Carriage Driving Training Day *NEW DATE*

April 19, 2026
Date: 19/04/26 (Sunday)
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Merrist Wood
Details:
RDA UK | Coaching Team
Carriage Driving Training Day
Practical demonstrations, Q&A, and welfare-led coaching discussions.

Date
Sunday 19th April 2026
Time
9:00am – 5:00pm
Location
Merrist Wood Equestrian Centre
Arrival from 9:00am for registration and refreshments

Timetable subject to change

About the day

Join us for a full day of practical demonstrations and discussion covering lunging / long reining, carriage driving skills, harnessing and safety (including emergency take-out), and physiotherapy-led considerations for participant suitability and adaptations.

Who it’s for
  • Carriage Driving coaches and assessors
  • Regional Driving Reps / volunteers supporting driving
  • Anyone interested in RDA Carriage Driving

What to bring

  • Suitable outdoor clothing (dress for the weather)
  • Notebook / pen
  • Any relevant questions or scenarios from your group
Lunch & refreshments
Refreshments will be available on arrival and during breaks. Lunch will be provided.
Please let us know any dietary requirements in advance via the booking form.

Timetable

Subject to change

9:00 – 9:45am
Arrival, registration, refreshments, introductions
9:45 – 10:00am
Introduction – welcome and outline of the day
(Local Regional Driving Rep / Driving Assessor)
10:00 – 11:15am
Session 1 – Lunging / Long Reining
(RDA Regional Driving Rep / Assessors)
  • Schoolmaster demonstration
  • RDA Equine demonstration
  • Focus: suppleness, welfare, training exercises
11:15 – 12:30pm
Session 2 – Carriage Driving
(RDA Regional Driving Rep / Assessors)
  • Schoolmaster demonstration
  • RDA Equine demonstration
  • Q&A
12:30 – 1:30pm
Lunch break – networking and informal discussions
1:30 – 3:00pm
Session 3 – Putting To / Harnessing / Emergency Take-Out
(RDA Carriage Driving Coach / Assessor / RDR)
  • Correct harness fit and adjustment
  • Safety checks
  • Putting-to procedures
  • Emergency take-out
  • Rein handling & coachman style
  • Carriage suitability
3:00 – 3:30pm
Afternoon break & networking
3:30 – 5:00pm
Session 4 – Physiotherapy
(RDA Physiotherapist)
  • Assessing participants’ suitability
  • Contraindications / precautions
  • Adaptations
  • Functional assessment
5:00pm – Close (thanks and next steps)

Questions?

If you have any questions ahead of the day, please get in touch.

Amy Nicol
Coaching Team | RDA UK
Email: [click here]
© RDA UK • Please keep this page for your records • Timetable and content may be adjusted on the day.
Page Last Updated: February 26, 2026