I run into a lot of people who have an interest in driving horses. They are eager to learn more about driving.
They've seen others having
fun in parades, horse shows, Sunday drives on the backroads. They just don't have any idea where they would get
started.
I always find it a little odd that even people who have grown up riding horses think that driving them is more complicated
and intimidating. It's really not that complicated. But I also know that this is a normal reaction. Harnesses can be a little confusing
at first. I also know that some beginners feel a little trapped in a cart, even though in some ways a cart may be safer
than sitting on a horse's back.
Let me quickly share with you one of the most common scenarios where my customers start looking at driving horses. They are
new grandparents. They grew up enjoying horses. Now they would like to have a hobby they can share with their children
and grandchildren. They're not as comfortable riding horses as they were when they were younger. They know that if they had a good
driving horse, they could pull their grandkids in parades and have a lot of fun. Then, when the kids get a little older, they would
be able to enjoy riding the horse also.
Please don't think that driving is just slow-paced activity for the older generation. It can also be very lively and very exciting
as witnessed in this photo from the Iron Horse Competion. (below- Terri Birk and Clark Johnson) This is a blast for
people of all ages.
It would be a good idea to get involved with a local driving group or some people with experience before you get
started. Get some books or videos and do your research.
Here are some things to consider if you're ready to go out and make purchases. Start with a good well trained horse. There
are many sites on the internet which will give you ideas for buying horses (or ponies). Click here for some
advice from my website. It's always a good idea to find a buyer you trust or take a friend with some experience.
You'll also need a harness and some type of vehicle. Harnesses come in nylon ($100-$300), Biothane or Bioplastic (these are synthetic leathers- $200-$500
for new), and leather ($200-$1500). The prices are just a ballpark figure that I would expect to pay for new. Used harness may be cheaper. Don't buy anything that is
rotten, weak or unsafe. Harness needs to be strong and in good condition. Carts are generally your cheapest entry vehicle. They start at about $300 for light weight
with bicycle type tires up to about $1600 for many of the entry level oak show carts (shown below). Four wheel vehicles include buckboards, wagonettes, wagons, doctor's
buggies, surreys, carriages, vis-a-vis, etc. I'd generally look for all of these in the $2000-$10,000 range, but sometimes quality used vehicles start at about
$1,000. Again, consider safety and condition first. Antique vehicles are often very frail. Many are not in driving condition.(In fact, the one shown above had to
be rebuilt before I could use it.)
I generally give one piece of advice to all my customers getting started in driving. Start with some good used equipment that has a solid resale value. Some
people immediately know that they need a good quality show cart or a good comfortable parade wagon for the kids. But most people won't know for a year or two
what the perfect vehicle is for them. There are so many things to consider. What's most comfortable for you, what do you want for a turn radius, does it fit in your
trailer, how many people do you want to carry, is it a good look with your preferred clothes and harness? The point is: as you gain experience, your ideal vehicle and harness will likely change. If
you start out with a good basic quality used cart or wagonette purchased at a fair price, they are usually pretty easy to sell after you find your new ideal
vehicle. If you watch Ebay for a couple weeks, you can get a basic idea of fair prices for starter vehicles.
I'd also recommend that you check out the American Driving Society website. They
have a merchandise section that sells a book on getting started in driving along with many educational DVD's and
materials.They can also be a resource to help you find driving groups in your area.
You are also welcome to contact me at john@shadygrovehaflingers.com, particularly if you are
interested in getting a Haflinger like the ones shown on this page. They are certainly my favorites.
