Technically Draken does ride, in fact we won the 2007 SPHO Ride and Drive class. However, we very rarely ride him mainly because we prefer to drive. While I used to ride extensively I haven't in years. I'm sure if we practiced we would both be better at it. The reality is that he primarily gets ridden at holidays by my young nephew.
In 2008, my nephew was visiting. He was almost 5 years old and learning to ride. We have a Fjord in addition to Draken. My nephew decided that the Fjord was just too slow and that Draken is a National Champion Trotter :) We tried to see if that was a firm designation or if champion or maybe reserve champion would work - nope! Nothing but the best for my nephew!
One thing to note, with the SPHO Ride and Drive class they don't ask you to canter, some ride and drive classes do ask for a canter. Draken does canter (and enjoys doing so in the pasture) but for pleasure driving we only want him to trot (we get penalty points for more than three cantering strides) so we discourage cantering. Many trainers feel it is important to feel comfortable with your horse cantering in harness. It's a safety issue so that should they spook, both you and your horse know how to safely canter in harness. Draken knows how to canter and we're both okay with it.
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