DRIVING
The world of "carriage driving" comprises several different driving sports - Private Driving, Horse Driving Trials and World Cup Driving.
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HORSE DRIVING TRIALS
Horse Driving Trials is a fast growing equestrian sport which appeals to men and women alike and age is no barrier, provided you are 14 years or over. The trials are the equivalent to Three Day Eventing comprising a dressage phase, cross country with hazards and cone driving.
HRH Prince Philip was instrumental in formulating Driving Trials as we know them today; his patronage has helped bring this formally little known sport into the pubic eye.
Governing Body
The British Horse Driving Trials Association is the rule maker, with the British Equestrian Federationbeing the FEI reperesentative.
Useful terminology
The term "turnout" is used to describe the combined unit of the chosen driving carriage and the horse(s)/pony(ies). Frequently "vehicle" is also used.
"whip" is another term for the driver.
First Steps
1. Horses and ponies must be registered with the BHDTA
2. They must have a current vaccination certificate (which is submitted at the time of first registration) and must be on hand for "spot checks"
3. The person registering the horse/pony must also be a BHTDA member
4. Membership applications for persons under the age of 18 years must be signed by a parent or guardian
Other points to note
1. It is recommended that drivers are also BHTDA members because of the training and assistance that is available, insurance packages, etc.
2. All grooms participating in the Marathon phase at National Championship competitions must be BHTDA members
3. Competitors taking part in international (FEI) classes need an FEI Competitor's Licence
4. There are minimum ages for drivers and their accompanying grooms which are dependent upon the turnout being driven. For example, the minimum age for a single pony dirver is 14 years (with a groom of at least 18 years of age) whilst you must being 18 years to drive a horse team.
The different classes, which depend upon whether you are driving a horse(s) or pony(ies) are:
Horse Teams, Pony Teams, Horse Pairs, Pony Pairs, Horse Tandem, Pony Tandem, Single Horse, Single Pony.
A Horse Driving Trial competion comprises a dressage test, a marathon and then the cones. These sections are looked at in more detail below.
Once having decided upon what you wish to drive (or are capable of driving!) then you next need to familiarise yourself with the specific regulations for different phases of thecompetition relating to your chosen turnout. For example, a horse team is expected to execute a faster marathon speed (km/h) than a single pony, horse teams pull heavier carriages than ponies etc.
Some of the specific regulations are as follows:
WORLD CUP DRIVING
The World Cup Driving competition is a series of events which take place indoors. Courses combine marathon and cone driving skills
OTHER AWARDS
Each year titles are also awarded to the top drivers for:-
Four-in-Hand
Pairs
Singles
PRIVATE DRIVING
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