British Driving Society Training and Education

29/03/2026

Are you a Commercial horsedrawn operator?
Our Commercial Code of Practice Assessment is designed for drivers and operators of horse drawn vehicles, especially those who use such vehicles for commercial purposes, such as providing Hackney Carriage services. It may also be taken by those providing horsedrawn wedding and funeral services, proms and providing carriage rides at theme parks, historic houses, etc.

To find out more or to apply to take your assessment please contact Modris Kesans ([email protected]) or Samantha Searle ([email protected])

22/03/2026

Meet one of our new Instructors - Sally Barlow.

Sally started driving at a young age and took part in her first competition at the age of 10. She was greatly inspired as a junior whip by encouraging BDS Judges.

She was the first junior at the age of 16 to win the Harpers and Queen scholarship. This resulted in two weeks of education with the renowned Mrs Cynthia Haydon - and continued to work there for a further six months.

Sally has competed very successful over the years - driving singles, pairs, tandems and teams.
She has also produced trade turnouts very successfully.

Sally has been a BDS Judge for over eight years.
Sally has a wealth of knowledge that she now feels she wants to share with others - and has a special interest in encouraging and helping novice and junior drivers.

03/03/2026

Young Drivers Summer Camp

confirmed date of 14th-16th August - to be held at Grayswood Carriage Driving Centre, Hampshire.

This is an educational and fun weekend which is a great opportunity for anyone up to the age of 18 to come and learn new skills. Taught by qualified BDS Instructors on our schoolmasters.
Open to any Junior - no previous carriage driving experience is needed - come and let us show you what a wonderful sport it is.

Please contact Junior Commissioner Samantha Searle for an entry form.

Places are limited to 35 so please book in early.

08/02/2026

A good idea to make people aware of a young pony in training.

27/01/2026

🐴 Inspiring the next generation of carriage drivers! 🐴

British Driving Society Junior Commissioner Sam Searle is calling on young equestrians to have a go at driving

🎉 After an incredible year of junior events and achievements in 2025, plans are already underway to make 2026 even bigger and better, alongside the BDS Young Driver Committee.

If you’re a young driver—or know one who’d love to get involved—this is one to read 👀👇
👉 https://www.carriagecommentator.com/articles/bds-young-drivers/

Pictured: Mali Davies won the 10–14-year-old category of the Ian Townsend Portfolio scholarship

07/01/2026

Winter can be a difficult time of year for many horse owners ❄️

We've put together some general top tips for caring for a horse during the winter. Make sure to check your horse regularly for any changes in body weight and condition... and don't forget to check your water buckets for ice and that troughs and drinkers are filling!

Please bear in mind that each horse should be treated as an individual, and what works for one horse may differ for another 🐴

What are your top tips for winter with horses? Let us know in the comments

01/01/2026

From all of us on the BDS Training and Education committee we wish you a very Happy New Year - keep learning, keep driving and most importantly keep having fun with your horses, ponies and donkeys.
We have lots of training events planned all around the country for 2026 so please keep an eye out on the page and the main BDS website - if there is anything specific you would like us to do or put on then please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.

10/11/2025

A fabulous weekend in Cornwall with an Introduction to Carriage Driving Day on Saturday 25th October - the aim to kick start events now that Roger Derryman has taken up the role of Area Commissioner.
We had 17 people attend - was a fabulous day with some really positive feedback.
It’s not until we visit these areas that we realise what a lack of support and training potential new carriage drivers have. Hopefully we have given confidence to, helped and encouraged these 17 to carry on with the sport that we all love. Many thanks to Roger and Gill Derryman for allowing us the use of their farm.

27/10/2025

INTRODUCTION TO CARRIAGE DRIVING
🌟🌟 SWANSEA - SOUTH WALES 🌟🌟
Sunday 9th November 2025

10.30am start.

This is suitable for complete beginners to anyone wanting to improve their knowledge about carriage driving.

Come and join us to get a real insight into what a wonderful sport carriage driving is.
Modris Kesans and I are both BDS Approved Instructors so if anyone would like to come along and learn about correct rein handling, different carriages, different harness, bits, road safety, role of the groom, harnessing up, putting to, etc please message me and I can book you in. Everyone will also get a chance to drive a schoolmaster - no previous experience is necessary.
The day will finish at approximately 3.00pm and lunch is included. £60 per person.

Alternatively if you want to have a chat please ring me on 07883 538591.

11/10/2025

CORNWALL - Sunday 26th October 2025
Lower Croan Farm, Sladesbridge, Wadebridge, PL27 6JH.
LESSONS - BDS INSTRUCTORS - SAMANTHA SEARLE AND MODRIS KESANS

If anyone wants a lesson with their own horse or pony we will be at Roger & Gill Derrymans farm - £60 per lesson.
Please book in with Sam Searle - either pm me on here or ring me on 07883 538591.

We will also be having a short four mile drive from the farm to the St Mabyn Inn and back.

You are more then welcome to just have a lesson, just do the drive or book in for both.

08/10/2025