Spring Drive

​  April 25-28, 2024

Fall Drive

  October 8 - 13, 2024

Hoosier Horse Park, IN

The National Drive​

Please keep the check list as a reference.

The National Drive supports and encourages the use of helmets for both drivers and passengers.

What is a safety check?


The safety check is as simple as another set of eyes going over your harness and carriage to make sure everything is connected and buckled for a SAFE drive. It is NOT a critique. We understand that in a strange environment away from home, things can seem a bit hectic and something can be overlooked. The National Drive staff is there to support you and ensure a safe trip for everyone.


Please get a safety check and wristband prior to driving!

The National Drive Safety Checklist  Please keep as a reference

Check the Horse for:


1. General condition

2. Shoe Condition if shod (shoes should be tight)

3. Girth Sores

4. Signs of injury, distress or poor hitching that can cause the above.
5. Signs of vision in at least one eye.

Check the Harness for:


1. Cleanliness
2. Fit
3. Condition
4. Buckles - All buckles should be buckled and all straps should be in keepers.
5. Quick Releases - Are quick releases appropriately applied and are pull tabs/straps/cords set up to reduce chance of snagging and releasing inadvertently? Check that quick releases are turned with the pull to the inside.
6. Safety Belts - Are safety belts appropriately fastened to carriage and releasable in case of emergency. Note: Drivers with disablities may have special requirements for safety harness.
7. Connections to Vehicle - Are connections to vehicle taped where appropriate? Note: Excessive taping is NOT desirable.
8. Spares (optional) - Should be in good condition. Rein and trace punches/splices should be appropriate to the material that the harness is made of.
9. Pole straps or chains - Should be proper length and properly fastened.
10. Full Collar - If full collar is used, it should be the proper size and fit.
11. Breast Collar - Should be used with a carriage that has a single tree.
12. Saddle - Be positioned correctly, without pressing on horse's spine. With a 2 wheeled vehicle, the saddle should be wide enough to carry the addition weight on horses back.
13. Tug Stops - Be properly adjusted, wrap straps and over girth should not be excessively tight.
14. Back strap - Be adjusted to proper tightness to keep saddle in place and crupper in proper position.
15. Shafts - Be adjusted at the proper height.

Check the Vehicle for:


1. Wheels - Are they solid with all hub bolts present?
2. King bolts and singletree bolts - Should be in good condition.
3. Shafts/poles/singletree - Should be in good condition.
4. Shaft couplings/pole housings - Should be secure.
5. Brakes - If applicable, are they working properly? Have you checked the brake fluid?
6. Bolts - Should be tight, check for missing bolts.
7. Harness - Check for any unattached harness or improper hitching.
8. Balance - Is carriage balanced correctly?
9. Shafts - Are shafts proper length?
10. Distance between horse and carriage.

Check the Driver for:


1. Helmet(s) not required but encouraged for all persons on the carriage.
2. Driver and passengers have signed Waiver of Liability.
3. Control - Do you feel your horse/pony is sufficiently trained for this event?