Frequently Asked Questions
Our clinics are open to any driver with a disability (physical/neuro diverse), coaches and instructors and others who are part of the driver team/community
Yes. We welcome attendees to come on foot and our clinics offer something for everyone whether you be new to carriage driving, interested in finding out more or an existing driver.
We can offer this subject to availability and individual needs and encourage equestrians from other disciplines who may find carriage driving more suitable.
Yes, and we are exploring adding this to our clinics so attendees get the benefit of observing fellow drivers and meeting and making new friends.
No. However, we keep our charges to the absolute minimum and charge according to the type of attendee e.g. driver bringing their own turnout, someone attending on foot, and, structure our charges so you don’t pay for what you don’t want/need e.g. accommodation, meals.
Although we are a national charity we run with very low overheads due to our Committee and Trustees being volunteers, no office costs and covering training and clinic costs by charging a fee to attendees.
Carriage driving is not an Olympic sport and does not attract any funding from British Equestrian Olympic para disciplines. We have received funds from other charities such as the Sanders Watney Trust and the Worshipful Company of Sadlers and did attract funding from the Together Fund (British Equestrian) post covid to restart our activities. We also seek opportunities for grants from other sources and welcome any enquiries and support.
Yes and we would be delighted to receive any donations of any amount. This can be done online here.
Definitely not. CDSG is focussed on helping drivers and their teams learn about and experience “sports” type of driving at all levels. We work closely with the RDA and welcome coaches/coaches in training and helpers to our clinics as well as drivers who want to further their skills and knowledge but we do not try to replace or replicate RDA carriage driving.
Yes, we are always very willing to discuss with clubs, RDA groups and individual drivers. Several of our drivers and coaches also belong to our partner group GB POD Training Group.
CDSG is committed to the highest standards of equine welfare and along with GB POD Training Group incorporates this into their system of training so any equines are fit to do their work (physically and mentally), drivers, owners and coaches understand the correct way to school and develop their horses/ponies, harness and carriage is suitable and well fitting and that equines have the best longevity of life/career as possible. As an equestrian club we also subscribe to the British Equestrian and British Carriagedriving code of equine welfare.
CDSG has its own Facebook Group to keep updated with what’s happening. You can also contact us via our Contact page.