Coach's Corner

Educational opportunities are readily available within the ACDA. We have highly experienced drivers, coaches, clinicians, judges, technical delegates and wheelwrights within our membership who are eager to mentor and instruct on a one-on-one basis or in a group setting. Some of these individuals can assist you with the training of your equine or help you choose the right horse, carriage and harness to meet your needs. Many Chapters host clinics and workshops throughout the year with notable instructors who can help advance your skills as a driver.

Photo courtesy of M. Mulherron.

Coach's Tip of the Month:

A tip of the toque to all of you out there sleighing or getting ready to sleigh. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when sleighing as driving a sleigh is a little different than driving a carriage:

1. Whiplash effect : Try to avoid tight turns when travelling at a trot – there is a rather surprising whiplash effect (remember the game “Crack the Whip” we played as children and how the last person on the line went very fast!!!) that can be highly unpleasant for horse and human and may result in unpleasantness!

2. If you have been sleighing for awhile then stop for a few moments, your runners may freeze onto the ground. Even when sleighing, there is sufficient friction on the runners to melt the snow and, when you stop, the water refreeze and your runners can be stuck in place. If you think it is going to be a problem, you can often dislodge the runners more easily if you ask your horse to step off at an angle rather than straight ahead.

Kathleen Winfield
EC Driving Coach, CAA Instructor

Equine Canada Certified Driving Coaches