The latest instalment saw continued development of topics covered previously and the introduction of new disciplines, including essential carriage maintenance, marathon timing and obstacle driving.

Bennington's Sue Mart and Angela Flanagan, both UKCC Level 3 Coaches, led the group through the fundamentals of obstacle driving with Sally Moreton heading a group of stewards. At the end of the session and after swapping roles, students understood the principles, including driving, understanding the gate sequence and how to time the obstacle.

Simon Clarke, Bennington's carriage maintenance expert, gave the group a presentation on carriage maintenance fundamentals, including the best approach to checking carriage function and safety, including key areas such as wheel bearings and brakes. Simon also shared his invaluable tips on the best tools to keep in the carriage toolbox.

UKCC Coach Teresa McLeod gave the group an informative session on calculating marathon timings from the documentation provided at the start of event and also provided some invaluable, real word advice on what to wear, what to pack in the marathon kit and the essential role of the backstepper.

Coffee and lunch was aided by DVDs of leading competitors driving obstacles, providing real inspiration to the group. Feedback was, as ever, fantastic and all the Bennington team are delighted to be able to share their passion.

As one of our students offered "Another excellent day, everyone has really progressed with confidence and the great thing is that there is a real team spirit between the group. There is already talk of us organising a reunion in a years' time, so they can bring their own turnouts and show how they have progressed".

As ever, more photos of the day can be found in the Bennington photo gallery

Unfortunately all venues in the current round of courses are now fully subscribed. For details of upcoming courses in Kent and Yorkshire, please email lucy@instinctivepr.co.uk

Related articles:

Driving Back to Sport - fourth session at Ashfields

Driving Back to Sport at Fenix Carriages

Driving Back to Sport - sessions at Bennington

Driving Back to Sport pilot sessions round-up

Driving Back to Sport open for applications (December 2011)