Department for Transport

Code of Practice for Horse Drawn Vehicles

This Code of Practice contains guidance jointly reviewed and agreed by the following organisations:
The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions
The British Driving Society
The British Horse Society
The Heavy Horse Driving Committee
The Joint National Horse Education & Training Council
International League for the Protection of Horses

Further copies of the Code of Practice can be obtained from:

The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions,
Vehicle Standards and Engineering Division,
Zone 2/04,
Great Minster House,
76 Marsham Street,
London SW1P 4DR.
Tel: 0207 944 5660, Fax: 0207 944 2069.

Introduction

Due to the increasing popularity of horse drawn vehicles on the road, a working group was set up which includes organisations experienced in the use of such vehicles. The main aim of the group was to produce a Code of Practice which could be used by drivers and operators of horse drawn vehicles, and especially those who use such vehicles to carry paying passengers.

The Code provides a simple but authoritative guide to the recommended minimum levels of competence (the 'road driving assessment') for drivers of horse drawn vehicles. The Code also includes full details of vehicle safety checks (the 'carriage check list').

Note

This Code of Practice should not be treated as a legal document. The emphasis is on the safety of the driver and passengers, carriage and horse(s) and other road users. Every effort has been made to provide true, helpful and accurate information.

Scope of the Code

The Code applies to all types of horse drawn vehicles used on the road but it is primarily aimed at those vehicles carrying paying passengers (ie vehicles used for 'hire and reward'). The type of vehicles referred to in the Code are: two or four wheeled modern carriages, two or four wheeled traditional carriages and horse drawn passenger carrying vehicles. The Code applies to these carriages whether driven to a single horse or pairs or teams of horses.

Objectives

The Code's objectives are:

To provide guidance for new and existing drivers of horse drawn vehicles carrying paying passengers

To summarise the road driving assessment for single, pair and teams of horses

To provide details of a recognised carriage safety check list

The Road Driving Assessment

This test is the recommended minimum competence for driving horses/ponies and vehicles carrying paying passengers on the public highway. The assessment is not a compulsory requirement for those wishing to drive horses but may be required if an operator wants to receive a local authority licence to operate a passenger carrying service. Applications for an assessment may be made either to the British Driving Society or the Heavy Horse Training Committee who appoint a panel of assessors. There is a small fee for the assessment and on satisfactory completion a certificate of competence (Road Driving Certificate) will be granted.

The practical driving section of the assessment, which can be carried out at the driver or operator's premises, may be taken with a single, pair or team and will carry the relevant certification. The harnessing and underpinning of knowledge must include a single and a pair.

Grandfather rights for this assessment can be retained by attaining a certificate of Approved Prior Learning. This certificate can only be issued by a group of approved and qualified assessors, namely the Harness Horse Training Board, the British Driving Society or the Heavy Horse Training Committee.

Method of Inspection

The competence will be assessed by direct observation of practical performance and oral questioning of underpinning knowledge. The assessment will be in line with safe yard practice and will take approximately 2 hours.

The British Driving Society Proficiency Test and the Heavy Horse Training Committee Road Driving Assessment test are directly accreditable.

The Carriage Check List

This is a comprehensive list of safety checks that should be carried out to ensure that the carriage and its fittings are safe and in good working condition. The checks can be carried out either by the driver/operator or by a panel appointed by the British Driving Society or the Heavy Horse Training Committee.

The Road Driving Assessment

Section A: Prepare horse and vehicle for road use

Performance Criteria

Control of the horse is maintained at all times

Harness is selected and fitted to the horse for road use

Horse is safely hitched to the vehicle following laid down procedures

The controlling position adopted is appropriate to the vehicle in use

The health, safety and security of the horse, self and others is maintained throughout

