equipment

By Deb Harber

What Kind of Equipment Do we Need?

The difference in the harness is the addition of breeching instead of thimbles for "brakes" and the fact that a CDE harness is generally more substantial in thickness. To use a fine harness as often seen in the breed ring is to invite breakage. This fine harness is not suitable for the strain and pressure of driving up and down hills, pulling what is often a heavier vehicle than a lightweight sulky. Nosebands are required while checks of any kind is forbidden.

The equipment needed for competitions of this sort vary from the regular breed type classes held in flat level arenas.

Your turnout is also important. No high heels for the ladies, no opera gloves or sleeveless or off-the-shoulder gowns. Dress as if you were going to work in a bank.

The cart or carriage is also more substantial. Some events do not allow pneumatic tire vehicles therefore most minis can be seen pulling some sort of wooden wheel vehicle.

During the marathon, safety helmets are a must.

This type of driving is steeped in tradition. There is often a history to every piece of tack and most of us coming from the breed ring with our horses of any type need to make a few changes to our tack and attire.