Through the Lens and at the Reins: The Art of Carriage Driving
by David Wagstaff-Myers, DWM Photography
Introduction
For over fifteen years, I’ve been documenting the dynamic world of carriage driving through
my lens — a sport that blends tradition, precision, and artistry. Based near the Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire borders, my work at DWM Photography celebrates those fleeting moments of connection between horse and driver, where elegance meets adrenaline, and emotion becomes art.
The Story
As I sit here, the sun filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, I can’t help but feel that familiar thrill weaving through me — much like the gentle pull of horses at the reins, ready to spring into action. For over fifteen years, I’ve been immersed in the world of national carriage driving competitions, a realm where elegance and adrenaline collide in a breathtaking symphony.
Have you ever paused to witness the sheer grace of a horse and driver working in harmony — a living painting that seems to unfold before your eyes? It’s a spectacle not merely seen, but felt at the very core of one’s being.
Anyway, on to the day itself — those early mornings when the world feels suspended in quiet anticipation. The air carries that unmistakable mix of leather, polish, and freshly cut grass. Families gather, children’s laughter mingling with the occasional impatient whinny, and conversations drift like birdsong on the breeze. It’s here that the bond between horse and human becomes something deeper than sport. It’s a connection of trust, rhythm, and understanding — something primal, something enduring.
Each event tells its own story. You can see it in the faces of competitors, the steady hands on the reins, the focused eyes, the controlled energy. Every movement is deliberate, every line through a cone or gate part of a dance rehearsed a thousand times. It’s artistry, really — no different to painting or composing music. Each turn of the wheel, each flick of the whip, is a brushstroke on the canvas of the arena.
The thrill builds as the competition begins — that hushed stillness before the whistle, then the thunderous surge of motion as horse and carriage spring forward. You feel it in your chest — that moment where fear and exhilaration meet in perfect balance. The crowd holds its breath, time seems to slow, and all that exists is power and precision.
But of course, not every turn is perfect. Some moments remind us how fine the line is between control and chaos. A slip, a bump, a missed gate — these are the realities that make the sport so raw and honest. And through my lens, I see it all: the joy, the frustration, the sheer determination. Each click of the shutter captures not just an image, but a heartbeat — a story that might otherwise go unseen.
Carriage driving, at its heart, is as much about people as it is about horses. It’s about friendship, family, shared stories, and cups of tea in muddy fields. It’s about encouragement shouted across the arena and laughter echoing from the lorry park long after the final round is done. There’s something wonderfully grounding about that sense of community — about knowing that, whatever happens out there, you’re part of something bigger.
So yes, after all these years behind both camera and reins, I’ve realised that the images I capture are more than records of competition. They’re reminders of connection — the bond between horse and driver, between families and friends, between passion and purpose.
And perhaps that’s the real beauty of it all: that in trying to capture motion, I’ve learned to appreciate stillness. In documenting others’ journeys, I’ve found pieces of my own.
So come with me — step into this world for a while. Listen for the heartbeat of the horses, feel the rhythm of the reins, and see the stories hidden within each frame. Because somewhere between the click of the shutter and the pounding of hooves lies something truly extraordinary: the art of life in motion.
Closing Note
If you’d like to explore more of my equestrian photography, visit the DWM Equestrian Gallery — a collection celebrating the grace, strength, and soul of horses and the people who share their journey.
About the Author
David Wagstaff-Myers L.M.P.A. is a Master Photographer and founder of DWM Photography, based near Doncaster on the Nottinghamshire–Yorkshire border. Specialising in fine art, lifestyle, equestrian, and commercial photography, David’s work blends craft, emotion, and narrative to create truly bespoke imagery. When he’s not behind the camera, you’ll often find him exploring the countryside in his motorhome Martha or working with his ponies, Jester and Oberon.
📸 https://dwmphotography.pic-time.com/client
📞 07817 982269
📧 david@dwmstudio.com
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