A Family Legacy in Carriage Driving

Horses have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a horse-loving family, began riding at an early age and moved into carriage driving in my teenage years. My grandad had racehorses, most of our family rode, and I was lucky to have a childhood filled with those irreplaceable “just a kid and her pony” adventures. Through Pony Club, camps and competition, I experienced a wide range of disciplines, including dressage, showing, hunting, show hunter, showjumping and eventing. Together, they gave me a broad equestrian foundation and shaped the way I work with horses today.

My mum, Yvonne, introduced the Weal family to carriage driving with Ascot Lilly, an 11.2hh Welsh pony who began our family’s long and rewarding journey in the sport. Lilly was nearly 24 when I drove her at the National Championships, where I became the youngest driver to win a national Combined Driving Trial championship title.

Mum passed away in August 2022 after living with cancer, but her influence remains at the heart of everything I do.

She was one of New Zealand’s most successful carriage drivers and was also widely known and respected in Australia. An exceptionally skilled horsewoman, she achieved outstanding results across several disciplines, particularly Combined Driving Trials. Her precision produced impressive dressage scores and numerous championships, while her courage and speed across country earned her many CDT titles.

She was famously quick through the marathon obstacles—so quick that she lost her backstep on more than one occasion. That may also explain why I sometimes declined the opportunity to stand on it!

Mum taught me the value of preparation, horsemanship, courage and determination. One of the main reasons I established Jennifer Carew Carriage Driving was to honour her legacy and share with others the incredible experiences this sport has given me.

My dad, Lloyd, is equally important to our family’s driving story. He achieved great success as both an Open Horse driver and Mum’s groom. Together, Mum and Dad won the Australian and New Zealand Open Single Horse Championships within the same month, flying their horse, Trooper, to Australia for the Australian National CDT Championships before returning home to contest—and win—the New Zealand title.

Lloyd is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most experienced marathon course builders. He has designed and built the marathon course for the National Championships for more than 20 consecutive years and is known for creating obstacles that are challenging, thoughtful and fair. He travels throughout the country designing, building and officiating at Combined Driving Trials.

When he can, Dad also grooms for me. There is no one I would rather have beside me—or keeping me grounded.

My husband, Lindsey, is now stepping onto the backstep and becoming an even more active part of our competitive team. He is calm, strategic and able to see an obstacle from a completely different perspective than I do. I am excited about combining our strengths and sharing this next chapter with him.

 

I am immensely proud of my family’s contribution to carriage driving in New Zealand.

Their knowledge, achievements and generosity have given me an extraordinary foundation on which to build. I hope to honour that legacy by supporting today’s drivers, welcoming new people into the sport and helping carriage driving thrive for generations to come.

​

Experience and Representation

Over many years in equestrian sport, I have developed experience as a competitor, coach, judge, official and course designer.

I have had the privilege of representing New Zealand and driving in Australia on several occasions. Driving overseas is something I never take for granted, and every opportunity to compete internationally has strengthened my knowledge and broadened my perspective.

I currently serve as President of the New Zealand Carriage Driving Society, the national governing body for carriage driving in New Zealand. Through this role, I am committed to supporting our clubs and drivers, maintaining strong standards and creating a welcoming pathway for people entering the sport.

My qualifications and official roles include:

• Driven Dressage Judge, with experience judging to championship level in New Zealand and Australia

• Show Judge

• President of the Ground Jury for Combined Driving Trials

• Technical Delegate for Combined Driving Trials

• Marathon and Cones Course Designer and Builder

• Cones Judge

These roles have given me a detailed understanding of the sport from many perspectives—from preparing a horse and driver at home to supporting the safe, fair and professional delivery of an event.

Coaching, Harness Fitting and Driver Support

I offer coaching and instruction for drivers at different stages of their journey, from those considering their first drive to established competitors working towards their next goal.

My services include:

• Carriage-driving coaching and instruction

• Professional harness fitting

• Support with horse, harness and carriage combinations

• Practical guidance for people entering the sport

• Competition preparation and skill development

My approach is encouraging, practical and grounded in real experience. Good coaching should build confidence without compromising safety or correct foundations. I aim to help every driver understand not only what to do, but why it matters.

Most importantly, I want horses and people to enjoy the process together.

​

Proudly Working with Zilco

In 2022, I was honoured to be selected as a Zilco Ambassador. Since then, our relationship has continued to grow through a shared commitment to quality equipment, knowledgeable advice and the development of carriage driving.

Reliable, well-fitted equipment plays an essential role in comfort, safety and performance. I am proud to work with a company that understands those responsibilities and continues to support drivers across all levels of the sport.

​

Come and Discover Carriage Driving

Whether you are an experienced competitor, returning to driving or wondering if the sport could be right for you, you are warmly invited to get in touch.

Carriage driving has given my family and me a lifetime of friendships, challenges and unforgettable experiences. It would be a privilege to help you begin—or continue—your own journey.

​

​

Whether you are an experienced competitor or completely

new to carriage driving, I am always happy to provide

friendly, practical advice and help you take your next step.