This is part of a game called Caballus
Carriage Pleasure Driving
The main trait for any pleasure driving horse is its ability to give a pleasurable drive. Carriage Pleasure horses require far less action than a Country Pleasure or English Pleasure horse.
There are three classes in a Carriage Pleasure Driving division-- Turnout, Working, and Reinsmanship. Turnout is judged primarily on performance and quality of each turnout. Working is judged primarily on the ability and suitability of the horse to give a pleasurable drive. Reinsmanship is judged on the skill and ability of the driver.
In any of the three classes the judge may select individual entries to perform a workout, in which the demonstrate a specific gait the judge calls for, as well as perform figure eights or other appropriate tests.
The following gaits are required in all three classes in the division
1. WALK: A free, regular and unconstrained walk of moderate extension is required. The
horses should walk energetically, but calmly, with even and determined pace.
2. SLOW TROT: The horse should maintain forward impulsion while showing submission to
the bit. The trot is slower and more collected, but not to the degree required in the dressage
collected trot. However, the horse should indicate willingness to be driven on the bit while
maintaining a steady cadence.
3. WORKING TROT: This is a pace between the strong and the slow trot and more round
than the strong trot. The horses go forward freely and straight; engaging the hind legs with
good hock action; on a taut, but light, rein; the position being balanced and unconstrained.
The steps should be as even as possible. The hind feet touch the ground in the foot prints of
the forefeet. The degree of energy and impulsion displayed at the working trot denotes
clearly the degree of suppleness and balance of the horses.
4. STRONG TROT (“Trot On”): This is a clear, but not excessive, increase in pace and
lengthening of stride while remaining well balanced and showing appropriate lateral flexion
on turns. Light contact to be maintained. Excessive speed will be penalized. The term “trot
on” should be used to call for the gait.
5. HALT: Horses and vehicle should be brought to a complete square stop without
abruptness or veering. At the halt, horses should stand attentive, motionless and straight
with the weight evenly distributed over all four legs and be ready to move off at the slightest
indication from the driver.
6. REIN BACK: Rein back is defined as a backward movement in which the legs are raised
and set down simultaneously in diagonal pairs with the hind legs remaining well in line. To
be performed in two parts: a) The horse must move backward at least four steps in an
unhurried manner with head flexed and straight, pushing the carriage back evenly in a
straight line. The driver should use quiet aids and light contact. b) Move forward willingly to
former position using the same quiet aids. Road coaches and park drags should not be
asked to back.
Divisions may be divided by skill, breed, height, type, and hitch type (single, pair, tandem, ect.).
Other than the Pleasure Driving divisions, the following types of classes are typically included in a Pleasure Driving show:
Combination: There are three combination classes recognized under Pleasure Driving. Ride and Drive, Combination Hunter, and Sporting Tandem. Please go to our Combination information page to find out more about these three classes.
Concours D'Elegance: The essence of this class is the word "elegance". The winner is the turnout which presents the most elegent effect. This is judged on the entire turnout-- vehicle, harness, appointments, horses, driver, passengers, grooms, ect. Overall, the general impression is the most important. Period costumes are prohibitted, and performance is not judged unless it detracts from the overall elegance of the turnout.
Obstacle Driving: Obstacle Driving classes are typically included in a pleasure driving show. For more information on Obstacle Driving and the Obstacle Driving classes, please go to our Obstacle Driving information page.