British Driving Society - Dorset Area Code of Practice

As in all walks of life accidents will occasionally happen but many may be avoided by following the guidelines below.

All harness should be in a sound condition and adjusted to fit the horse or pony.
The vehicle should be in sound condition and of a type suitable for the terrain to be covered.
Never put a horse/pony into an environment which you believe it will find alien.
Before attending a group event e.g. rally, show, ensure that your horse is happy driving with other turnouts.
When driving in company never move off adjacent to another horse being put to without checking that the other driver is happy for you to do so.
When driving in company leave sufficient distance from the vehicle in front to permit change of pace or direction.
After descending a slope remember that all turnouts behind must be clear of the slope before anyone increases pace.
Look well ahead and remember what you miss(!) that your horse sees, could be the start of a problem.
Avoid driving on the highway at dawn/dusk and at night. If this cannot be avoided, reflective clothing and carriage stickers are essential.
After lighting-up time vehicles on the highway must have reflectors and red rear electric lamps - candle lamps do not provide sufficient lighting.
Your whip is an aid - and should be in your hand and not the whip socket.
Never tie a turnout to a fixed object with a horse/pony still in the shafts.
Never tie a turnout to another turnout.
Never dismount from the vehicle unless you have someone at the horse's head.
Never remove the bridle until the horse is free of the vehicle.
Always approach a ridden horse with extreme care.
An active groom or passenger should be carried in the vehicle at all times.
Always stop in a space which allows you to exit easily at any time, especially applicable to groups.
Pass pedestrians and other horses, ridden or driven, carefully - not too close or fast.

Bring your BDS membership card with you to all driving events as proof of insurance - you may be asked for it by an organiser or steward.
Each turnout should have a competent groom in attendance at all times.
Any Junior (14 years and under) on a carriage, either as a whip, groom or passenger, must wear a hard hat.
If carrying a haynet on picnic drives, please ensure it does not hang loosely from your carriage.

The purpose of this Code of Practice is to ensure everyone always drives with due care and attention, for both their own and the safety of others. Please take every possible care at all times and be aware that if there is concern about your turnout at an event, you could be asked to leave.

f you are in any doubt about how you, your groom and your horse(s) will cope at any event, please seek advice from a qualified instructor or experienced whip. A list of LHHIs (Light Harness Horse Instructors) is given in the BDS Yearbook.

Before attending any BDS event with a young or inexperienced horse, please ensure he/she will be happy in the company of other turnouts - arrange a trip out with just one other turnout initially, seeing how your horse goes both following and in front of another turnout and when you pass one another.

Without exception attendance at events with turnouts is restricted to BDS members only - if you know someone who would like to come along with their turnout, but is not a member, encourage them to join ASAP.