Driving Safety Rules and Tips

Driving Safety Rules and Tips

DRIVING SAFETY RULES AND TIPS ** topics are those which have caused many accidents Type of Horse to Drive PATH Standards- at least 5yo, no stallions, 2 years driving experience, traffic experience Regular driving exercise Temperament is a vital quality for a driving animal; recheck ‘attitude’ before harnessing each day ** Especially for a beginner, choose a well-trained, experienced and quiet driving horse Be sure to choose a horse or pony suitable to the carriage/style of driving (size, breed, type) Harnessing Safety Points ** Horse must be taught how to stop and stand- quietly, even without header When harnessing, use a header or cross ties or… Horse should be taught to stand quietly until driver asks for the walk on Never leave a hitched horse (tied or not) unattended ** Types of harness for safety- breeching straps and their adjustment ** Always have bridle and reins attached before the carriage is hitched ** Always remove the carriage before the bridle and reins are removed Traces attached before breeching and backwards when unhitching Kicking straps and their use, quick release buckles ** Check harness often for wear, especially: buckle tongues (not brass), rein attachments, Hame and trace straps and attachments, breeching straps (PATH standard for regular inspection) Always keep your reins buckled before entering the carriage ** Always do a last minute check that all straps are secure and correct before entering the carriage Bridle Safety Points Blinkers Bits- choose a bit that is comfortable, but effective; dropped noseband Halters- under or over bridle- check for interference with bit (PATH standard- lead rope attachment) Danger in loss of Bridle (especially in pairs driving) Gullet straps, tie head stall to mane or to halter Carriage Safety Points Choose the correct carriage for the kind of driving you are going to do and for your equine Choose the correct carriage for your student- suspension, dashboard, footboards, entry For carriages with ramps, lifts- inspect prior to mounting; know weight limitations ** Center of gravity must be low if doing quick turns- weight on navigator stands Type of front wheel turn, type of shafts- safety in turning corners ** Maintenance of carriage is important, especially check often: shaft couplings, king pin, Whiffle tree bolts, shaft stops, footman loops (PATH standard- regular inspection and maintenance) Carrying Passengers- driver/ABW is always first in and last out Spares to carry on the carriage; carry a sharp knife that is accessible Brakes- not locking brakes going downhill Safety points not covered elsewhere that are specific to Therapeutic Driving Lessons Must be overseen by a certified instructor (on the ground or in the carriage) Arena should have a level, smooth, firm surface ** Wide entry and exit gates (close the gate) Large enough for size and number of driving vehicles Enclosed for beginners with flat boards on the inside of the posts Extra volunteers for heading, mounting, side-walker, wheelchair assistant, and ABW must have training; include emergency situation training; Headers with lead ropes are mandatory ABW must be 18yo or older, with at least 50 hours driving experience, upper body strength Use of the second set of reins Helmets are mandatory Discuss security of the disabled driver such as quick release seat belts and wheelchair locks Emergency attention- cell phone, bell, whistle Games- exposing and training the horse to the props Other Suggestions Helmets are Highly Recommended for any driving situation, vests, discuss safety belts Having an able/bodied skilled assistant is important, especially when driving away from home Use of Whip It is a NECESSARY part of your communication along with voice and reins- always Carry it or have it handy When driving in company: train with other carriages, do not ‘tail gate’, pass wide and slow, Driving on the Road Road Rules SMV, flags, lights, cell phone (no texting) Special shoeing- borium, studs, pads Curves, hills, ditches, dogs, livestock, have a plan! Never drive on the road with loose, relaxed reins Fast auto drivers Train your horse ahead of time for the things he will encounter on the road Pictures Gentle horse driving Path logo or standards Horse standing quietly Header Hitched with no bridle Tied hitched Loose breeching straps Horse harnessed but not hitched Kicking strap Worn harness spot Blinkers Halter under Dropped noseband Storme’s bridle Various carriages Various entries Horse turning sharply ABW and second set of reins Spares kit and knife Driving arena and fence and gate Header and mounting SMV Hand signals .

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