32/ APRIL 2023 THE RIDER New survey shines the spotlight on carriage driving in Ontario


By Paul Lawson A recent survey fielded


by the Ontario Carriage Driving Association re- vealed a strong interest in carriage driving in Ontario and an eagerness to find a supportive, learning envi- ronment to help drivers in the province pursue their driving ambitions. The sur- vey, which was distributed through various Ontario equine associations, found that 46% of respondents


were prospective drivers; in- terested in driving but have not yet started. Another 16% have been driving for less than 2 years. Pursuing any new ven-


ture can be daunting. Tap- ping into the knowledge of those with more experience speeds learning and a sup- portive community can in- spire progress and help overcome challenges along the way. That is the goal of the Ontario Carriage Driv- ing Association; to expand


the community of carriage drivers in Ontario by shar- ing knowledge and experi- ence


through


member-centric, high qual- ity and safe events. The survey under-


scored the appetite for edu- cation among both current and prospective carriage drivers. Seventy-percent of respondents rank access to educational clinics as the number one reason to join a driving association. Other high-ranking motivators to


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join are attending pleasure driving and combined driv- ing shows, social drives and social events and introduc- tion to coaches. Not surprisingly, given


the number of prospective drivers in the survey, educa- tion about the fundamentals of carriage driving is the most important topic of in- terest to respondents. On this list are: training a horse to drive, choosing a vehicle, fitting a harness and cart and instruction on driven dres- sage.


The study identified


two groups of driving enthu- siasts; competitive drivers and recreational drivers. The number of respon-


dents interested in competi- tive driving were equally split between Pleasure driv-


ing and Combined driving events. Here’s a brief de- scription of both: Pleasure Driving is


judged on the horse, vehicle,


driver and performance as outlined in each Class de- scription in the prize list. For example, a ‘Turnout’ class is judged primarily on the condition, fit and appro- priateness of the harness, vehicle and driver’s attire. A ‘Reinsmanship’ class


on the driver’s handling of the reins and whip and over- all impression of the driver. These competitions are judged in a ring or arena. The horse or pony is driven both ways at different gaits. Divisions are generally de- termined by the size of equine and can also include the experience level of the driver and type of carriage.


test. The cones class is a


timed event driven through a series of numbered pairs of cones. The marathon, which


is also timed, is driven cross-country through a se- ries of man-made or natural obstacles. Each obstacle has a se-


ries of gates that need to be driven in a sequential order. Each phase of the competi- tion is scored individually with the combined total de- termining the final placings. Divisions are decided by the size of equine and the expe- rience level of the horse, driver or horse/driver com-


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Event includes 3 classes, dressage, cones and a marathon, and is generally held over two days. Driven dressage, similar to ridden dressage, is judged based on a predetermined dressage


bination. The study also identi-


fies a base of recreational drivers. Sixty-nine percent of survey respondents are currently participating in or interested in driving at home and 47% are interested in social drives away from their home property. While this recreational group may not be interested in compet- ing at the moment, they too can benefit from being a member of a knowledgeable and experienced driving community, with an empha- sis on skills development, education and social activi- ties.


The Ontario Carriage


Driving Association offers an inclusive experience. All breeds of horses from Very Small Equines to draft horses, and all levels of drivers from beginners to advanced, are welcome. The Association offers both Pleasure driving and Com- bined driving clinics and shows. A great way to learn


more about carriage driving is join an event or clinic as a spectator or a volunteer. V


i s i t


www.carriagedriving.ca to check out the exciting plans for 2023.


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