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For Beginners

Getting Started in Carriage Driving

Your step-by-step guide to discovering one of equestrian sport's most rewarding disciplines.

Carriage driving is a sport that welcomes complete newcomers — you don't need a horse, you don't need equipment, and you certainly don't need any previous equestrian experience. Many of the sport's most passionate practitioners came to it later in life and found it utterly captivating. Here's how to get started.

Good news: Unlike riding, carriage driving presents a lower physical barrier to entry. People with mobility challenges, those who no longer feel confident in the saddle, or complete beginners to horses can all find a welcoming place in the driving world.

Your First Steps

  1. Book a Taster Lesson

    The best way to discover carriage driving is to try it. Many BDS-affiliated trainers and driving centres offer introductory sessions where you'll sit alongside an experienced driver and get a feel for holding the reins. Expect to pay £40–£80 for a 90-minute taster. Search the British Driving Society's trainer directory at bhs.org.uk or the BDS website.

  2. Join a Local Driving Club

    The British Driving Society has over 60 affiliated regional groups across the UK. Club membership costs £30–£60 per year and gives you access to group drives, training days, social events and a network of experienced drivers who are invariably happy to share knowledge and advice.

  3. Watch Some Events

    Visit a local combined driving event or pleasure drive as a spectator before you compete. Seeing different classes — singles, pairs, tandems, and teams — in action will help you understand what discipline appeals to you and at what level you'd like to participate.

  4. Take a Course of Lessons

    Once you've caught the bug, book a series of structured lessons. A good instructor will teach you to hold the reins correctly, communicate with the horse through your hands, and understand how to use the whip (an aid, never a punishment). Aim for at least six to ten lessons before considering driving alone.

  5. Get Your Own Horse or Share One

    Many beginners arrange a part-loan or share with an experienced driving horse owner. This lets you gain confidence and experience without the full cost and responsibility of ownership. When you're ready to buy, take an experienced driver with you and have a vet check carried out.

  6. Acquire Your Equipment Gradually

    A carriage and full harness set is a significant investment. Many beginners borrow or hire equipment initially, or start by buying second-hand. Your instructor and local club are good sources of advice about what you need and where to find it at reasonable prices.

  7. Enter Your First Competition or Drive

    When you feel ready, enter a local show or pleasure drive. Most clubs run beginner-friendly novice classes and everyone remembers what it was like to start out — you'll find support and encouragement at every turn.

"The learning curve in driving is wonderful because there's always something new to master — and the horse keeps you honest."
— A BDS Club Member, Yorkshire
Common Questions

Beginner FAQs

No — many carriage drivers have never ridden and come to the sport completely fresh. An understanding of horse behaviour is helpful (and will come with time) but riding ability is not required. In fact, some riders find it harder to adapt because the skills are quite different.
There's no upper age limit — the sport is popular with drivers well into their 70s and beyond. For younger people, the BDS runs junior classes. Children can start as young as 10–12 years in pony classes, though regulations vary by class and event.
This varies enormously depending on the horse, your experience and the roads in your area. Most instructors recommend a minimum of 20–30 hours of lessons plus significant arena and private-land experience before venturing onto public roads. Road driving requires additional specific training — see our Safety page.
Possibly — but a riding horse needs to be carefully and gradually trained to harness and the carriage. Not all horses take to driving and the breaking-to-harness process should be done by an experienced professional. Many riding breeds make excellent driving horses once properly trained.
It can be, particularly if you compete with a pair or team. However, singles driving (one horse or pony) can be done on a modest budget — especially if you buy second-hand. Pleasure driving without competing is the most economical route. See our full Costs page for a detailed breakdown.
Next Steps

Where to Go From Here

Finding a trainer
Professional Help

Finding a Trainer

How to find a BDS-qualified instructor near you and what to look for in a good driving coach.

Find a trainer
Choosing a horse
Your Horse

Choosing Your First Horse

What to look for in a driving horse or pony — temperament, conformation, experience and breed suitability.

Horse buying guide
Equipment
Kit & Equipment

What Equipment Do You Need?

Harness, carriages, clothing and accessories — a practical guide to what you need and what to spend.

Equipment guide