Cantering through the snow on a one horse open sleigh is every driver’s dream, but what does it take to drive a sleigh?
The Snow!
Only some of us will experience the white snow covered winter it takes to even consider investing in a sleigh. However! Not every kind of snow is appropriate. For an optimal sleigh ride the ground must be frozen and there must be 6-8” of snow cover.
The Sleigh!
There are so many different styles of sleighs out there from the traditional lightweight cutters to the new modern competition style sleds – selecting a sleigh that fits your needs and goals is key. When you select your sleigh keep the following in mind; the style of sleigh driving you wish to partake in, the horse (or horses) that will be pulling it, and of course you will want to take into account whether a traditional antique sleigh or modern sleigh will fit your needs best.
The Horse!
The horse is the powerhouse behind this wintery dream and without them at the helm our sleigh and snow would quickly turn into festive ornaments! But is every horse capable of pulling a sleigh? The answer is it depends. A suitable horse will have a solid foundation in driving and will be a suitable build and size to pull the sleigh you have selected. Before taking them out into the cold you will want to consider whether they have had any experience pulling a sleigh, or being worked in the snow. Training is key to having a safe and enjoyable time no matter the sport – so start slow, on the ground, and slowly build up to your first ever sleigh ride!
The Driver!
You can have the weather, a beautiful sleigh, and a noble steed ready to go. However without a driver steering the sleigh it is all pretty pointless. No matter how long you have been driving horses consider taking lessons in snowy conditions, and with a sleigh before making the investment. With the addition of a new vehicle, a new weather condition, and different health and safety concerns a knowledgeable instructor will ensure you are prepared for your first independent sleigh ride!