The official newsletter of the British Horse Driving Trials Association

  February 2004 on-line edition

Editor's Introduction

My word of the week is 'dauntlessly', which is how I'd like to follow such Icons as Jill Holah and her magnificent predecessors: at the very least, I trust that you may be amused by my presumption' But I can only write about what I know, so what I bring to Carriage Horse is enthusiasm, open ears, and my not completely un-biased viewpoint, which is that of the scarcely-out-of-Novice East Anglian driver. My L-plates are firmly stitched on as I type this: though somehow I feel sure you'll put me straight over any puttings-of-feet-in-it which will undoubtedly occur.

People tell me they want to see more connection with the membership in Carriage Horse, more club news and information, more members' comments, ideas, articles and letters ' so please get writing. And if you think our 'new look' and contents could be improved, tell us what you want. It's your newsletter.

I invite you to provide more balance, especially from the 'top end' of our sport, in the next issues by sending us articles, photos, letters and helpful comments. Nominate someone you'd like to be interviewed, perhaps. And if you can help me to get it right, I'd like to carry on as Editor - if you'll have me, of course. And 'Thank you', Jill, Amanda and Gaynor in The Office, Tom Pettifer and Nigel Dipple who have all been most encouraging and have been brave enough to give me this challenging opportunity.

Fiona Powell, Suffolk, Tel. 01473 735732, Email: newsletter@horsedrivingtrials.co.uk

Passports to the Nationals '

You must bring your horse's full vaccination records for inspection at National events. A DEFRA horse passport is not necessarily valid. We recommend that your vet records all vaccinations in your horse's passport and vaccination record card and that you bring both these documents with you to all National events.

New Scoring System

Following the successful training session held in December at Stow-on-the-Wold, as promised, Walter Domandl has translated his system into English and added in the extra pieces required for our events. Walter is coming over from Austria for the first Novice Qualifier at Escrick Park to try the new scoring system out.

News Snippets

Philippa Gammell has recently been diagnosed with a broken right wrist scaphoid bone, the original injury having occurred in April 2002. X-rays taken at the time showed no break. Persistent pain and two seasons' driving have done the bone no good and Philippa will have a bone graft placed into the scaphoid bone and will then spend three months in plaster, followed by physiotherapy to try to restore movement into the wrist joint. The outcome is uncertain so Philippa's future participation in carriage driving events is currently on hold.

FEI Passport & licence fee increases

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) have notified us of increased charges from 1 January 2004. The charge for a new FEI passport and for a revalidation - required every four years - is increased by £15 and the International Driver's Licence by £10. The BHDTA service charge has not increased. 2004 prices are:

* FEI Horse Passport £136 (£121 in 2003)
* FEI Pony Passport £56 (£41)
* FEI Driver's Licence £20 (£10)

Please note: all animals competing in international classes at horse driving trials require an up-to-date FEI passport and all competitors require an FEI competitor's licence. You don't usually need a FEI passport or licence to enter other classes at BHDTA National events or at affiliated club events.

Please contact the BHDTA office for more information and FEI passport application forms. Most horse-owners are aware that passports will be compulsory for all horses and ponies in Great Britain from 30 June 2004. If you have FEI passports which don't otherwise need renewing, or if you no longer need to update them ' if your horse is not competing internationally any more ' they must be updated with Section 9. This is the page relating to whether your horse can receive medication which would prevent him entering the human food chain. You can have your FEI passport updated with Section 9 by sending it to to the BEF, with a SAE. DEFRA have assured the BHDTA that FEI passports are valid for their purposes. More information in Office News.

Contacts:

BEF, National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RH Tel: 02476 698871, fax: 02476 696484, email: info@bef.co.uk

You can find out more, with a list of useful questions and answers, plus all the passport issuing organisations, at www.bef.co.uk

See also DEFRA's site ' www.defra.gov.co.uk

Queries about the legislation aspects of horse passports can be answered by Nazia Naqui at DEFRA - 020 7904 8271, email nazia.naqui@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Note: zebra keepers will be relieved to learn that their animals do not require horse passports.

