| Author | Message | ||
     diane hogben Member Username: Benson21 Post Number: 57 Registered: 10-2012 |
Yes, absolutely. It has been drummed into me not to do it, but I was wrong. I know that. It will not happen again. | ||
| Sarah Giddings Member Username: Sarahg Post Number: 1 Registered: 07-2009 |
Please drive with a groom, my pony sadly bolted in the school on Thursday and the carriage tipped, my pony dragged the carriage on its side along the full length of school, he is now at Newmarket with leg injuries. I would consider my pony to be sane and sensible, there is the suggestion that he was bolting from some pain, perhaps he pulled his back in the field? My groom helped remove the pony from the carriage, called the vet and helped me, a bolting horse is one thing,a bolting horse with a carriage is another. Luckily I was wearing my hat. No matter how good you think your pony is, they are an animal with their own brain, anything could happen at any time, reduce the risk, wear a hat, body protector and have a groom. | ||
| diane hogben Member Username: Benson21 Post Number: 55 Registered: 10-2012 |
Thank you all for your comments and advice. I have now got organised with OH for 2 nights a week , then there is the weekend, so it will not happen again, There is no excuse I can make. It was a stupid thing to do, my fault entirely and I do feel rather stupid for doing it now. its not something I will EVER do again. We have been in the school since, (with a groom) just to have a wander about to make sure he was ok with it all, and luckily he was fine. I have been very lucky to get away with it this time, so there wont be another! | ||
| Caroline Court Member Username: Cazcourt Post Number: 21 Registered: 10-2012 |
Myself and my partner are both farmers-my now in the middle of hay making and very late nights. I am VERY fortunate to have many friends all of whom can't wait for the next time to groom for me-not only as a good gossip catch up but also because they enjoy my hobby. Diane, why not try and encourage some of your friends to enjoy your hobby and go out with you after a swift lesson of rules and 'do as your told'. When I have no help I also ride and long rein a lot-your pony can learn as much without wheels as with!! I would NEVER drive alone as a dear family friend lost his life when he did. That's my massive lesson that will stick forever. | ||
| diane hogben Member Username: Benson21 Post Number: 54 Registered: 10-2012 |
Yes, thank you all. I have definately learnt my lesson! I guess I am just finding it frustrating that as my OH who grooms for me works late, I can only drive at the weekends. And Debbie, I am certainly not proud of it!! Thanks for thinking of the pony though!!! | ||
| Janet Sycamore Member Username: Janets Post Number: 18 Registered: 12-2007 |
Thou shalt not get off the carriage without someone standing at the pony's head is one of the ten commandments of driving that your instructor/trainer should have told you in the early days of starting out If not then please for your & your pony's safety find another one !! sometimes we all have to break the rules in an emergency situation but try not to put yourself there in the first place No one wants to stop you from enjoying driving your pony but please take heed of any advise experienced drivers post on here ... until you have had an accident ( I am one of many who has ) no one really understands just how dangerous carriage driving can be Good Luck with finding some help before it happens to you | ||
| Lorna Ingam Member Username: Stigman Post Number: 18 Registered: 04-2010 |
while i think diane needs to understand how dangerous it is to drive with out a groom let alone get on and off the carriage alone with ( i think a novice pony ? ) we all know how hard it is to find help so we have someone to drive with ,i never drive alone and only have experienced people with me when i drive my 4 year old (just to be on the safe side)this has resulted in a lovely safe pony who is now competing , i think we need to encourage and educate diane on what is safe to ensure that this does not happen again !!! is there anyone out there who will help ? please diane for your own and ponies safety find a groom !! good luck | ||
| Debbie lane Member Username: Nelly Post Number: 7 Registered: 10-2012 |
If something like that happened to me I would not be posting it on here nothing to be proud of!!! Poor thing lucky to be in one piece hope not too traumatised( (HORSE that is) | ||
| Kathleen Upsall Member Username: Katastrophy Post Number: 105 Registered: 10-2008 |
I don't go anywhere at all without a groom- occasionally a gate opener as well as a groom! Sounds like you have been very lucky, please take heed and take a groom- and forward plan. Glad everyone is ok x | ||
| Rita McGregor Member Username: Ritamc Post Number: 14 Registered: 03-2007 |
NO NO NO. NEVER get off the carriage without someone at the pony's head. Carriage driving is dangerous enough without doing something stupid like that. You should not have been driving without a groom. He is not a 'little bugger' at all. You are lucky to have got away with it and still be able to drive him. | ||
| diane hogben Member Username: Benson21 Post Number: 53 Registered: 10-2012 |
Absolutely, although I will still have to get off to close it!!! | ||
| Joe Hodgson Member Username: Joehodgson Post Number: 234 Registered: 07-2010 |
I bet next time you go and open the gate first. well done for getting back on and driving him. Hopefully next time you drive him he will be ok and not spooky from todays accident. | ||
| diane hogben Member Username: Benson21 Post Number: 52 Registered: 10-2012 |
Wanted to practice some flat work tonight, so got tacked up, drove him up to the school, had to get off to open the gate, got him in and something spookied him!! he must of done 15 laps of the school, high speed!!! With me standing watching him!!! each time the carriage hit the side of the school it scared him so went a bit quicker!!! At one time he slowed to a trot so I grabbed him, he ran through me, knocked me over and ran the carriage right over me!!! OUCH!!!! The air was quite blue by the time he stopped!!! But stop he did, I clambered aboard and still made him go through the flatwork I had planned!!!! Little bugger!!! |