Take an Introductory Lesson
Are you one of those people who would love to ride and be around horses but you think they are too intimidating? Then why not try carriage driving as an alternative - you will still be required to adhere to all the usual safety standards associated with horses but you will find it less daunting and more relaxing.
Take an introductory lesson in carriage driving and you will get a chance to take the reins yourself and feel the horse's mouth just as if you were riding - without the worry of falling off.
Safety
We take care to ensure the health and safety of everyone concerned - whip (a carriage driver is called the whip), passengers, horse and other road users. Our horse, Riverside Beauty, is what is called "bomb proof" (ie. doesn't frighten very easily), and is very experienced but, nevertheless, circumstances beyond our control can cause accidents.
Also, as a carriage is nearly three feet off the ground, participants must be agile enough to get on and off easily and it may not suit anyone with a bad back. You participate at your own risk.
What a Lesson Involves
- Introducing "Riverside Beauty"
- Identifying Harness Parts
- Correct Harness Fitting
- Safety Aspects
- Putting To (correct terminology for yoking the horse to the carriage)
- Rein Handling
- Correct Use of Driving Whip
- Voice Commands
- Road Awareness and Hand Signals
- Unhitching (unyoking the horse from the carriage)
A lesson will take approximately two hours and you get to see a little of Howth into the bargain.
Prices
Euro 50 for one person or euro 35 each for two people.
Welfare of the Horse
As the welfare of the horse is paramount at all times, we reserve the right to cancel or adjourn any drive, tour, lesson or other service at any time due to weather conditions and/or injury or sickness of the horse.
You Ride at your own Risk
We are fully insured but we cannot be held liable for any bodily injury, death, or damage to property, as you ride on the carriage at your own risk.
You will be required to complete a booking form prior to the lesson.