Chairman's Notes - February 2004

Each new year and driving season brings fresh challenges for our sport and 2004 is no exception. Driving standards internationally continue to improve, a challenge to be met not only by Championship competitors but by improving training and competition at all levels through Clubs and National Events, as currently being promoted by the Training Committee.

We are introducing Dressage Test No.8 later this year, giving Competitors and Judges an early introduction to this test which will be used at National and Championship Events in 2005. The Cones Clinic should also progress standards, addressing not only design but including measurement procedures and speeds in this competition.

All events are meeting increasing expenses and rely heavily on sponsorship and voluntary assistance, (on average entry fees represent approximately one third of the total cost). We can all assist by seeking sponsorship opportunities and passing any possibilities to Organisers or to our Office, hopefully helping to minimise costs of participation.

To date we have had a very successful clinic for new scorers and a new scoring system, designed and produced by Walter Domandl, as used at the Karlstetten Event, and to be introduced nationally. Those present at the International and National Course Designers Clinics enjoyed excellent presentations and discussions with Wolfgang Assendorf.

I am delighted that the UK is to host the 2005 World Combined Pony Championships at the chosen venue of Catton Hall, where we are indebted to Robin and Katie Nielsen for taking on the organisational responsibilities of this prestigious event.

Enjoy the year and good luck Fiona with this, your first edition.

Tom Pettifer, Chairman

More snippets

At the National Event Organisers' Meeting in October it was agreed that post-dated cheques would be accepted for all National events.

FEI Dressage Test No.8 will be implemented with the new issue of the FEI Rule Book in 2005. It is still being reviewed by the FEI and minor changes may be made before final publication. The test will be used this year at Lowther Driving Trials and at the National Championships. See page 6 for the provisional singles and pairs version ' the tandems and teams version is on our website or is available from the Office ' please send SAE.

Office News

The BHDTA AGM will be held at 6.00 pm on Thursday, 6 May, 2004, on site at Brighton National Event. This will be followed by a Members' Open Meeting.

Championships 2005

The World Combined Pony Championships will be held at Catton Park, 15-17 July 2005 and the World Horse Pairs Championships will be held at Salzburg, Austria on 8'11 September 2005. Further information will be distributed as it becomes available.

The selection criteria together with a declaration form, which needs to be completed by all those competitors wishing to be considered for selection, are available from the office. The form must be completed and returned to the office BEFORE competing in any selection events.

All competitors will need to hold a current FEI License (obtained through the BHDTA office, cost £20) and all ponies need an FEI Passport.

All drivers and horses and ponies must be qualified in accordance with Article 931 ' 'All horses and ponies must be at least 6 years old.'

Selection Events:

2004 World Single Horse Championships, (21-25 July)
Brighton 2004
Farleigh 2004

2005 World Horse Pairs Championships
Henbury Hall 2004
Alnwick Castle 2004
Two events in 2005 to be announced

2004 World Horse Teams Championships, (6-8 August)
Brighton 2004
Newnham Park 2004

2005 World Combined Pony Championships
Catton Park CAI-B 1/2/4p 2004
Lowther 2004
Two events in 2005 to be announced

Event Entries

Those drivers who are wishing to be considered for selection are strongly advised to post their entries for selection events as early as possible to ensure that they are accepted. It is of great assistance to all organisers if competitors can send in their entries in good time.

International Event Invitations

All competitors wishing to compete abroad must inform the office IN WRITING, clearly indicating each individual event for which they wish to receive information.

Horse Registration

The cost of horse/pony registration for 2004 has been increased by £3. It is now £30 per animal for the first five, and £23 for each additional animal over that number. Applications for re-registration should be submitted by fully paid up Members with either a photocopy of the diagram page of the vaccination document or the animals passport. An initial registration form can be obtained from the BHDTA for new animals, when completed this should be forwarded to the office accompanied by the original vaccination certificate or the animals passport. All registrations should be sent to the BHDTA Office, NOT the Membership Office. The initial registration form can be downloaded from the website,

FEI Passports

The cost of an FEI Passport has risen to £136 for horses and £56 for ponies - due entirely to an increase from the BEF. The cost for a 'transfer of ownership' in one of these passports is £10.00. Please apply to the office for the relevant form.

