Get Involved
Horse Driving Trials is a wonderful sport that brings people and equines together in a fun, challenging, and social way.
Whether you want to compete, help out, or learn more about the sport, there’s a role for everyone.
Here’s how you can get involved…
Become a Competitor
If you love horses and enjoy a challenge, you can take part as a competitor. Horse Driving Trials competitions are open to all ages, experience levels and backgrounds. You’ll learn to drive a horse or pony put to a two or four-wheel carriage and take part in events like:
• Dressage – Precision driving in a set pattern.
• Marathon – A timed obstacle course that tests speed and skill.
• Cones – Navigating tight courses with accuracy and speed.
You don’t need to start with a top-level horse. Many competitors begin with lessons, at Try Driving Days, or by borrowing a carriage and horse supported by an experienced competitor. Competitions are friendly and welcoming, and you’ll quickly meet others who share your passion.
Join as a Groom or Backstepper
Not ready to drive yet? You can get involved by helping as a groom or backstepper.
• Grooms take of the equines competing at the event. They care for the horse, help with harnessing and unharnessing, polish harness and carriages and much much more. There are always competitors looking for Grooms to join their team at events. Not only is the role highly rewarding but it’s also incredibly sociable and you will make friends for life along the way
• A Backstepper is a special role in our sport, specifically assisting the driver on the carriage throughout the competition. Backsteppers are responsible for learning the routes during the marathon phase and navigating the driver around the course as well as being the ballast to keep everything upright at high speeds. They are also responsible for sitting on the carriage for Dressage and Cones, with many grooms now assisting the Competitor during the Cones phase by also navigating them around the course.
Being a Groom or Backstepper is a great way to learn the sport, meet people, and get hands-on experience with equines and carriages. Many drivers have started as Grooms before becoming competitors.
Volunteer
Our events throughout the country depend on dedicated volunteers to make events safe and fun. Volunteers assist with many roles including:
• Setting up courses and obstacles.
• Assisting at competitions and events throughout all three phases.
• Supporting clubs with regular training clinics
• Organising events
• And much much more!
Volunteering is a fantastic way to be part of the sport, whether you’re horse-savvy or just enthusiastic about helping out. No experience is needed, and training/support is provided to those who have never tried it before.
Young Equestrian Leaders Award (YELA)
Volunteering with British Carriagedriving can also count towards the Young Equestrian Leaders Award (YELA).
YELA is a new and exciting award that has been developed by the Pony Club for British Equestrian (BEF) in consultation with many of its Member Bodies, to increase and encourage the number of young people volunteering in the Equestrian industry.
The award is open to all young people between the ages of 13 and 25. They must fully complete an application form and send it back to head office and their log book will be issued to them. No hours may be back dated. Hours may be counted from volunteering with any BEF Member Body.
The award runs over three progressive levels, that must be taken in turn: 20 hours for Bronze, Silver requires an additional 40 hours of volunteering plus having achieved the Bronze Award. The Gold Award requires 60 hours on top of achieving the Silver level.
For more information and application forms or centre registration please contact Katy Downing, Young Equestrian Leaders Award Youth Coordinator yela@pcuk.org or visit the YELA website: www.yela.org.uk
Become an Official
• A Judge
• A Technical Delegate
• A Course Designer
• A Scorer
• A Safety Officer
• An Organiser
Try Driving
British Carriagedriving supports centres and training venues across the country to host welcoming and informative “Try Driving Days.”
These events are designed to give anyone with an interest in carriage driving the opportunity to get involved, have a go, and experience the excitement of this unique sport.
Open to everyone — whether you’re an experienced rider or completely new to equestrian activities.
Each event typically includes:
• An introduction to carriage driving
• A guide to carriages and driving harness
• An overview of essential safety features
• A hands-on driving experience — with the chance to take the reins yourself
No prior experience is required. Come along and discover what carriage driving is all about.
Please check back here for future Try Driving Days.
No matter your experience or background, there’s a place for you in Horse Driving Trials.
To find local clubs, courses, and events near you, check out our Affiliated Club Directory and Event Calendar.
Horse Driving Trials is more than a sport – it’s a community. Come and join us!