So, You Want to Drive a Dragon?
One thing’s for sure, dragons never existed. What if we told you about a form of driving that would feel just as exciting and full of adventure? We’re talking dragon driving—but with horses, not some mythical creatures.
Although dragon driving or, as some call it, dragon drive, is an art and a sport of its own in driving horses. It is liberty and a surge of exhilaration that one has in the handling of a strong and frisky animal.
It is all about building up a kinship with a creature that has a mind of its own, a spirit of its own, and a way of its own in looking at the world.
Brief History of Dragon Driving
The term “dragon driving” is new, while the profession or art of driving a horse dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used horses for travel, agriculture, and warfare. As time passed, humans developed their relations with horses into pleasure and competitive driving.
Today, it is considered dragon driving, or perhaps more precisely, horse driving—shall we say?—exposes people of all age brackets and from different walks of life to the public view. That is an extremely unique combination in this particular sport—skill, athleticism, and teamwork.
The Excitement of Dragon Driving
You can feel the vibrations of the ground underneath as they move forward; their hooves pound out almost to a rhythm. The wind whips through your hair when you’re turning or hitting obstacles. It is an experience that can be at once exhilarating and humbling.
Speed isn’t the whole essence of dragon driving. It is a realization in terms of control, precision, and communication. Dragon driving is about understanding your horses, reading their body expressions, and the knowledge of what will come next. It’s an understanding of teamwork toward the fulfillment of a common objective.
Types of Dragon Driving
There exist several types of dragon driving. Each one of these forms has its individual set of challenges and rewards connected with them.
- Dressage: the art of riding a horse or team of horses with precision and harmony; it involves great exercises to be trained by the driver.
- Cross Country: a test for a driver to show his ability to handle his horses over a difficult country. Obstacles taken in the course include water, ditches, and banks.
- Marathon: This is also a long-distance event that requires greater durability of both the horse and the driver. It usually features several timed sections over variable terrain.
- Combined Driving: This is also a competitive event, combining all three segments: dressage, cross-country, and cones.
The Advantages of Dragon Driving
Dragon driving offers a lot of benefits physically and mentally. It is an excellent form of exercise through which one can maintain balance, coordination, and strength. It can also control your stress levels and enhance your mood.
In addition to its physical advantages, dragon driving can teach you a host of other life-enhancing skills like discipline, tolerance, and perseverance. It can also help you build confidence and self-esteem.
First, Ensure Your Safety
Though dragon driving can be very exciting, it is also very dangerous. Safety comes first at all times in everything. Protective equipment, such as helmets and gloves, should be worn. It is equally important to maintain your carriage and harness in good working order.
Note the behavior of horses. Horses are unpredictable, and one should give them their space, respecting their body language. Treat horses with safety in mind, and avoid any sudden movements.
Dragon Driving as a Competitive Sport
If you are competitive, there are ample opportunities in dragon driving to test your mettle. Everything from local shows to national championships is available. To succeed, training and dedication are requisites.
Dragons and Driving – Getting Started
If you are going to take up dragon driving, here are some of the things you should know. First of all, you will need a qualified instructor who will teach you how to drive and care for your horses properly. Secondly, you will need a suitable horse or pony. All horses are not suitable for driving.
Finally, you will need to invest in the correct equipment: a carriage, harness, and safety gear. Dragon driving can be, therefore, an expensive sport, but mostly rewarding.
Whether you are a seasoned equestrian or a complete beginner, driving dragons is an activity that can give you a lot of joy and fulfillment. So why not? You never know—you may just get hooked.
So, are you ready to begin your dragon-driving adventure? Of course, remember that though you will not actually be taming a fire-spewing creature, you can most definitely feel the adrenaline rush behind the wheels with a magnificent creature that has captured human imagination for centuries.