Please keep in mind that these passports, especially those for ponies, can take two to three weeks to process from the receipt of the initial application form in the office. All ponies have to be officially measured by an FEI approved Vet - there are only EIGHT covering the whole of Scotland, England and Wales (list available from BHDTA office).

Postage Rates for Passports

BHDTA are incurring postal fines because some members are not putting sufficient postage on items being sent to the office. We therefore request that if you are unsure of the weight, please weigh it at a Post Office and check the stamps are the right value.

ATV/Motorcycle Passes

Competitors wishing to use ATVs or motorcycles at National Horse Driving Trials must apply to the BHDTA for a pass, submitting a copy of their insurance cover for the vehicle. Only those with BHDTA passes are allowed to use these vehicles at competitions. CHILDREN are not allowed to ride ATVs or motorcycles at events. It is strongly recommended that an appropriate hard hat is worn whilst riding an ATV/motorcycle. All vehicles must only be ridden by the number of people for which they are designed. Please note that Event Organisers may have special requirements at their events.

Council Election

There will be an election this year - we have five candidates contesting four places. One of the three retiring members, Miss Sydney Smith has indicated that she is prepared to stand again. Mrs Anneke Wallace and Mr Barry Hunter have decided to stand down. Although there are four vacancies (with four people correctly nominated), one of these is for a term of only one year. Election papers will be sent out with the yearbooks.

International Travel Guide

A five-page document is now available, aimed at assisting those members new to international travel and those considering their first trips. Apply to the office for your copy.

Medication and Anti-Doping Control

Samples were taken at National Events in 2003: all tests results proved to be negative. A similar sampling and testing programme will be carried out during 2004.

Annual Members Conference & Dinner Dance

Date for your diary - 13th November 2004 and the venue is to be the Hilton at Coventry. Full details and booking forms will be sent out nearer the date.

National Championships & National Points Leagues (Clarification of Eligibility)

To be able to drive at the National Championships and be included in the National Points Leagues, a competitor must be a Full Member of the BHDTA and resident in the UK or Ireland.

Replacement Pages for your Rule Book

Free replacement pages for the BHDTA rule books incorporating the 2004 changes are available. Please apply to the office with a stamped (42p) addressed envelope (at least A5 size).

FEI Dressage Test No. 8 (2005)

This new dressage test for all classes is to be introduced from 2005 including the Championships taking place that year. In order that our competitors and judges may gain experience of this test, FEI Test No. 8 will be used for all classes, excluding Novices, at Lowther National Event 2004 and at the National Championships 2004. Demonstrations will be arranged at National Events prior to Lowther. There are two versions of the test - singles & pairs test and tandems & teams.  You can get copies of the test from the Office or download from the website.

Travel Fund

In an effort to clarify the procedure that has been approved and used for some years now in respect of paying for some of the expenses of teams representing Great Britain travelling to world championships abroad, our Treasurer, Derrick Mayes, has drawn up this brief explanatory note:

'We are lucky to receive, from time to time, donations from the Lowther Committee. This is kept in a separate account and is augmented by other donations and more recently by a donation from the BHDTA Supporters.

'This fund is used to pay the ferry crossing expenses of competitors in respect of one lorry and trailer per competitor. In addition the ferry crossing expenses of the Chef d'Equipe are also met from this fund.

'All other expenses including the ferry crossing, travel and hotel expenses of other team members such as vets or assistant Chef d'Equipes have to be paid for out of the funds raised by the members of the Association, the class that is represented in the championships and the team members and their friends. Once again the money that is raised is kept separately in an international account and the expenditure of that money is controlled by the Chef d'Equipe.

'Competitors may have friends or family members who wish to travel with the team and support them in these overseas world championships, and whilst there is no reason why the BHDTA Commercial Account with Sea France cannot be used, that expense and any other that is incurred in connection with that trip has to be borne by those persons.'

NEDTL Sponsored Harness Horse Drive

At Escrick Park, near York, off the A19, on Sunday, 21 March, 2004, in aid of the Carriage Driving Sports Group for drivers with disabilities (CDSGdd).

The drive is open to all, however, inexperienced drivers are advised to have an experienced helper with them. All drivers will receive a commemorative rosette.

