| Author | Message | ||
     Maxine Ingham |
Hi Nicola, There are lots of driving people near Plymouth that would be glad to point you in the right direction, you could give me a call if you like? We have a two day event at Newnham Park, Plympton this weekend which all the local drivers will be attending if you wanted to pop down meet some of us and see what goes on in your area? Maxine Ingham 07979754920 | ||
| Nicola Hobbs |
thank you sooo much ruth and fiona,very much appreciate the info! im in plymouth,devon.like i said ive owned him since he was 6 months old so know him inside out but i am not afriad to ask about driving,because we are both complete novices! will let you know how we get on. | ||
| Fiona Powell |
Hi, Nicola - I think what is most important for the harness is safety - strong enough in the right places - and a good fit to the horse. There are some good webbing sets around - be careful that the breast harness and the breeching are not too floppy and keep an eye on it for wear. Zilco-type polythene-covered webbing is very popular, strong and easy to clean. These are nearly always breast harness sets. Leather is lovely but needs more care and maintenance. You probably know that you should always use a breast harness with a swingle tree - that is, if you have fixed "pigtails" on the carriage, use a full collar, however these are more difficult to fit well and more expensive - or get a swingletree fitted to your carriage? The more you pay, the better you'll get, of course - or take a genuinely knowledgable friend with you and all your horse's measurements and go to Reading sales - you might get a bargain, but be prepared to spend a bit to make it fit in the places where it doesn't. If you buy new or second-hand, you might have to mix and match a bit - sometimes the bridle is too big/small: you can sell the bits that don't fit and buy a different size. Traditionally many horses are driven in a mullen or straight bar bit, but you can get French link Liverpools, etc. These give you more choice over rein positions for better control... I suggest you phone around as many suppliers as you can and ask, ask, ask. The best will always be keen to help you and give useful advice. Hmm, hope this helps a bit! Do let us know how you get on? Best of luck - have fun! | ||
| Ruth Auton |
Hi Nicola - go for synthetic harness if you can as it's easy to keep clean & in condition. I would suggest a breast harness as you'll find this most cost effecctive and most likely easier to find one to fit your your horse. If he's happy in his french link keep him in that. There are traditional driving bits [ liverpool, wilson etc.] but at the end of the day it's what s/he goes best in and you have the right contact / steering / breaks. Don't chnage just for the sake of it. Hope you enjoy your new sport and will get a lot of pleasure from your driving. where do you live? - join a local club and get support and help from the friendly folk in our circle of driving friedsd, Ruth | ||
| Nicola Hobbs |
which is best to start off with for a novice horse/owner? webbing or leather? and full or breast collar? also which bit? hes in a french link full cheek for riding,hes a 16 yr old clydesdale x welsh,15.2hh.(owned since 6 months old),will be just pleasure driving,any info much appreciated,thanks. |