British Driving Society - Scottish Branch

A training day for young drivers interested in applying for the scholarships was held on Saturday 24th April 2004 at Hillhead Farm, Kingsbarns, St Andrews, Fife.

After starting out with nine Juniors, sadly this year our numbers had dropped to four. Our participants were Mandy Elder from Fife, Alix Scott and Claire Stewart from Perthshire and Amy Sutherland from Brechin. The picture shows the four girls with Joyce Simpson (left) and Alex Lanni (right).

After coffee and pancakes it was up to the shed to get started. Joyce Simpson explained the harness and the differences between webbing, plastic, working and show harness. A great discussion took place about how to clean and store the different types of harness.

The Juniors also had access to various bits, whips and carriage lamps.

Everyone had a chance to practice harnessing and unharnessing and Chester and Murdoch were very patient.

Alex Lanni went on to explain the differences between two and four wheeled carriages and our participants were able to see different styles of two wheelers and four wheelers which were on display.

After a picnic lunch it was time to drive. Chester was put to a two wheeled vehicle and the balance was discussed; and Murdoch put to a 4 wheeled vehicle (using Tilbury Tugs) - seen in the picture driven by Mandy Elder, with Joyce Simpson instructing.

The girls had great fun driving around the paddock and trying their hand at a small cones course. They each had a chance to drive turnouts and the pros and cons of both were explained.

After a very difficult assessment, it was decided that the Junior who would benefit most from a day's instruction from an LHHI would be Alix Scott. The runner up was Mandy Elder.

Each Junior was awarded a prize of a pair of gloves and an hour's driving tuition with an LHHI.

If there are any Juniors out there (aged 10-18) that would like to try carriage driving please do not hesitate to contact us.