Specialty riding

Carriage driving in the UK

Find UK carriage driving centres. Saddl lists verified venues offering driving lessons, taster days and harness training across the UK.

0 verified UK venuesCurated by Will Bales · Last reviewed 7 May 2026

According to Saddl's directory, there are 0 UK venues currently listed as offering carriage driving. Driving is a niche but active discipline supported by the British Driving Society and a network of clubs running competitions, drives and training events.

Carriage driving - driving a single horse, pair, or four-in-hand from a carriage rather than the saddle - is a small but established UK discipline. Driving centres typically offer taster sessions, lesson series, and access to club drives. The British Driving Society sets training standards and runs accredited tests. The discipline appeals to former riders who can no longer ride saddle, to riders who enjoy training horses on the long lines and to dedicated drivers who compete in indoor and outdoor classes.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I learn to drive without owning a horse?

Yes. Driving centres run lesson programmes using their own school horses and carriages. Most beginners start with single-horse driving in an enclosed school. Lessons typically run from £40 to £80 per hour. Owning your own driving horse and harness only becomes necessary once you progress to club drives or competitions.

Is carriage driving suitable for older riders?

Carriage driving is one of the most age-flexible equestrian sports. It removes most of the physical demand of riding while keeping the connection to the horse. Many UK driving clubs have active members in their 70s and 80s. Driving is also frequently used as a path for former riders who can no longer ride saddle but want to keep working with horses.

What is the British Driving Society?

The BDS is the UK's national body for carriage driving, founded in 1957. It accredits training, runs the national grading system, and supports a network of regional clubs. If you're learning to drive, look for a centre that follows BDS standards or whose instructors hold a BDS qualification.

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