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Many horses and ponies are taught to drive. In addition to making a horse well rounded and keeping them from getting bored, driving is a great way for riders to enjoy an exciting outing and a new sport with their horse or pony. Just about any horse can be driven, and the step from riding to driving or from driving to riding is so small that many horses will pick it up quickly.

A lot of young horses are taught to drive, sometimes even before they are taught to be ridden. Driving, especially with an older, more experienced horse, allows them to see and experience new things, learn discipline, and learn the basics of turning, transitions, and self carriage without the weight of a rider.

Horses can be driven singly, in pairs side by side, in a column, or in any number or configuration. If they will be driven in pairs, then they should be about the same size so one horse is not being stressed.

Carriages can be as simple as a homemade cart from spare wood and bike tires to a show quality carriage. They can have two wheels or four. Generally, a one horse hitch will have two wheels, although it can have four, and any more than one horse will have four wheels. Obviously, this is just a general guide.

Driving allows those who cannot ride, whether due to mental or physical disabilities, fear, inexperience, age, or condition, to enjoy horses. In addition, it allows horses that cannot be ridden to enjoy working and still have a rewarding and useful career.

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