don't know what breed to go for ?what breed would be racommend to do HDT and IDHDT i have been looking at Friesians and welsh cob sec D. Any thoughts ? Ellie |