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Boyd Exell (AUS) has written history at Bordeaux by winning the FEI World Cup™ Driving title for the fourth consecutive time Photograph:Rinaldo de Craen |
What is Carriage Driving? The event is modelled along the lines of a ridden Three-Day Event. It was devised by Prince Philip with other driving enthusiasts in the late 1960's primarily for four-in-hand horse teams. The competition is divided into three major Competitions: Classes & Combinations Carriage Driving Classes cover experience ie. Novice or Open, height and the combination driven and in a State or National Championship total classes number 17. Each class and combination contributes to the spectacle of a Carriage Driving Event. The small ponies are phenomenally strong with a far superior power/weight ratio than some of the bigger horses. The bigger ponies and horses may be old outgrown pony club veterans with a new lease on life. Some of the horses may even be failed or ex-trotters or pacers. Perhaps the most visible of harness activities, where the beautifully turned out horses wearing their meticulously cleaned harness pull their immaculate vehicles. Just as there are many different saddle classes, so too are there many different harness classes. The classes are divided according to either Horse or Pony Height, Breed, Vehicle, Combination - single or multiple, Open or Novice status or sometimes Driver.
- Competition A (1 & 2) Presentation & Dressage
- Competition B Marathon or Cross Country - Competition C Cone or Obstacle Drive
Competition A - Presentation (A1) and Dressage (A2)
Presentation is the overall judging of the turnout. The horses are judged on condition, appearance, shoeing etc. Vehicles and harness are judged on cleanliness, suitability, fit and safety. Finally the driver and groom are judged on their outfits - neat street attire including gloves, driving aprons or knee rugs or riding gear for the grooms. Period costume is not suitable for Carriage Driving events. Dressage is similar to ridden dressage - specific movements are performed in a defined arena. Tests require the driver to display control through voice, whip and reins, and the horses must display obedience, impulsion and correct paces. Driven dressage arenas are 40m x 100m, or 40m x 80m.
Competition B - The Marathon or Cross Country
This is the most exciting phase of the overall competition. Horses need to be fit to cover the distance, which may be up to 22 kms, in the required time. The course is divided into five timed sections A - E, and includes 2 walks (Secs. B & D) of approx. 1km and a fast trot section (C). Each height class has different times for each section and time penalties may be incurred. Each competitor carries maps of the course and stopwatches. A vet check takes place at the end of Section D to ensure horses are fit enough to continue. Section E is the most thrilling part of competition and it is here that competitions can be won or lost. Each hazard or marathon obstacle is a series of lettered "gates" that are negotiated at speed in correct sequence. Every competitor is timed and the faster the time the fewer the penalties. Drivers, when walking the course, take note of where shortcuts or chances can be taken in each hazard to reduce their time and penalties. Another vet check - an hour after the end of the marathon makes sure horses are not distressed or lame. Penalties may be given if horses have not recovered sufficiently by this time.
Competition C - Cone Driving or Obstacle Driving
This phase effectively replaces the showjumping round in a ridden event. The "Cones" are similar to traffic cones and each has a ball placed on top. If a ball is dislodged the driver receives 5 penalty points. Drivers have 20 - 40 cm clearance between their wheel widths and the cone. The course must be driven in correct numerical sequence and again each height class has it's own time allowed. The Cone Drive is designed to test the fitness of the horse after the rigours of the Marathon.
Combinations used in Carriage Driving Competitions are:
-Single
-Pair
-Tandem
-Team or Four-In-Hand
Singles are one horse or pony generally driven in a two-wheeled vehicle.
The Pony and Horse Pairs are most exciting to watch through the hazards as they make impossibly tight turns and fit through the smallest gaps with the grooms sliding from left to right to give the vehicle correct balance. Most drive this combination in 4 wheeled vehicles and only occasionally now does one see a pair put to a Pole Sulky or a Curricle (2 wheelers).
Tandems, in good hands, look elegant and easy to drive though they are a most difficult combination. Tandems are an old tradition by which the family went to the hunt. The old cart horse would be in the wheel (between the shafts) and in draught doing all the work and the flashy, showy hunter would be in the lead, doing no work, thus arriving fresh at the hunt. A new innovation in vehicle design for Tandems is the groom step on the back of the two wheeled vehicle to enable the groom to alight quickly if necessary to render assistance.
Finally the Teams or Four-in-Hands look absolutely spectacular. It is no easy task getting four horses working together in unison either in Dressage or in the hazards. Driving a team is the ultimate experience and drivers who make it look easy have undoubtedly spent much time perfecting their craft.
Vehicles frequently seen in the show-ring include Buggies and Landaus - both 4 wheeled, Jinkers or Gigs - 2 wheeled. Many are original vehicles that have been painstakingly researched and restored.
The epitome of the show pony, the Hackney is the outstanding performer in the show-ring with it's high stepping 'action' and lightness of step. The Hackney is often seen pulling a Viceroy - a light 4 wheeled, pneumatic tyred vehicle designed specifically to show off the horse and its paces. Other breeds shown regularly include Shetlands, Australian Ponies, Andalsusians and Welsh Ponies and Cobs.
The Delivery or Tradesman's classes are becoming increasingly popular. Beautifully restored vehicles, pulled by stately Clydesdales, Percherons or Friesians, or derivatives, with bells jangling, often generate the most interest, especially amongst the old timers. In a world of virtual reality these are living reminders of our heritage as it is easy to imagine the streets filled with such vehicles and horses at their work.
