I'm a bit obsessed with the Europeans right now as I admire their many faceted driving world. I've been trying to figure out why driving is so popular in Europe and how to shift some of that popularity to the United States.
Having dabbled in a lot of disciplines like reining, western riding, cutting, jumping and eventing, I have found combined driving to be the most fun and challenging of them all. A driving horse, especially a combined driving horse, has to be willing, athletic, sensible and responsive and many not only drive, but are also great riding horses. My favorite hunt horse that patiently packs me around, is also a great CDE horse and her pair mate is going to a dressage show this weekend.
So what are some of the positives to driving?
- It's FUN
- It's mentally challenging and keeps you on your toes - dressage tests, obstacles, cones
- Horses really seem to enjoy it...sometimes over riding in my experience
- The fit or not so fit, or the lame or not so lame (people I mean), and the young or not so young can participate
- MANY different breeds and size horses and ponies can be used in Combined Driving Events (CDEs), Pleasure Shows or Endurance Driving.
- Have too many horses and not enough time to work them, drive them as a pair, tandem, unicorn or a team.
- Easy to pack non-horsey friends around on your carriage with you and you don't have to worry about them falling off or getting run away with...normally.
- In Europe driving seems to be a year round sport so on those gray and gloomy days, what better fun than to pack up your horse and go to an ADT (Arena Driving Drial).
- It's a group effort sport so it can be a really great way to spend time with your spouse, kids or friends.
- You get to dress up and wear really fancy hats
- The driving community is great
So if driving sounds like something of interest, please feel free to email us or contact a local driving club in your area.
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