New Forest Disabled Carriage Driving
The group was formed in June 1984 and is a registered charity. The aims of the group is to provide adult disabled and less able people with the opportunity to carriage drive in order to benefit their health and well-being.
We hold weekly meetings every Tuesday from April until October, weather permitting. Venues are within the New Forest, mostly locations that are agreed by Forestry England with a few privately hosted meetings during the driving season. We will do a route two or three times at locations. We all meet in a Forestry England car parks, such as Standing Hat, Wilverley or Stockley etc. We also visit Bisterne, Holmsley and Burley on invitation.
On driving days each disabled whip is accompanied by a companion whip who will introduce the disabled member to driving and give instruction as necessary. There is also a groom with each carriage, plus a cyclist and we have a vehicle following with members on board who will assist in case of any unplanned incident.
Safety is paramount and to this end we have a large amount of helpers. All our members are volunteers, and at present our members number about 40 altogether. We do, at present, have a few disabled places available for the 2024 season.
The group uses specially designed carriages for the disabled which are all owned by the group which can accommodate wheelchairs. The ponies are all privately owned and are brought to the meetings each week by the owners.
We currently use three ponies who are all rather special as they must have very special temperaments. They are independently assessed to be suitable before they join the group. The same applies to the companion whips who are experienced carriage drivers who have also been assessed to ensure they have the necessary expertise.
We are looking to recruit volunteeers who are willing and able to take on roles within the group in the various capacities described. Also there are spaces for more disabled drivers who we would love to give an opportunity to drive out into the new forest.
During the winter months the group hold a number of social occasions such as the Christmas party, AGM, talks and quizzes. We generally hold these meetings in local village halls within the New Forest.
The group now have a Facebook page and website if you would like further information.
New Forest Disabled Carriage Driving
The group was formed in June 1984 and is a registered charity. The aims of the group is to provide adult disabled and less able people with the opportunity to carriage drive in order to benefit their health and well-being.
New Forest Disabled Carriage Driving Website
