Beginner Driver; where to start?

As you might have read in the general discussion section of the forum, I will be looking driving sometime in the fairly near future. Coming from a riding background I have never driven or even participated in driving other than having driven a horse twice years ago.

Where 1 might find information on driving? Where could I search for some information?

I think the web will probably be my best resource but I would love to hear your expert advice and suggestions.

Thanks a lot :)

First you need a cart but make sure that you don't put it before the horse!

Let me just tell you it was an amazing experience the first time I learned and I just learned this summer. I learned really not to long before my first show and I went in and took 4th out of 8 youths!!!! And i've been hooked ever since. It may seem scary and it may seem hard but if you know your horse and talk to them then you'll get far. We show haflingers and i'll be showing drafts this year so I think it depends what kind of horse you'd be showing but for us its all about talking to them and they respond to kisses. Make sure to keep your elbows/arms in!!! I wish you luck because truely driving is an amazing experience!

Ah! But how would I know what order to put it in without learning about driving first?

Best of luck with the driving it is a thing you will enjoy

I would get soem beginning driving books. Go to some driving horse shows. Breed show are way different than ADS show. Take some lessons.

Appreciate the advice so far guys. I have found some books online. I'm going to take some time off still but definitely going to still look around for some info for when the right time comes.

Appreciate all the info!

Sounds like fun I would rather drive a horse than ride. I really enjoy driving drafts.

Though I would say the best thing would be to get someone who has driven for a while before who can teach you. I would certainly look stuff up and read up on it BUT I think learning first hand also helps : D

To be honest ideally, I would to be able to learn from someone directly and be taugh and shown. Books are great but like riding, it's something you have to do to really understand. Unfortunately for me, driving isn't something that is big around here(we live near Spruce Meadows where everyone does hunter/jumpers).

I just realized I might be able to find something if I can look up what the closest driving association is.