Range Statement

Harness: Show; exercise
Vehicle: Two wheeled; four wheeled

Knowledge and Understanding

Correct fitting of harness

Dangers of inappropriate procedures and adjustments to harness

Safety precautions to be taken when handling horses

State of feet and the effect on pulling power

Implications of the Road Traffic Act when preparing vehicle

Importance of safety checks

Mounting and dismounting procedures

Why is it important to adopt the correct driving position

Section B: Carry out road driving manoeuvres

Performance Criteria

Horse and vehicle are driven smoothly at a speed appropriate to road conditions

Obstacles encountered during driving are safely negotiated

The vehicle is correctly positioned on the road for safe and effective driving

Road safety procedures are adhered to at all times

Agreed cooling down procedures are followed on completion of work

The health, safety and security of horse, self and others is maintained throughout

Range Statement

Conditions: Traffic; road surface; weather; noise level; gradients; pedestrians
Obstacles: Road junctions; stationary vehicles; traffic lights; roundabouts

Knowledge and Understanding

Horses reactions when working alone and in company

Importance of returning a horse 'cool' from work

Effects of weather on road surfaces

Operating limits on vehicles

Application of the Highway Code and Road Traffic Acts

Use of the whip

Procedures in the event of a road traffic accident

Types of hand signals

Section C: Attend to horse and vehicle after driving

Performance Criteria

Vehicle is parked and secured at designated location

Horse is unhitched from the vehicle, harness removed and returned to relevant location

Approved cooling down procedures are implemented before horse is returned to stables

Control of the horse is maintained at all times

The health, safety and security of the horse, self and others is maintained throughout

Range Statement

Vehicles: Two wheeled; four wheeled

Knowledge and Understanding

Safety procedure when unhitching

Recommended cooling down procedures

Methods of braking and securing vehicles

Circumstances when assistance is required

Correct storage and security of vehicle

Carriage Check List

Section A - 2 wheel carriages (traditional)

Area of
inspection Check Reason for rejection

Wheels 1. End play on axle End play of 12mm or more

2. Tight joints into hub Any looseness found in these areas, by using manual force

    Spokes into felloes Any looseness found in these areas, by using manual force

    Steel rim or clincher
    on felloes Any looseness found in these areas, by using manual force

3. Rubbers for protrusion Rubbers protruding from the channel

4. General soundness of wood Evidence of woodworm, rot or cracks

Axles 1. Collinge axle - nuts and split pin in place Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components

2. Mail axle - check hub
bolts and nuts on inside
of moon plate Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components

3. Lubrication (both
axle types) Lack of lubrication

4. Washers and seals Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components

Shafts 1. Thickness and
strength Inadequate thickness and strength in keeping with carriage size

2. Wood and
laminations Evidence of woodworm, rot or cracks and delaminations

3.Slack and movement
where shaft joins vehicle
at drawbar Excessive slackness and movement

4. Shaft fixings, bolt and
bolt attachments Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components

5. Tug stops and
breeching staples Incorrectly positioned, signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components and excessive wear

Springs 1. Leaves and fixings,
especially ends of full
elliptic springs Broken, excessive wear or collapsed

2. U-bolts supporting springs
and their fixings to the axle Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components

3. Threads of nuts Stripped or worn threads

4. Leatherwork and tension brackets
on C springs Deterioration of leatherwork and tension brackets

Body

1. Woodwork Evidence of woodworm, rot or cracks

2. Panels Cracks and safety related damage

3. Spring mountings and
shaft fixings Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components

4. All bolts and screws Insecure or general looseness

5. Seat securing mechanism Insecure or general looseness

6. Cushion straps Missing or damaged, insecure or general looseness

7. Straps and mounting irons Missing or damaged, insecure or general looseness and deterioration

Swingletree 1. Swingletree (wood or metal) including trace
hooks and fixing bolts,
chains (if fitted) Insecure, hook screws not in place, signs of corrosion, worn or missing components, evidence of woodworm, rot, cracks and safety related damage

Section B - 2 wheel carriages (modern)

Area of
inspection Check Reason for rejection

Wheels / Axles If not steel: check as for traditional; otherwise

1. Welds Evidence of fatigue or cracks

2. Bearings Adjustment Excessive play, roughness or tightness

Shafts If not steel: check as for traditional; otherwise:

