Clydesdale | Shires | Percheron | Suffolk Punch | Essex Police | Carriage Driving

Horses and ponies have been driven for thousands of years and even in the
21st century it's still a popular pastime for people of all ages and from
all walks of life. There's a hard core of carriage drivers attracted beyond
the speed and skill of scurry driving to the further challenge of horse
driving trials. Shetlands and miniature ponies, elegant Gelderlanders or
huge Shires, there's someone who drives them competitively.

The new arena challenge competition combines the need for accuracy and skill
driving through sets of cones with the flexibility and daring of driving the
course as fast as possible. The driver must also negotiate what's called an
obstacle, choosing the quickest route through what look like mad roadworks
barriers. Gaps or "gates" are labelled A, B, C - up to E or F and - as
you've guessed - these have to be driven in order. Pairs of cones are set
out - with a ball on top of each cone - so any "clunk" and the ball falls,
adding penalties to the driver's time. How quick can they go? Are the little
ponies faster than the big horses?

It's teamwork on the carriage that makes the winner, with a groom on board,
hanging on and using his or her balance and weight to keep the wheels on the
ground. The pony or ponies - or horses - need to be well trained and
obedient, quick and nimble. It's exciting, it's a new national challenge
competition: come and watch!

Find out more about horse driving trials in East Anglia at www.eacdg.co.uk
or call 01473 735732. There are many events and they are free to watch.

If you wish to attend the Blackwater Country Show as an exhibitor please contact the relevant person or the show office for an application pack or click here to apply online.