Welfare Policy
Our Promise to Our Horses – The Welfare Behind the Experience
Responsible Carriage Driving
Because the horse always comes first.
At Carrbridge Carriage Driving, we believe that working with horses carries a responsibility that extends far beyond providing an enjoyable experience for our customers.
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Our horses are individuals, each with their own personalities, needs and limitations.
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We believe responsible carriage driving means understanding those needs, providing appropriate care, recognising signs of discomfort or fatigue and ensuring that every horse has a life beyond its working role.
We are committed to continually learning, improving our management practices and being open about how we care for our horses.
We welcome questions, encourage discussion and believe the public has every right to understand how working horses are treated.
Our horses are partners in what we do, not simply part of the product we sell.
Carrbridge Carriage Driving
Because the horse always comes first.
Our approach to horse welfare follows the internationally recognised Five Freedoms and the six principles of the British Equestrian Charter for the Horse: Empathy, Care, Respect, Consideration, Ethics, and Learning.​​
Five Freedoms
1
Freedom from hunger and thirst
We provide an appropriate, forage-based diet, access to fresh drinking water and feeding arrangements that meet each horse's individual nutritional requirements. We monitor body condition and adjust feeding where necessary to maintain good health and fitness.
2
Freedom from discomfort
Our horses have suitable accommodation, shelter, and opportunities for turnout and movement. We recognise the importance of companionship and social interaction with other horses.
We regularly inspect and maintain harnesses and driving equipment, paying particular attention to correct fit, comfort, and suitability for each horse.
3
Freedom from pain, injury and disease
We conduct routine health checks and observe our horses before and after work. Veterinary attention, appropriate farriery and dental care form part of our ongoing management.
We monitor for signs of lameness, injury, illness, discomfort and changes in behaviour. We will not drive any horse showing signs of being unwell, uncomfortable, or unsuitable for work.
4
Freedom to express normal behaviour
We recognise that horses are social animals with natural behavioural needs that extend beyond their working role.
Our management aims to provide opportunities for grazing, movement, companionship, rest and interaction with other horses. Time away from work is an important part of their lives, allowing them to enjoy being horses rather than simply working animals.
5
Freedom from fear and distress
We believe in patient, sympathetic and consistent handling. We treat our horses with kindness and respect, and we aim to build relationships based on trust and understanding.
We recognise that horses communicate through their behaviour and body language. We continually observe their responses and take into account signs of anxiety, stress, discomfort, or reluctance.
We believe that a willing and comfortable horse is essential to responsible carriage driving.
Meet The Team
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Holly
Co-founder & Senior Assistant Trainer
Lola
Customer Relations & Transport Manager
Benji
Juniour Assistant Trainer
Kevin & Lilly
Customer Relations
Wilbur & Tess
Head of Security and Carriage Dogs
Responsible Working Practices
We recognise that working horses require appropriate preparation, conditioning, workload management and recovery.
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Before any carriage journey, we consider the horse's general health, fitness, workload, the weather and the suitability of the route and ground conditions.
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We check harness and carriage equipment before use. During and after work, we remain attentive to the horse's comfort, behaviour and physical condition.
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We manage workloads according to each horse's age, experience, fitness, and ability. We recognise the importance of adequate rest and recovery.
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We reserve the right to postpone or cancel any carriage experience if we believe that conditions are unsuitable or that working would compromise the welfare of our horses.
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No booking, customer expectation or commercial consideration will ever take precedence over the welfare of our horses.
Beyond Working Life
Our responsibility to our horses does not end when their working lives come to a close.
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We recognise our obligation to provide appropriate care throughout their lives, including when they can no longer work or are no longer required to.
Every horse deserves a comfortable, secure and fulfilling life, regardless of its usefulness or contribution to our business.
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Continuing to Learn and Improve
We recognise that our understanding of equine welfare continues to develop through research, education and professional experience.
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We are committed to continually reviewing our management practices, learning from qualified professionals and keeping informed about developments in equine welfare science.
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We welcome questions and encourage open conversations about the care and management of working carriage horses. We believe that transparency and education are essential to building public understanding and confidence in responsible carriage driving.
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Our Promise
We believe that responsible carriage driving is about much more than teaching a horse to pull a carriage. It is about understanding the horse, respecting its needs, recognising its limitations and ensuring that its life is rewarding both in and out of harness.
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We are proud of our horses and the role they play in sharing the beauty of the Scottish countryside with our visitors.
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Their welfare is not an addition to our business. It is the foundation upon which our business operates.
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Carrbridge Carriage Driving
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Putting horses first, every day.