Lessons and Training

Carriage Driving Lessons and Training

I am a qualified level 2 UKCC carriage driving coach and have over ten years of active teaching experience.

What do we offer at Sandside Farm?

• ‘Taster’ driving lessons with our schoolmaster ponies for those who want to try a new sport.
• Driving lessons with our schoolmaster ponies for beginners through to advanced level drivers. These are suitable for those who don’t have their own driving pony and people who do have their own horse or pony but want to develop their skills on an experienced well-trained pony.
• Lessons for those with their own driving turnout who maybe self-taught and are looking for some advice and guidance.
• Competition driving coaching in all three phases of the sport for those new to the sport through to advanced level drivers.
• All the above are available to people with disabilities and additional needs, we have a carriage that takes wheelchairs, so you don’t need to get out of your chair to enjoy the experience (subject to the size and weight of the wheelchair) We also have an easily accessible carriage for those with limited mobility.
• Theory and non-driven lessons covering a wide range of subjects connected to carriage driving.
• Training clinics and camps for drivers throughout the year.
• Intensive training, particularly useful for those who may live a little further afield, you are welcome to come to stay with your horse at Sandside Farm for a few days and have several lessons over that time and if you wish, incorporate some lessons with our schoolmaster ponies during your stay.

I also teach on a freelance basis subject to availability and travel costs. Feel free to contact me to discuss your requirements. I’m happy to travel to other areas to teach groups of people.

My Coaching Philosophy

My aim in my teaching and coaching is to develop people’s confidence, knowledge, skills and feel for the horse through supportive enjoyable training.

First and foremost, in all sessions we must be as safe as possible with the horse or pony correctly harnessed and put to the carriage and basic control established before progressing.

I enjoy teaching those with competitive goals as well as those that drive purely for pleasure providing there is a commitment to gradual improvement for the good of the horse.

My focus when coaching is to create a harmonious partnership between the driver and horse, with the horse working in as biomechanically correct manner as possible. The horse will then be more comfortable, be a pleasure to drive and have a solid foundation from which to develop their athletic capabilities should the driver wish to take the competitive route.

For those who wish to learn it, I am happy to teach them the traditional coachman rein handling method providing they can drive safely and smoothly using the two-handed method. As a competition driver my training has a more modern approach and less focus on the traditions of carriage driving.

As a qualified coach I am:

• First aid Trained

• Safeguarding Trained

• Fully Insured

• DBS Checked

To have a driving lesson with myself you will need to wear a ‘riding hat’ these can be provided if needed. Riding gloves are recommended. Sturdy footwear should be worn when around horses at any time.

Under 18’s are also required to wear a body protector at all times when on a carriage.

Anyone of any age having an obstacle driving session must wear a body protector including the back stepper.