Learn from the experts what it takes to get started in this sport.

BY KIM MACMILLAN

The sight of a horse-drawn carriage conjures up thoughts of power and elegance. It’s a nod to history for equestrians and non-equestrians alike. while the prospect of learning to drive may seem intimidating to some, it shouldn’t be, according to driving instructor and judge Andy Marcoux of Coachman’s Delight, inc. in Massachusetts. Marcoux teaches students, trains horses, and competes in combined driving through Advanced level and pleasure drives with singles, pairs and four-in-hands.

Catherine royte/yellow rose Photography, Courtesy Coachman’s delight, inc. catherine royle

“It’s really kind of interesting in carriage driving—there are many who come from riding to driving certainly, but there are also a lot of people who are new to horses,” says Marcoux.

Martha Custis Merry of Lebanon, Ohio, an amateur adult dressage rider who now also drives her 8-year-old Percheron/Friesian/Dutch Harness gelding, Lancer, shares that the sport is something that can be enjoyed as a pleasure driver or competitive driver. She likes the team aspect of working with her husband, Dave, who serves as her navigator in combined driving. Together the Merrys successfully completed their first combined driving event (CDE) at Training Level last fall, and they look forward to doing more.