Learning to Drive: Lessons from a Beginner, By Eivind-Erik Sorensen

When I first saw an ad for a Friesian listed with Legacy Friesians,I knew that this was the horse for me! I had been researching breeds for their temperament, ability to excel under saddle, and, most importantly, with an ability to drive. I have wanted to learn how to drive but knew that anything like a pony or smaller breed of horse would limit my ability to ride as well. I knew that a Friesian would be perfect! My imported gelding “Hanno” is now four-years-old and has been in training with Megan Sibiga since the summer of 2005.
     My original plans called for focusing on improving my skills as a rider, becoming familiar with dressage principles, and helping Hanno to develop a solid foundation under saddle before taking on the added challenge of driving.

So…my “plan” was to wait unti the summer of 2007 to begin the next phase of our journey and wait until then to obtain a cart. However, while volunteering at our booth at the Expo in Albany last March, I met Bill Schuil from Pacific Carriage Company. He had some of his carts and carriages on display and I had an opportunity to talk with him about my horse and interest in driving. After talking with Bill and seeing their beautiful line of carts and carriages, I knew I had to have one! Fast forward to this past summer and I ended up ordering a cart from Pacific Carriage. Bill was extremely helpful in determining the proper size of wheels for the cart, general dimensions, etc., that would be best suited to my horse. Our new cart arrived in August and we began taking driving lessons with Megan right away! Prior to the arrival of our new cart, Megan also put me in touch with Celline Rickards from Carriage Driving Essentials for ordering a harness. Celline helped me to obtain a Zilco harness made with synthetic material which is easy to clean and maintain…a beginner’s best friend indeed!


Tags: horse carriage driving   Learning to Drive