As owner of Take The Reins , I am a carriage driver myself, driving something unique a 12.3 French Bred Donkey (Lady Riki - as seen in the various photos included in this website). Lady Riki regularly competes in:
Private Driving
Exercise/Pleasure Driving
Cones Driving
Precision & Paces (Driven Dressage)
Lady Riki was broken to harness aged 4 by myself, now aged 20 she is still regularly seen competing in a number of events each year.
STOP PRESS
Lady Riki is now Donkey Breed Society National Driving Champion for 2025, she won a Show Ring class plus a Precision & Paces Class.
Business Insurance - KBIS*
Includes both Public & Product Liability (£2Million each)
Freelance Carriage Driving Instructor Insurance - KBIS*
Public Liability £2m cover (includes Customer, Personal & Instructors Liability)
Insured to carry out carriage driving tuition with clients horses/ponies/donkeys at clients premises or at
Joanne's home, contact Joanne for more details. (Harness fitting is included with this policy)
QUALIFICATIONS
1st 4 Sport Level 2 Equestrian Coaching (Carriage Driving) Certificate (2024)*
1st4Sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching (Sport & Physical Activity) (2025)
DBS Certificate 2023
BHS First Aid Certificate 2024
BHS Course - Risk Awareness for Equestrians 2023
BHS Safeguarding Certificate 2024
BDS Level 2 Diploma in Principals of Harness Horse Training
BDS Level 3 Road Safety Certificate (Single Horse)
UKCC Level 1 Award in Coaching Equestrian Riding
By the End of 2025 I hope to have completed the following;
1st4Sport L3 Award Tutors & Assessors in Sport
Level 3 Award Principals & Practices of Assessment
CPD is carried out annually to ensure my equine knowledge is updated.
Since 2023 I have completed;
Mental Health Awareness in Sport & Physical Activity (UK Coaching)
How to Plan, Coach & Reflect (UK Coaching)
Internal Quality Assurance Training (UK Coaching)
GDPR Training (High Speed Training)
Understanding a Position of Trust (UK Coaching)
Duty of Care Digital Badge (UK Coaching)
Society of Master Saddlers - Bit & Bridle Fitting CPD Course completed
AC (Area Commissioner) for BDS Sussex & I organise the Sussex Area Carriage Driving Show each year.
RDA CDAG - Member of the Carriage Driving Advisory Group, meet regularly to assist the RDA with the Carriage Driving speciality.
Memberships:
BDS (British Driving Society)
BC (British Carriage Driving)
DBS (Donkey Breed Society),
UK Coaching
Equine Fitters Council
BETA (British Equine Trade Association)
Look on Facebook for my pages: Take The Reins, Joanne Parrett, Team Lady Riki & Carriagelink!
