Driving (Carriage Driving)
Driving is the discipline of horses harnessed to a carriage — from elegant private driving to combined driving's marathon obstacle course at full gallop. Singles, pairs, tandems, and four-in-hands all compete.
History
Carriage driving was the primary form of horse use through the 19th century. After the automobile replaced it for transport, it survived as a sport. Combined driving — modelled on three-day eventing — was created by Prince Philip in the 1970s and became an FEI discipline.
Training focus
- Long-reining and ground driving foundations
- Quiet acceptance of harness, blinkers, and shafts
- Voice commands (walk on, trot on, whoa, gee, haw)
- Precision driving through cones and obstacles
- Marathon fitness for combined driving
- Pair, tandem, and four-in-hand coordination
Common breeds
Gear you'll need
- Driving harness fitted to the horse and carriage type
- Carriage: gig, marathon vehicle, or presentation carriage
- Driving whip with thong
- Driving apron, gloves, hat (often a bowler or top hat for competition)
- Spares kit: rein splice, hame strap, knife
- Groom or navigator on the marathon
Competition format
Combined driving has three phases: dressage (precision in an arena), marathon (8 obstacle hazards across 5 km of cross-country), and cones (30 numbered cone gates with tennis balls on top — knockdowns add penalties). Pleasure driving is judged on turnout, manners, and pace.
Explore other disciplines
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