There are different kinds of driving just like there are different kinds of riding.  For each kind of driving there are different types of competitions you can do with your miniature horse. 

First is the Pleasure style that you will see at AMHA and AMHR shows.  The cart used is a two-wheeled cart with pneumatic tires and a basket covered with a vinyl boot in place of floorboards.  The wheel may have a frame around it or it may have ‘open' wheels.  This cart is designed for use in a ring and isn't a good choice for driving through fields.  The carts with open wheels generally can be fitted with wooden ones, which makes it better for rough use.  The two most common manufacturers of this type of cart are Houghton and Jerald.

The harness has a sidecheck but no breeching.  A check is required for driving in AMHA and AMHR shows.  Breeching is allowed but having fewer straps on the horse gives a dressier appearance.  The harness is usually finer with more patent or shiny leather and even colored trim added.

Second is the Roadster style.  This style is also seen at AMHA and AMHR shows.  The cart can be the same one used in Pleasure provided it has stirrups and a removable basket.  Configured as a sulky, only one person, the driver, can sit in the cart and their feet go in the stirrups.  Roadster is based on harness racing and drivers wear “silks” or jackets and caps in bright colors when they show their horses.  Roadster horses are only asked to trot.

Third is American Driving Society (ADS) style.  This can be used at AMHA and AMHR shows with some modifications but may be at a disadvantage when compared to the Pleasure style.  There are many types of carts but all are heavier and have wooden wheels.  For ADS driving the check is removed and breeching added.  If you want to go on trails or outside a ring where there are hills, you and your horse are safer with the ADS style of cart and harness.

Why are there differences and what will those differences mean for you and your driving horse?  Each style is used for a specific purpose and has developed over many years.  The Pleasure style evolved from the Saddlebred show arena and is very fancy.  The ADS style takes many of its mores from the British Driving Society.  This style is workmanlike, though it can be fancy also.  You are going to choose the best style for what you want to do with your horse.