1. Material and construction (especially where shaft joins carriage) Evidence of fatigue (often indicated by cracks in paintwork), excessive wear around bolt mountings, incorrect components

2. Tug stops and breeching staples Incorrectly positioned, signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components and excessive wear

Springs As for traditional vehicle, and:

1. Coil spring Incomplete, cracked or fractured, worn or corroded so that its cross-sectional area is seriously weakend

2. Damper Unit (if fitted) Damage, corrosion, insecurity of attachment and fluid leakage

3. Rubber suspension unit Looseness, cracks or fractures, damage or corrosion, separation between flexible element and metal

Body and
Swingletree As for traditional vehicle, and:

1. Sliding body balance
system (if used) Insecure, hook screws not in place, signs of corrosion, missing or loose components, evidence of woodworm, rot, cracks and safety related damage

Section C - 4 wheel carriages (traditional)

Area of
inspection Check Reason for rejection

Additional
Checks As for 2 wheel carriages, and:

1. Forecarriage turntable
and centre pin Excessive play, worn centre pin, woodworm, rot or cracks

2. Support plates Insufficient lubrication

3. Polehousing, polepin
polehead and bearing
(if fitted) Stress cracking, excessive wear and excessive play in bearing

4. Shaft bolts (if fitted) Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components

5. Mounting steps, rails
etc. and seats Sharp edges, insecure, worn or inappropriate components

6. Hoods and folding
moveable safety
features Sharp edges, insecure, worn or inappropriate components

7. Brakes:

(a) Traditional Worn, damaged or insecure blocks, excessive play or wear to linkage

(b) Modern (hydraulic) Low fluid level or leakage, worn pads, excessive play or wear to linkage, damage to hydraulic line

SECTION D - 4 wheel carriages (modern)

Area of
inspection Check Reason for rejection

Additional
Checks As for 2 wheel carriages and 4 wheel traditional, and:

1. Ball bearing turntable
(if fitted) Excessive play and insufficient lubrication

2. Pole springing system Signs of corrosion, missing or loose components

Horse

It is recommended that any horse which is to be used for the carriage of passengers should be at least six years old. It is not the aim of this Code to set out guidance or information on veterinary checks for horses and it is recommended that operators seek the advice of a veterinary surgeon on the suitability of any animal for the purpose of drawing a carriage.

Harness

Drivers should ensure that all harnesses are properly fitted and appropriate for their particular use. Harnesses should also be regularly checked for soundness and safety.

Organisations for Reference

The British Driving Society
27 Dugard Place, Barford, Nr Warwick CV35 8DX
Telephone: (01926) 624420

The British Horse Society (Horse Driving Trials Association)
Dykelands Farm, Whenby, nr. Bradsby, York, YO61 4SF
Telephone: (01347) 878 789

The Heavy Horse Training Committee
British Equestrian Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LR
Telephone: (01203) 696697

Further Reading

All books below may be obtained from The British Driving Society at the above address.

The British Driving Society Introduction to Driving
(The British Driving Society) published by the BDS, Warwick

