Carriage Driving Proficiency

CARRIAGE DRIVING PROFICIENCY

Candidates can be tested for GRADE 1 within their own Member Group.

Groups wishing to submit a candidate for Carriage Driving Proficiency Tests GRADES 2 and 3 should contact their Regional Carriage Driving Representative for a list of eligible RDA Carriage Driving Assessors

Grade 1 a. To be awarded at the discretion of the Examiner for effort and determination. b. Award Badge and Certificate on completion of both Sections. c. Candidates may pass either Section A or Section B and receive a Certificate.

(1) Section A - Driving Theory

(a) Have a very simple knowledge of the points of the pony e.g. eyes, mouth, neck, mane, tail, hoof, leg.

(b) Know some parts of the harness e.g. bridle, reins, bit, throat- lash, browband, noseband, breast collar/trace, pad, and crupper.

(c) Know some basic items of grooming equipment e.g. dandy brush, body brush, rubber curry comb, sponge, hoof pick, mane comb.

(2) Section B – Carriage Driving Practical - Show beginning of control i.e. start, steer and stop. Demonstrate this by driving a simple cone course.

Grade 2 a. Award Red Badge and Certificate on completion of both sections. b. Candidate must be the holder of a Grade 1 Badge and Certificate. c. Candidate may pass either Section A or Section B and receive a Certificate.

(1) Section A – Carriage Driving Theory

(a) Have a basic knowledge of points of the pony, those in Grade 1 plus withers, dock, forelock, elbow, knee, back, frog and wall of hoof.

(b) Know some of the main colours of the pony e.g. bay, black, chestnut, grey piebald and skewbald.

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(d) Know some parts of the harness, those in Grade 1 plus cheek piece, head piece, blinkers, terret, neck strap, breeching and tugs.

(e) Have knowledge of basic needs and care of pony/donkey and be able to recognise items regularly used e.g. grooming kit, haynet, head-collar.

(2) B – Carriage Driving Practical

(a) Show how to 'put to' and 'take out' the pony.

(b) Understand the meaning of 'balance' of the vehicle.

Note: Where candidate's disability makes practical demonstration impossible he/she must be capable of explaining correct procedure.

Grade 3 a. Award Badge and Certificate on completion of both Sections. b. Candidate must be the holder of a Grade 2 Badge and Certificate. c. Candidate may pass either Section A or Section B and receive a Certificate.

(1) Section A – Carriage Driving Theory

(a) Have a greater knowledge of points of the pony e.g. those in Grade 2 plus crest, shoulder, flank, hock, fetlock and muzzle.

(b) Know a little about pony behaviour, instinct, reactions. Have a greater knowledge of looking after ponies e.g. those in Grade 2 plus grass kept, stable kept, main foods used, watering, use of grooming kit, reason for shoeing.

(c) Show a greater knowledge of parts of the harness and its correct fit e.g. those in Grade 2 plus rosette, full collar, Liverpool bit, belly band, trace carrier, breeching strap, girth and loin strap.

(d) Have a basic knowledge of parts of the vehicle; trace hooks, shafts, swingle tree, tug stops, splash board, and axle.

(e) Discuss the three driving aids - voice, reins, whip.

(f) Know a little about correct driving apparel - hard hat, gloves, whip, apron.

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(2) Section B – Carriage Driving Practical

(a) Show how to harness up.

(b) Show how to 'put to' and 'take out’ the pony.

(d) Be able to drive in an arena and put together simple movements required in a driven Dressage Test.

(e) Demonstrate the driving of a Cone Course.

Note: Where candidate's disability makes practical demonstration impossible he/she must be capable of explaining correct procedure.

Recommended Publications can be purchased from:-

The British Driving Society Mrs Tess Styles (Secretary) 83 New Road Helmingham Stowmarket Suffolk IP14 6EA.

Tel: 01473 892 001 Email: [email protected]

e.g. - 'Introduction to Driving' - 'Starting to Drive' - 'Driving a Harness Horse' - ‘Between the Shafts’ video - Other useful books and videos.

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