Carriage-Driving in the Countryside

Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
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Experience hosted by Hester

2 hoursHosted in English and French
Committed to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Up to 3 people
Includes food, drinks, and equipment

What you'll do

I will meet my guests at the riding school where our driving horses are. I will give them a safety briefing. Then we will bring our lovely Haflinger, Bruce, in from the field and give him his hay and a brush.

Guests will learn how to harness the horse, and put him into the carriage. We will put on hi-vis jackets. Guests will sit up at the front of the carriage with me, and with their own set of reins so they learn to control the horse (a bit like dual-control in a car).

We will drive round the village of Furneux Pelham at a walk and trot, for forty minutes, passing the church, the school, the old forge, the pub, and will arrive back at the Riding School.

We will unharness the horse, give him a nice feed and put him back in his field. We will enjoy hot and cold drinks and snacks before we head home. The whole experience will take two hours.
Other things to note
There are around 30 ponies and horses, two friendly dogs, several sheep and three cats at the riding school. We provide optional riding hats (which we recommend). It is best to be quite quiet around horses. We make every effort to make you safe but please be aware Carriage-Driving is a risk sport.
I will meet my guests at the riding school where our driving horses are. I will give them a safety briefing. Then we will bring our lovely Haflinger, Bruce, in from the field and give him his hay and a brush.

Guests will learn how to harness the horse, and put him into the carriage. We will put on hi-vis jackets. Guests will sit up at the front of the carriage with me, and with their own set of reins so they learn to control the hors…

What's included

  • Food
    I provide biscuits, fruit, crisps and chocolate to enjoy after our outing.
  • Drinks
    I provide coffee, tea and cold soft drinks, to enjoy after our excursion ar...
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  • Equipment
    Harness, carriage, hats, hi-viz jackets.

Meet your host, Hester

Host on Airbnb since 2017
  • 6 Reviews
  • Identity verified
Hello, my name is Hester and I am passionate about carriage-driving as a fun and healthful outdoor activity.I have lived in the Hertfordshire area for 20 years.

I have been driving carriages for twenty-five years and learnt the skill from driving my own pony, and also from training at Ashfields, a local carriage-driving centre. I have been training three driving horses over the last three years at Brook Cottage Farm.

I am a qualified riding and carriage-driving coach for Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). I deliver commercial carriage-driving lessons, pleasure and therapy driving. In September 2018 I organised and performed a carriage-driving display in front of HRH The Princess Royal.

I am a Trustee for my local RDA group and actively raise funds through festivals, events, pantomimes, and driving displays.
Hello, my name is Hester and I am passionate about carriage-driving as a fun and healthful outdoor activity.I have lived in the Hertfordshire area for 20 years.

I have been driving carriages for twenty-five years and learnt the skill from driving my own pony, and also from training at Ashfields, a local carriage-driving centre. I have been training three driving horses over the last three years at Brook Cottage Farm.

I am a qualified riding and carriage-driving coach for R…
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From $56
/ person
Tue, Apr 20
$56 per person
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$56 per person
Fri, Apr 23
$56 per person
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$56 per person
Tue, Apr 27
$56 per person
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$56 per person
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Where you'll be

We will drive along the main circular route through the village of Furneux Pelham. Everything looks unique from a carriage, and the steady pace allows you to notice everything: the beautiful old church, lots of pretty cottages, the old brewery and the local pub, 'The Brewery Tap'. I absolutely love this old-fashioned way of travelling, and I know a guest will too, as they will have a glimpse of what life was like before the car was invented.
Semiha
April 2021
Fantastic trip with my husband today, we had a great day, met lovely people, throughly recommended and would love to take the grandchildren in the future. Thank you very much Hester and the team.
Ali
April 2021
This was absolutely what we needed. Hester and Caroline were fantastic, friendly, kind and welcoming. Bruce (horse) was beautiful. The love that they have for horses is so noticeable. The location was a nice picturesque village and we loved it. Hester and Caroline kept us entertained through, we learnt about horses and there storytelling is good! The snacks that we had at the end were welcomed. We will be returning!
This was absolutely what we needed. Hester and Caroline were fantastic, friendly, kind and welcoming. Bruce (horse) was beautiful. The love that they have for horses is so noticeab…
Carys
April 2021
Had a lovely morning out. Great fun and everybody involved was so knowledgable (and willing to share when they realised we wanted to learn). Bruce the horse is gorgeous. Would happily recommend.
Cornell
November 2020
I had a fantastic experience with Helen, Frank, and beautiful Bruce the horse. I was shown how to harness Bruce for our carriage ride and even had a go at steering while we were out in the village. Frank has many years of experience in driving horse carriages and is an excellent teacher. Helen is a fantastic host - friendly, helpful and full of laughs! She made sure to take many pictures to remember the day by and even with running a marathon next to Bruce with camera in hand still managed to give a tour of the village. I accidentally left my car lights on and the battery went flat, Helen and Frank kindly helped me jumpstart my car too. It just goes to show horses are more reliable than cars afterall! I highly recommend this experience, you’re bound to leave with a big smile on your face!
I had a fantastic experience with Helen, Frank, and beautiful Bruce the horse. I was shown how to harness Bruce for our carriage ride and even had a go at steering while we were ou…
Harry
October 2020
This was an excellent way of spending a couple of hours in the country. The need to know nothing about carriages and horses, but within minutes you are driving stress free!. The route takes you through some lovely lanes and the experience is very relaxing. We will be doing this again with more of our family as we enjoyed it so much.
This was an excellent way of spending a couple of hours in the country. The need to know nothing about carriages and horses, but within minutes you are driving stress free!. The ro…
Alison
March 2020
My daughter and I had an absolutely fabulous fun time! Thank you!

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Things to know

Cancellation policy

Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
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Government ID

You’ll need to take a picture of yourself that matches the photo on your ID. This is so Airbnb can confirm who’s actually going on the experience. You’ll only have to do this once.
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Guest requirements

Up to 3 guests ages 2 and up can attend.
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What to bring

Warm, practical clothes

Rainproof jacket
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