Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I become an MDS member?
​MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Manitoba Driving Society (MDS) hosts a series of driving competitions and developmental clinics throughout the year. Everything is low cost or no cost for members. The clinics, among other things, teach drivers of all ages and levels contemporary best practises for safety. Safety is important knowledge that benefits both the recreational trail driver as well as the competitive driver. MDS competitions are held in Eastern and Western Manitoba locations, and are designed to challenge drivers from the beginner to the most experienced. Those who wish to participate just for fun can enter in the recreation class of all of the Club's events. During the winter months there are social events to which all members are invited. Memberships start at $25 for a year and run from January 1st to December 31st of the calendar year.
Q: Can I be involved with the Driving Club and not own a horse?
Q: Which is better, a 2 wheeled cart or a 4 wheeled carriage?
Q: I have a horse already. Can she be trained to drive?
Most horses can be trained to drive, but not all horses enjoy being a driving horse. Horses prone to kicking can be a challenge to drive; sometimes with careful observation and understanding what is bothering your horse, kicking can be resolved.
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Yes, many members have started as volunteers, or do not own a driving horse.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The sport of driving relies extensively on conscientious volunteers. Driving competition courses need volunteers who can measure and set cones accurately (training provided), and who can relay to Officials, information such as knock-downs on course or a competitor having incorrectly completed the required course.
Many of the club's competitions are located at Birds Hill Park in the area of the Club's large, covered wooden bridge and water obstacle. Volunteers receive a front row seat to the competition as they are located on the course during a competition, while spectators must remain much further away in designated spectator areas. Snacks, water and rest break areas are provided for the larger and longer competitions. The volunteers for MDS are sincerely appreciated and valued.
Volunteering at a driving competition can be a good way for people who are thinking of joining the sport to see firsthand what it is like, to assess whether they think it might be for them and their horse, and to learn from seeing many drivers compete up close.
Safety is the first factor which must be considered when choosing what type of vehicle to drive. A two-wheel cart is best for beginners. With a cart, where the horse goes the cart goes. Driving a four wheeled carriage is quite different; there are two separate paths of travel. It's sort of like driving a fifth wheel trailer.
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Easy entry carts are, as the name suggests, easier for you to safely get into and out of than a Meadowbrook type cart whose shafts you must climb over to get in and out. A carriage, with its shafts moving independently of the horse, provides a smoother ride.
Q: Can a retired racetrack horse be trained to become a pleasure driving horse?
Yes. A good horse temperament and patient driver/trainer are the key to success.
Q: I already own a miniature horse who drives. Can I join the Driving Club?
Yes. The Manitoba Driving Club is open to all breeds of horses and ponies who are interested in driving or who already drive.
Q: I have a youth driver in my family. Are youth drivers welcome?
Yes. The Manitoba Driving Club is open to ages who are interested in learning to drive, or those who already know how to drive their horse or pony.
Q: How do I measure my horse for a good harness fit?
Click here In this video, David Freedman of Freedman's Harness demonstrates How to Properly Measure Your Horse for a Harness