"If your store offers one book on driving, make it Essential Guide to Carriage Driving by Robyn Cuffey and Jaye-Allison Winkel."

- Tack 'n Togs Merchandising
December 2005

• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Book Summary

The Essential Guide to Carriage Driving

Robyn Cuffey and Jaye-Allison Winkel

In the 19th century, carriage driving was an integral part of day-to-day American life. Times changed and the horse-drawn vehicle was replaced by truck, tractor and automobile. Over time, the knowledge and skills of generations of “whips” passed into relative obscurity.

Recent years have seen the popularity of carriage driving grow and even those persons with years of experience around horses find themselves with numerous questions when getting started in driving. When we started driving ourselves, we searched in vain for a book that provided a complete reference for the novice driver. We were lucky to find experienced drivers who lived in our area who were willing to share their knowledge, but not every new driver can be so fortunate.

After years of hearing questions from novice drivers (Robyn, through her training facility in Buxton, Maine, and Jaye, through her management of the Internet discussion group, “CD-L”) we were inspired to create a comprehensive manual for the beginning driver that would also serve as a useful reference for experienced drivers. Many aspects of driving are covered in this book beginning with an overview of today’s driving sport, advice on selecting horse, harness, and vehicle, to step-by-step harnessing and fitting instructions, safety information, and the development of basic driving skills. Later chapters cover advanced driving skill development, preparing for competition, sleighing, and driving multiples. It is our hope that this book will become the most useful driving book on your shelf.

Paperback, 8 ½ x 11 in., 155 pages, with black & white photos and drawings
Published 2003, ISBN 0-9746351-0-3