As published by the British Donkey
Society Driving Division
ALWAYS
1.Maintain concentration at all
times, try to anticipate anything
which might frighten your animal.
2.Watch your animal’s ears at all
times. They will tell you what he is
thinking.
3.Try to distract your animal’s
attention with your voice BEFORE he
has time to take fright.
4.When driving a green or nervous
animal, have an active passenger who
is prepared to jump out and give
assistance from the ground if
required.
5.Make sure that your vehicle and
harness is sound and in good
condition, paying particular
attention to hames straps, reins and
traces.
6.Carry the whip at all times, as in
order to avert an accident it may be
needed very quickly.
Adhere to the correct procedure for
putting to and taking out of the
vehicle AND NEVER, EVER REMOVE THE
BRIDLE BEFORE TAKING THE ANIMAL OUT
OF THE VEHICLE! A donkey or mule,
loose, hitched, with no bridle can
ruin your vehicle, do great damage,
kill or permanently injure itself,
kill other animals and KILL AND
INJURE PEOPLE! (Also be aware that
some show grounds may ask you to be
removed if you are leading an
animal-hitched or put to. It is
against some show rules to lead a
hitched animal-they state that a
driver must be in the cart on any
hitched animal moving on the show
grounds!)
If you wish to pass someone, do so
with care, not too close, and at a
reasonable pace. If the other animal
appears frightened of “hots up” draw
back immediately. We have observed
people, especially in the show ring,
using the whip in such a manner as
to frighten another person’s animal.
This should never be done. It is
very dangerous.
If anyone has an accident, pull up
at once.
Give clear signals to those behind
when turning or stopping.
NEVER
1.NEVER let your attention wander..
2.NEVER pass anyone suddenly and at
high speed either on the road or in
the show ring..
3.NEVER bring an animal which is
completely inexperienced to a large
show or rally.
4.NEVER drive with a rein held
separately in each hand as it is
impossible to shorten them in an
emergency.
5.NEVER leave an animal unattended
or insecurely haltered.
6.NEVER TAKE THE BRIDLE OFF BEFORE
TAKING THE ANIMAL OUT OF THE
VEHICLE!
7.NEVER allow animals to canter or
gallop in harness. Despite the fact
that galloping is required in
certain competitions, only the most
skilled whips and well trained
animals should do so, and never in
company.
8.Drivers should never dismount
before the passengers do.
(No one will think any less of you
if you ask for assistance in holding
an animal’s head before entering a
class, or if you must make tack or
equipment adjustments. Never be
offended by anyone offering to help
you-they are most likely thinking of
YOUR safety at that moment!)