Rein Handling and Rein Backs at Gary Dockings Yard 13 June 2009

 

A dozen or so members of the BDS took advantage of this opportunity to have one on one tuition as well as have Gary's advice from many years of experience of both rein handling and rein backs. Gary started by explaining that the horse or pony needs to be taught the rein back and with the use of one of his dutch horses showed practically how he starts and finishes this process. The methods he uses to lunge and long rein with running reins was demonstrated and everyone had the chance to take the reins and lunge the horse on two reins whilst getting advice from both Gary and his head girl Kate.

We then move on to the rein machine and even the most experienced whips present learnt something with a session from Linda Swain who had kindly driven down from Biggleswade to assist.

After a short break Linda put her Welsh sec c mare into her Bennington and the novices and less experienced had a short lesson in rein handling with Linda. Many pertinent questions were asked and all who attended took something away from the day.

To finish Will Leslie and Elaine Thompson put their pair of ponies to a four wheel vehicle and after a little encouragement Will was asked to demonstrate a rein back, and it must be said he (and the ponies) performed an excellent show which all appreciated.

Thanks to Gary and his staff , Linda Swain and Pud and Will and Elaine for contributing.

Colin Hurd

Visit to Osborne Carriage Collection 5th April 09.

 

On the warmest sunday of the year to date 30 members from as far away as Bedfordshire as well as more local were wamly welcomed to the impressive home of Jeff Osborne and his collection of carriages.
 

All of Jeffs carriages had been spotlessly cleaned and presented around the courtyard of his west sussex base. Approximately 28 carriages ranging from the finest Lawton gig to his everyday work vehicles were available for all to inspect and admire, we had luck in that local private driving producer Gary Docking was present and was able to provide detailed history and facts about the collection, Gary having been lucky enough to have driven many or know the vehicles of old and his great knowledge filled out the visit with both accuracy and wit.Jeff added comments to vehicles with there more recent history as well as information he has gleaned from his own research, Jeff is particularly proud that most of the collection are able to be used with his stable of driving horses (as well as his well known scurry ponies).

 

Jeff in his generosity had provided refreshments for all and sitting in the courtyard afterwards enjoying his hospitality and chatting to many new faces (as well as the old) we all made use of the welcome sunshine.

 

Thanks go to Jeff, his hard working headgirl Alison, Rob and the rest of the Osborne Refrigerators staff for a visit enjoyed by everyone.