Driving a pair: how to build a solid foundation

What exactly is a pair?

A pair consists of two horses harnessed side by side in front of a carriage or driving coach. The left half is called the 'near side', the right half the 'off side'. Both horses must walk in equal step, adopt the same posture, and respond simultaneously to the driver's aids. That sounds logical, but in practice it takes a great deal of time to get two individual horses to function as a unit. Experienced drivers advise starting with two horses that are closely matched in type, temperament, and stride. A difference of more than 5 centimetres in height at the withers already causes problems with the balance of the harness.

Holding the reins: the fundamentals

Rein technique in driving differs fundamentally from riding. You hold a total of four reins: two for the left horse and two for the right horse. The most commonly used grips are the Achenbach method and the Fillis method, with Achenbach being the most widely used in competitive driving in the Netherlands. With Achenbach, you hold the reins in the left hand, with the outside reins beneath the inside reins, and use the right hand as an assisting hand to make corrections. It takes an average of 3 to 6 months of consistent practice before the grip becomes automatic.

Equipment you will need

• A well-fitting pair harness, individually adjusted for both horses
• A homologated driving carriage or training cart (check the weight: at least 300 kg for competitions)
• Whips of the correct length — typically 180 to 220 cm for a pair
• Braking harness components such as breastplates and pole straps made to measure
• Safety vest and approved driving helmet (NEN-EN 1384 or equivalent)

The first weeks: building up step by step

Spend the first two weeks working on long lines before putting the horses to the carriage. Let them get used to walking side by side, the sound of the carriage, and the feel of the harness. Then put them to a light training cart for the first time, for no longer than 20 minutes per session. Work in an enclosed arena or paddock free from distractions. Record every session in the horse profile in EquiSight: how did the horses respond, was there any difference in tension or stride? That information is invaluable when you want to identify patterns later or bring in an instructor.

Common mistakes beginners make

• Going outdoors too soon before the horses are accustomed to the harness and carriage
• Holding the reins too loose or too tight — both horses need an even, consistent contact
• Forgetting that each horse still needs its own training as a single horse
• Not using the whip actively enough as the third aid alongside the reins and voice
• Not planning a warm-up: horses need to move freely before being put to the carriage

Preparing for competitions

The entry-level class for pair competitions in the Netherlands is Class B, featuring a dressage test, a marathon course, and a cones course. For Class B, horses are assessed on evenness of pace, obedience, and turnout of the pair. Register at least eight weeks before a competition — popular events such as the National Driving Championships fill up quickly. Use the EquiSight calendar to keep track of training sessions, veterinary checks, and registration deadlines. Also make sure that passports and vaccination records are up to date: stewards check these as standard upon arrival.

• Class B: dressage, marathon up to 12 km, cones course
• Required inspection documents: passports, vaccinations (influenza within 6 months)
• Carriage is weighed and checked for safety upon arrival
• Minimum age of horses for competition participation: 4 years

Professional coaching pays off

You cannot learn to drive from a book alone. Find a certified driving instructor through the KNHS or take part in a pair clinic. A good instructor will correct your rein position, help you make the horses more equal, and provide feedback that you simply cannot see from the box seat yourself. Do you have a specific question outside office hours? EquiCoach can give you immediate answers to questions about harness adjustment, training structure, or competition rules — very handy when you're in the middle of a training week.