Discover Carriage Driving
British Carriagedriving is the national governing body for Horse Driving Trials in the United Kingdom, responsible for governing, regulating and supporting the sport.
We establish rules and standards, promote safety and horse welfare, support affiliated clubs, officials and volunteers, and encourage participation and development at all levels.
Horse Driving Trials is a competitive equestrian sport that incorporates carriage driving and tests the skill, precision and endurance of both horse and driver through a structured competition format. Rooted in tradition yet firmly established as a modern sport, Horse Driving Trials combines training, athleticism and partnership, offering competition opportunities for drivers at all levels.
The Origins of Horse Driving Trials
For centuries, horses and carriages were among the primary modes of transport, essential for travel, trade and daily life. Drivers were required to demonstrate control, accuracy and stamina, whether travelling long distances, navigating narrow streets or crossing challenging terrain.
As the use of horses for transport declined, the skills of carriage driving were preserved through leisure driving and early competitions. Over time, these practical driving skills evolved into formalised sporting events, designed to test the same abilities in a competitive and regulated environment.
From this evolution emerged the sport now known as Horse Driving Trials.
The Duke of Edinburgh and the Development of the Sport
A key figure in the modern development of Horse Driving Trials was HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. A highly accomplished carriage driver, he competed in the sport for many years and played a significant role in shaping its competitive structure.
The Duke of Edinburgh was instrumental in developing the rules for Horse Driving Trials, contributing to the creation of the rulebook that established the sport’s phases, standards and scoring systems. His work helped transform carriage driving skills into a clear, consistent and widely recognised competitive format.
His influence remains evident in the way Horse Driving Trials are run today, and his legacy continues to shape the sport both in the UK and internationally.
What are Horse Driving Trials?
Horse Driving Trials are a competitive sport in which a horse or pony pulls a carriage driven by a driver, usually accompanied by a groom. Competitors take part in a series of phases that together assess training, fitness, accuracy and teamwork.
The sport is open to:
• Horses and ponies of many breeds and sizes
• Single, pair and team turnouts
• Drivers competing at a range of levels, from grassroots to advanced
The Phases of Horse Driving Trials
Driving Trials consists of three distinct phases, each designed to test different aspects of driving skill.
1. Dressage
The dressage phase takes place in an arena and assesses the quality of training, obedience and harmony between horse and driver.
Judges evaluate and score on:
• Accuracy and correctness of movements
• Quality and regularity of paces
• Calmness and responsiveness
• Overall presentation and partnership
2. Marathon
The marathon phase is the most physically demanding element of the competition and tests stamina, boldness and control over varied terrain. Driver, equine and groom work together to navigate cross country tracks and obstacles against the clock. This phase takes days of preparation across the team and is one of the most exciting for crowds to watch.
The course includes:
• Faster sections across countryside tracks
• Technical obstacles requiring agility and precision
• Time limits that challenge judgement and teamwork
3. Cones
The cones phase is a test of precision and control. Drivers navigate a course of narrowly spaced cones, each topped with a ball, aiming to complete the course within the time allowed without penalties.
Accuracy, balance and concentration are essential, particularly following the exertion of the marathon phase.
The Role of British Carriagedriving
As the national governing body, British Carriagedriving is responsible for:
Establishing and maintaining rules and standards for competition
Promoting safety, fairness and horse welfare
Supporting affiliated clubs, officials and volunteers
Encouraging participation and development at all levels
Providing education, guidance and resources for those involved in the sport