I started carriage driving in 1999 after receiving tuition from Caroline Dale-Leech MBE, who is well-known and respected within carriage driving worldwide.
I owe a lot to her; not a day goes by when I don’t think of her when I’m harnessing a horse or checking the roadworthiness of the carriages.
One day when she was teaching me, I accidentally allowed one of the reins to fall to the floor. I hoped she hadn’t noticed but then I heard her bellowing down the yard: “Do not drop your reins on the floor Mrs Robinson.” She immediately corrected me if I allowed my reins to falter from the correct position.
Posture and the correct livery dress are also important to her, as with me now. My boots are always clean and polished, and I never exercise my horses without wearing a hat. Etiquette is important in the world of carriage driving.
Before my husband Tom and I set up our business in 1999, I had a job in the corporate world.
Denne historien er fra May 18, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra May 18, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
