Hints on Driving

IT is often said by those who have little or no experience, that four horses steady themselves, and require therefore little skill in driving. This is a very great error, and a...

[Sidenote: The start.] Before starting, always have a good look round, and see that all the harness is put on correctly; then go to the off side of the horse and take the reins...

TO drive a pair well, that is, to be able to put-to and drive any two horses, is not such an easy thing as at first sight it may appear to the uninitiated. To drive a pair of go...

WHEN it is desired to drive a pair, but owing to the expense, lack of carriage accommodation, or other reasons, the purchase of an extra carriage is inconvenient, an ordinary do...

IN order to learn to drive four horses as they should be driven, it is necessary to begin by studying the rules and general principles of this most fascinating amusement. To the...

[Sidenote: How to hold reins.] THE best way of holding the reins is to have the near lead over the left forefinger, the off lead between the forefinger and the middle finger, th...

[Sidenote: How to hold whip.] YOU must learn to play with the whip neatly, and to be able to use it skilfully on any of the horses. The handle should rest in the palm of the rig...

[Sidenote: Looking round before starting.] BEFORE starting have a good look round and see that the horses are properly put in, that the harness is correctly put on and fitted, a...

THE beginner must not suppose that a team, or for that matter even one horse, can be driven with the left hand only; even the very best of whips is obliged to have constant reco...

[Sidenote: To prevent wheelers cutting corners.] In order to prevent the wheel horses from rushing too quickly round a corner, which they very often try to do, it is usual to ca...

[Sidenote: Principles of tandem driving.] THE fundamental principles of tandem driving are very naturally almost the same as those of driving a coach. But the chief difference b...

[Sidenote: Best kind of harness simple and light.] THE harness should be as simple and as light as possible, consistent with strength. The colour is a matter of taste and conven...

[Sidenote: Accustom horse to harness in stable.] IN conclusion, a few hints as to breaking a horse to harness may be useful to those who have had no experience in giving a young...