Carriage Driving is both skillful and fun. We have a number of horses suitable for driving in single harness suitable for all levels of experience. Private lessons can be arranged and instruction can take place in our floodlit indoor school or outside on our cone course, so the weather need never be a problem. We are lucky to be surrounded by quiet country lanes, and also have tracks around our farm which are suitable for carriages.
If you love horses, but are unable or do not wish to ride then carriage driving could be a great way for you to interact and have fun with horses. We are able to provide lessons for both children and adults.
We can offer one-off lessons, for people who would like to just have a go or we can provide regular progressive lessons. We can teach you how to break in your own pony, or what to look for if you are looking to buy a driving pony for your family.
Have your children outgrown their pony, but don't want to sell him? Why not train him for driving, then all the family can have fun together for years to come? We can help you to get started with dressage, cone courses, obstacles or driving out.
Beginners Horses
Our horses have been picked for their skills in teaching driving to the novice. They will happily allow you to deck them in harness and teach you all the skills you require to make you confident.
Carriage Driving for the Disabled / Para Driving
East Suffolk RDA is based at Valley Farm and offers weekly sessions for disabled drivers. The RDA encourages drivers to progress along similar development pathways as riders. Drivers can take proficiency tests to increase and demonstrate their ability and knowledge, and can compete in RDA and British Driving Society (BDS) Shows, where classes are specified. Please see our RDA page for more info. Disabled | Valley Farm Experienced carriage drivers may enjoy volunteering for RDA sessions.
Excursions/Drive outs
If you would like to be driven for a trip out around the local country lanes, please contact us to arrange a time. This is a lovely way to celebrate a special occasion.
Training a Pony to Drive
Thinking of training your own horse or pony to drive? We can teach you all the essentials that you will need to know, and give you guidance along the way.
Long reining
Long reining is a useful skill to learn if you are starting your own horse for either riding or driving, or looking for a way to exercise a horse who is outgrown for riding or unable to be ridden for any reason. We can teach you how to do it safely and effectively. Long reining benefits a horse by providing exercise and training from the ground, building strength and balance without the weight of a rider. It teaches young horses to respond to rein and voice cues, introduces them to new situations, and can be used to help older horses improve their way of going, maintain fitness, or rehab from injury.
Indoor Carriage Driving (IDC)
This is a fast-paced, exciting equestrian sport that combines precision, speed, and teamwork between horse, driver, and groom/backstepper. Unlike traditional outdoor carriage driving trials, which often take place over large open courses, IDC is held in enclosed arenas during the winter months. The competition typically consists of three phases: precision and paces (a dressage test), cones (navigating a tight obstacle course), and obstacles (a marathon-like obstacle course). This sport is inclusive, welcoming all breeds and drivers of all ages and experience levels, and is free for spectators. Drivers must navigate their horses or ponies through the course in the optimum time to test accuracy, agility, and control, while avoiding penalties for knocking down obstacles or going off course. We have cones and obstacles for teaching and practicing purposes. . Learn more by visiting the Indoor Carriage Driving website https://www.indoordriving.co.uk
Lessons
To book private lessons or shared private lessons you can call us to discuss your individual requirements or simply register and book online at https://valley-farm.ecpro.co.uk/
Keep an eye on our social media for clinics and competitions.
Carriage driving, cone driving and long reining are regularly included as activities during our pony days and pony camps.
Qualifications and Experience
We have held approved B.D.S. Tests for drivers at Valley Farm and our teaching is along the lines of the requirements for British Carriage Driving society. Our staff hold RDA carriage driving qualifications. We are also able to provide training for those who would like to volunteer to help with RDA carriage driving sessions. Phoebe's children regularly take part in Indoor Carriage Driving competitions with the riding school ponies. Sarah has experience with a range of driving styles, having studied in South Africa. David was formally head horseman at the Dedham Heavy Horse Centre.
For more information about Carriage Driving in the UK you can visit https://www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk
updated July 2026
