10 Golden Rules of Traditional Driving
1. Safety first.
The vehicle, despite the fact that it is over 100 years old, should be in perfect technical condition, the horses under full control of the driver, the harnesses, if historical, should have their crushed leather elements replaced. When stopped, the driver always remains on the trestle, the groom stands in front of the horse, and in a multi-horse turnout, the other groom stands to the side at the height of the drawbar horse’s head.
2. The overall impression is important
A harmoniously combined singles carriage is just as valuable as a four-man team. For a good overall impression, it is important that the horses, the vehicle, the driver and the passengers are of good size and color. Plumes, earmuffs, trinkets, and contemporary ornaments are inappropriate in traditional carriage driving.
3. Equipment should have a distinct style
Sporty, urban, rural, regional style.
4. Clothing must be appropriate for the type of vehicle and style of the sled
- A groom and a coachman driving a city vehicle: Coupe, Milord, Viktoria, Vis a Vis, Lando should wear a livery, a black top hat and boots with brown lapels.
- Driver of a sports vehicle (coach, brek, dogcart, phaeton, tilbury) - sports outfit (not evening clothes) on his head a top hat or bowler hat, and in the summer a canotier.
- When driving horses in a breast collar harness do not put on a top hat
- Rural carriage vehicle – regional costume, soft hat or flat cap
- The lady driving the car and the gentleman have their legs covered with a rug
- The driver wears brown gloves
In traditional driving, cowboy hats are a dissonance.
Passengers should be instructed by the owner on appropriate dress. Headgear is essential, dresses above the knees, plunging necklines, and especially theatrical outfits in flashy colors are inappropriate. Ladies only open their sun umbrellas when the sun is shining. Passengers sit with their feet on the floor of the vehicle, knees together, elbows to the torso.
5. The vehicle should be in a historical condition close to the original...
…preferably only after conservation, possibly after restoration. Adding various elements such as trunks, sound system, tassels, shiny decorations is inappropriate.
Brakes in the vehicle are allowed, but their use when approaching the presentation, in obstacles on the off-road route and on kegels during a traditional driving competition is punished.
6. The metal colors of the...
…harness bucles, the vehicle fittings, the lamps and the buttons of the livery should be similar (silver or yellow metal). Candles, wicks, or burners are required in lamps.
7. Details...
…such as a carriage watch, baskets, walking sticks, umbrellas, a shotgun cover, bags, suitcases, picnic bags are a great complement to the whole equipment, but they should be matched to the style of the turnout and the type of vehicle.
8. The whip should always be held in the hand
The English whip is appropriate for a sports vehicle and an English-style carriage. Hungarian whip for peasant vehicle and scrub harness.
American whip for buggies.
9. The behaviour of the riders...
…is a very important element of the traditional driving. The driver sits on the box on the right side, and if he is alone, he moves the wedge to the middle. Everyone in the carriage sits with their feet and knees together, and the groom should have his hands flat on his thighs (crossed on his chest until 1850). Hats and top hats should not be tilted back. The lady should be helped to get on and off by shaking hands, preferably with a glove. The groom is completely focused on the horses, he doesn’t talk, he doesn’t react to comments, he sees the horses and the driver.
10. Greeting is the privilege of the driver
The lady in the carriage greets with a nod.
The gentleman greets by taking off his hat (brim down) – whip and reins in his left hand.
The coachman greets by touching the brim of his hat.
The groom does not greet anyone, nor does he take off his headgear during the decoration ceremony during the anthem.