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Driving competitions can come in many forms, from single horse carts judged on looks and grace to multiple horse hitches competing over a vast array of difficult obstacles.

Many single horse hitches are pulled by gaited horses or ponies - however, the horses that compete over obstacles are usually warmbloods or crosses. Holsteiners, trakheners, hanoverians, and gelderlanders are just some of the breeds used.

Horses can be in any number of pairs, but are most often seen in two pairs, for a total of four horses. They must compete over obstacles, through water, up and down hills, and through tight turns and reversals at speed. These horses must be incredible well schooled - not only must they cross these obstacles while pulling an unwieldy carriage, they must work with three other horses, without getting in each other's way.

Matched teams are usually seen, although color is not as important as height and power. The two horses closest to the carriage are called wheelers, and tend to be larger or more powerful than the two front horses. Each horse has a specific job, and must respond to specific commands independantly of the other horses.

It takes a skilled driver to negotiate a course with four horses. The driver has a pair of reins for each horse, and must give each horse commands without confusing the other horses, all the while keeping the horses and the carriage from becoming tangled or falling.

Horses wear harnesses, including breeching to hold the carriage, bridles with special bits, and blinkers that effectively limit their vision to what is directly in front of them. This means they must be well schooled to trust the driver, since they cannot see the horse next to them in order to avoid trouble.

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