Drivers' Code of Conduct
At all DDC events, Whips/Drivers shall adhere to the following Code of Conduct when it comes to Safety! Why are we emphasizing this? Unsafe practices endanger everyone (not just you and your equines). Please take a minute and read the following carefully. If you have any question about the following Code of Conduct, please ask any DDC BOD member
Safety when hitching and unhitching
NEVER try to put a bridle on a horse when away from his home stable without first securing him with a rope around his neck.
NEVER start to hitch the horse to the vehicle without having the reins fastened to the bridle.
NEVER try to back a horse between shafts lying on the ground.
NEVER leave the ends of the reins unbuckled in case one should be dropped when you are getting into the carriage or while driving.
NEVER take the bridle off while the horse is still attached to the vehicle-not even when he has a halter under the bridle.
NEVER leave a nervous horse tied to the side of a trailer.
NEVER start to unhitch a horse in unfamiliar surrounding without a capable person at his head.
NEVER allow anyone to sit in the carriage before the driver has taken his/her place.
NEVER when you are the driver, leave the carriage before all the passengers have gotten out.
NEVER leave a horse alone while hitched to the carriage.
Safety for drivers
ALWAYS signal to other traffic before stopping or turning.
ALWAYS take great care when passing another carriage, and do so only when you can see sufficient clear road in front.
ALWAYS be watchful of your horse(s), especially his ears, which may give warning of his alarm at something he has heard or seen.
ALWAYS have a capable person with you when driving a green horse.
ALWAYS carry your whip or have it ready at hand to reach.
ALWAYS carry a spare trace, leather punch or knife, cord and duct tape.
NEVER allow your attention to be distracted.
NEVER take a completely green horse to a show or event. Find out how he/she behaves in public in a casual environment first.
NEVER drive too close to the carriage in front.
Safety when hitching and unhitching
NEVER try to put a bridle on a horse when away from his home stable without first securing him with a rope around his neck.
NEVER start to hitch the horse to the vehicle without having the reins fastened to the bridle.
NEVER try to back a horse between shafts lying on the ground.
NEVER leave the ends of the reins unbuckled in case one should be dropped when you are getting into the carriage or while driving.
NEVER take the bridle off while the horse is still attached to the vehicle-not even when he has a halter under the bridle.
NEVER leave a nervous horse tied to the side of a trailer.
NEVER start to unhitch a horse in unfamiliar surrounding without a capable person at his head.
NEVER allow anyone to sit in the carriage before the driver has taken his/her place.
NEVER when you are the driver, leave the carriage before all the passengers have gotten out.
NEVER leave a horse alone while hitched to the carriage.
Safety for drivers
ALWAYS signal to other traffic before stopping or turning.
ALWAYS take great care when passing another carriage, and do so only when you can see sufficient clear road in front.
ALWAYS be watchful of your horse(s), especially his ears, which may give warning of his alarm at something he has heard or seen.
ALWAYS have a capable person with you when driving a green horse.
ALWAYS carry your whip or have it ready at hand to reach.
ALWAYS carry a spare trace, leather punch or knife, cord and duct tape.
NEVER allow your attention to be distracted.
NEVER take a completely green horse to a show or event. Find out how he/she behaves in public in a casual environment first.
NEVER drive too close to the carriage in front.