Guidelines on Road Safety for Harness Horse Drivers
The British Driving Society

Breaking a Horse to Harness
(Sallie Walrond) published by J A Allen, London

Driving a Harness Horse
(Sallie Walrond) published by J A Allen, London

On the Box Seat: A Manual of Driving
(Tom Ryder) published by Swiveltrees

The Art of Driving
(Max Pape) published by J A Allen, London

See Horse Sense for Motorists

Last updated 15 February 2002 c.Crown Copyright

Area of inspection	Check	Reason for rejection
Wheels	1. End play on axle	End play of 12mm or more
	2. Tight joints into hub	Any looseness found in these areas, by using manual force
	Spokes into felloes	Any looseness found in these areas, by using manual force
	Steel rim or clincher on felloes	Any looseness found in these areas, by using manual force
	3. Rubbers for protrusion	Rubbers protruding from the channel
	4. General soundness of wood	Evidence of woodworm, rot or cracks
Axles	1. Collinge axle - nuts and split pin in place	Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components
	2. Mail axle - check hub bolts and nuts on inside of moon plate	Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components
	3. Lubrication (both axle types)	Lack of lubrication
	4. Washers and seals	Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components
Shafts	1. Thickness and strength	Inadequate thickness and strength in keeping with carriage size
	2. Wood and laminations	Evidence of woodworm, rot or cracks and delaminations
	3.Slack and movement where shaft joins vehicle at drawbar	Excessive slackness and movement
	4. Shaft fixings, bolt and bolt attachments	Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components
	5. Tug stops and breeching staples	Incorrectly positioned, signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components and excessive wear
Springs	1. Leaves and fixings, especially ends of full elliptic springs	Broken, excessive wear or collapsed
	2. U-bolts supporting springs and their fixings to the axle	Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components
	3. Threads of nuts	Stripped or worn threads
	4. Leatherwork and tension brackets on C springs	Deterioration of leatherwork and tension brackets
Body
	1. Woodwork	Evidence of woodworm, rot or cracks
	2. Panels	Cracks and safety related damage
	3. Spring mountings and shaft fixings	Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components
	4. All bolts and screws	Insecure or general looseness
	5. Seat securing mechanism	Insecure or general looseness
	6. Cushion straps	Missing or damaged, insecure or general looseness
	7. Straps and mounting irons	Missing or damaged, insecure or general looseness and deterioration
Swingletree	1. Swingletree (wood or metal) including trace hooks and fixing bolts, chains (if fitted)	Insecure, hook screws not in place, signs of corrosion, worn or missing components, evidence of woodworm, rot, cracks and safety related damage

Area of inspection	Check	Reason for rejection
Wheels / Axles	If not steel: check as for traditional; otherwise
	1. Welds	Evidence of fatigue or cracks
	2. Bearings Adjustment	Excessive play, roughness or tightness
Shafts	If not steel: check as for traditional; otherwise:
	1. Material and construction (especially where shaft joins carriage)	Evidence of fatigue (often indicated by cracks in paintwork), excessive wear around bolt mountings, incorrect components
	2. Tug stops and breeching staples	Incorrectly positioned, signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components and excessive wear
Springs	As for traditional vehicle, and:
	1. Coil spring	Incomplete, cracked or fractured, worn or corroded so that its cross-sectional area is seriously weakend
	2. Damper Unit (if fitted)	Damage, corrosion, insecurity of attachment and fluid leakage
	3. Rubber suspension unit	Looseness, cracks or fractures, damage or corrosion, separation between flexible element and metal
Body and Swingletree	As for traditional vehicle, and:
Body and Swingletree	1. Sliding body balance system (if used)	Insecure, hook screws not in place, signs of corrosion, missing or loose components, evidence of woodworm, rot, cracks and safety related damage

Area of inspection	Check	Reason for rejection
Additional Checks	As for 2 wheel carriages, and:
	1. Forecarriage turntable and centre pin	Excessive play, worn centre pin, woodworm, rot or cracks
	2. Support plates	Insufficient lubrication
	3. Polehousing, polepin polehead and bearing (if fitted)	Stress cracking, excessive wear and excessive play in bearing
	4. Shaft bolts (if fitted)	Signs of corrosion, looseness or missing components
	5. Mounting steps, rails etc. and seats	Sharp edges, insecure, worn or inappropriate components
	6. Hoods and folding moveable safety features	Sharp edges, insecure, worn or inappropriate components
	7. Brakes:
	(a) Traditional	Worn, damaged or insecure blocks, excessive play or wear to linkage
	(b) Modern (hydraulic)	Low fluid level or leakage, worn pads, excessive play or wear to linkage, damage to hydraulic line

Area of inspection	Check	Reason for rejection
Additional Checks	As for 2 wheel carriages and 4 wheel traditional, and:
	1. Ball bearing turntable (if fitted)	Excessive play and insufficient lubrication
	2. Pole springing system	Signs of corrosion, missing or loose components