| Author | Message | ||
     Liz Howe Username: Lizh Registered: 10-2007 |
I think that what newcomers to driving don’t realise that is that when things go wrong driving, they go wrong very quickly and often with extremely expensive results. When riding and one has a fall, the horse invariable runs free and avoids doing damage to people and objects around it, the horse only has itself to think about and is usually caught, unscathed without too much problem. When driving, if one is unfortunate enough to be tipped out of the carriage an un-manned carriage pulled by a frightened and upset horse is extremely dangerous. This is when things can start getting serious. There is far more harness and equipment involved with driving than a simple saddle and bridle for the ridden horse. It is a sensible rule to have competitors assessed before competing, it is quite painless and helpful advice should be gratefully received. You will not be ‘torn to shreds’ and made to feel small or inadequate. Driving folk are very friendly and there is great camaraderie within Indoor Horse Driving Trials. Take the plunge - it’s very addictive! P.S. This is from someone in their late forties who took up driving only a few years ago after a lifetime riding. | ||
| Joanne Carey Username: Chcarjo Registered: 11-2009 |
Thank you all for your helful hints, I will definately have a go at my mid life crisis choice of hobby. Until we meet again I hope to get on the circuit and enjoy it. At least I know there are others along my way of thinking.  | ||
| Martin Pink Username: Martinpink Registered: 09-2008 |
Surely Driver assessment for Newcomers is only common sense! With sometimes upwards of 45 turnouts flying around and parked up in a relatively small area, I personally feel safer with this new development. It does'nt have to be a daunting procedure ,I myself was assessed by Minta Winn when I joined Windsor Park Equestrian club (relatively) recently,it was a relaxed but informed 10/15 minute check.Take part in a BDS drive & a Harness check is usually mandatory! Perhaps it would'nt be a bad thing if even seasoned regulars were checked over occasionally , I would'nt object I might learn something! | ||
| Fiona Powell Username: Fionap Registered: 12-2003 |
Hi, Joanne - 40-ish almost puts you in the junior class! (LOL) - however, whatever one's age, it can be a bit daunting to have a go competing before you know many people or what to do (I know!) Indoor driving is the easiest and cheapest way to get into the sport (about £30/day entry fee). Many people I know have started by watching, then helping, then grooming, then they bring their own turnout. Grooming/backstepping is great fun, free, and gives you the chance to experience the competition and to make friends - who will then help you when you want to start. We run club class for newcomers (East Anglia/Norfolk) and any safe vehicle is acceptable - four wheels or two, well-fitted harness (webbing is fine), well-behaved horse or pony. If the carriage is not 125cms wide, that's OK (and we allow the groom to speak in P&P). Rules apply to everyone to make the competion fair... and we have to adhere to H&S for insurance purposes, for the safety of everyone at an event. Don't imagine I like the extra paperwork! If you are shy, call your local event organiser or club secretary who can introduce you to people. I would always welcome an extra and reliable bod for backstepping! Come and join us: it's great fun! | ||
| Duncan Seth-Smith Username: Sakofox Registered: 08-2007 |
Hi Where are you based, if you are in lincolnshire we can help you whatever you want to try.Contact Duncan or David through the BDS lincolnshire website www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk/lincolnshire or www.Poacherhc.org | ||
| Caroline Gill Username: Carolineg Registered: 10-2009 |
Hi, I am a newcomer to driving (ridden background)and not many years from 40! I have to say I have not found the sports rules and regs offputting at all. More reassuring that everyone wants to be safe. After all this has a few more risks than knitting Everyone we have met has been helpful and friendly and we couldn't have managed without the advice from people with experience. Just go for it - you might just get addicted!! | ||
| Joanne Carey Username: Chcarjo Registered: 11-2009 |
I understand peoples need for health and safety but isn't there far too many rules, for all to know. It is making carriaging very off putting for newcomers, insurance,this harness that harness this carriage is a must that carriage for this..!Any sane person with common sense would not put to until they feel they know what they are doing. I think there are far too many doo gooders at not enough help, in starting up, loads of competitions but who offers summer school for 40 yr old newcomers? agree How does one start dt on a budget, for shy peopl | ||
| Sue Courtney Username: Calykins Registered: 10-2008 |
I am surprised that the BDS Stage 1 does not count as assessment as I cannot see anywhere on the forms that this would be the case. It seems to cover the same topics. Do you know if this does count as a pass? Sue | ||
| Fiona Powell Username: Fionap Registered: 12-2003 |
From 1 Jan 2009, newcomers* to horse driving trials must have an assessment completed before taking part in a competition. Please don't let this put you off! It's just to check that you and your groom(s) and turnout are "sufficiently competent and safe to take part in any public outing organised by the club". The form must be completed by a qualified person, such as an LHHI, an instructor or a national HDT competitor of at least 3 years' standing. Send the form to your event organiser before your entry. *newcomers - those who have never previously driven/competed in an affiliated HDT event, indoors or outdoors. (I did not invent this rule so please don't shoot the messenger.) It's a good idea to talk to your local organiser to discuss getting an assessment done well in advance of entering an event (hint!). You can see the forms and guidelines on the BHDTA website, www.horsedrivingtrials.co.uk, under Reference, BHDTA Admin, Club Paperwork, "10 Competence Assessment" The same form applies to indoor and outdoor HDT events run by BHDTA-affiliated clubs so you only need it done once. |