World championship carriage driver Sue Mart of Bennington Carriages is offering special 'Try Driving' sessions at her Lincolnshire academy as a post coronavirus treat to look forward to.

It's an offer open to all-comers, from anyone interested in taking up horse-drawn carriage driving to those who want to improve their skills.

A visit to the Bennington Carriage Academy also represents a fabulous and memorable Christmas or special occasion gift, with vouchers valid for a year from issue.

Sue is a qualified coach and keen competitor, whose company is proud of its Royal Warrant for supplying carriages to the Royal Family.

She is harnessing up her former championship pony Zac for the 'Try Driving' sessions at her Long Bennington base, complete with extensive outdoor facilities.

The emphasis is on fun and safety, demonstrating how accessible the sport is and its suitability for all ages and abilities.

Sue said: "I get asked a lot whether it's difficult, what equipment do you need, how much does it cost and, very simply, where do I begin.

"I can answer all those questions and go one better by offering the chance to come and try it with a top class pony who really knows his job.

"It's a great opportunity for someone who perhaps cannot ride any more to try another equestrian sport. Others may want to bring their own pony and carriage for tuition and we can offer stabling if required."

Sue continued: "We have found that after the first session a lot of people are hooked and we can then put together a schedule of five lessons, outlining an achievable goal at the end".

"For anyone wishing to continue their tuition, we offer regular Zoom meetings to help and support them on their carriage driving journey. We keep a detailed log of progress with a

certificate at the end." The two hour sessions are priced at £145. They include an overview of carriage driving, including pony, harness and carriage and the chance to take the reins and drive a Bennington carriage. Bennington Driving Academy will be open as soon as the current lockdown eases, and will then operate to meet relevant Covid regulations, all tailored to the client's needs. For more information, call Sue Mart on 01400 281280 or go to

www.benningtoncarriages.co.uk