More details from Sheila Hawking, Pollums House Farm, Lumby, South Milford, Leeds, LS25 5LD. 01977 682298

Changes to BHDTA Rulebook for 1 January 2004

Page 1, First paragraph, Change 2003 to 2004
Page 24, Article 900 - Add:
Article 900.4.3
4.3 National Championships and National Points Leagues
To be able to drive at the National Championships and be included in the National Points Leagues, a competitor must be a Full Member of the BHDTA and resident in the UK or Ireland

Page 24, Article 900.4.1.3, Change to:
4.2.3 not have finished in the top 50% of the class in the National Novice Championship

Page 62, Article 944.1.9 Insert:
(not per groom)

Page 76, Article 951.2.4, Delete:
There is no minimum time for Section E in National events

Page 79, Article 952.6.1, Insert:
Dismounting penalties are per incident not per groom for National events.

Page 90, Article 958.1.1, Delete: Whole italic paragraph.

Page 92, Article 958954.3.1 - Insert groom(s)

Page 103 Article 964.5.3 Insert: groom(s)

Page 107 Article 965.15.1 Insert: (not per groom)

Page 107 Article 965.15.2Insert: (not per groom)

Pages 160-2 Annex 23 Judges 2004

Page 163 Annex 24 Course Builders/Designers 2004

Page 164 Annex 24 Probationary Course Builders. Designers 2004

Page 165 Annex 25 Technical Delegates 2004 & Probationary Technical Delegates

Please note: New pages can be obtained from the BHDTA office by sending a SAE ' see Office News

200 Club January 2004 Winners
£50 Lady Romsey
£30 Angela Flanagan
£20 Don Wood

The draw was made during a stewards' lunch, given by the North Eastern Driving Trials Ltd in recognition of all their hard work during the summer of 2003. A most enjoyable gathering ' good food, good wine, good company. On behalf of all who attended, a very big 'Thank you' for such a generous thought.
Sheila Hawking

For the bookshelves

Sallie Walrond has produced another book to put on your wish-list. Endearingly titled 'Trot On', it covers 60 years of 'being alongside all kinds of driving and riding horses'. It has over 90 photographs and Sallie co-authored it with Anne Grimshaw. Limited editions will be in the shops for next Christmas, published by Kenilworth Press, Addington.

Stay warm and dry with Craghoppers

You can see Craghoppers' range of clothing and accessories for the serious trekker, outdoor adventurer and traveller as well as their new line of crease-free, mosquito repellent travel suits and blazers for men and women (as featured in the Sunday Times) at their elegant website, www.craghoppers.co.uk, or phone for a catalogue, 0845 11 333 88, or write to Customer Services Dept. Craghoppers Ltd, Risol House, Mercury Way, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7RR.

Please support our sponsors and mention the BHDTA when you place an order. There's a chance to win a super jacket - worth over £200 - when you order just a catalogue.

Your letters

Thanks for Catton!
21 January 2004

On behalf of all the pony competitors I wish to express grateful thanks to our Chairman Tom Pettifer, Philip Bateman, Richard James, and Amanda and Gaynor in the office, for all the hard work put into securing the venue of Catton Park for holding The World Combined Pony Championships in the year 2005.
Edmund Goodwin,

It will never happen to us'
5 January 2004

The phone rang last night when we were enjoying the New Year peace and quiet with a glass of red, with our back door closed ' but not locked ' at peace with the world. It was our carriage driving friend from Three Oaks ' the next village to ours. They had happily been passing the time in a similar fashion. Unfortunately, when Carol went out to the kitchen to find a 'ciggie' her handbag was nowhere to be seen! The police came and were extremely helpful, however, she then had to cancel all the cards, which fortunately she had kept a list of, and now has all the inconvenience of losing all those useful things we keep in there.

Probably the main point of this letter is to bring it home to all us carriage drivers that when we leave 'everything wide open' - tack room, workshop, back door etc., because we will not be very long whilst we lunge the horse or perhaps pop round the village to give the pony a quick airing in the carriage. There is quite a strong element of opportunist thieving going on ' even down to wondering where we parked the car, but never take out the keys.

We would all love to be, as we were years ago, and go to an event and never dream of losing anything. However we are in 2004 and we must keep our handbags well hidden and the harness locked into the lorry and if we are lucky to have a quadbike it is quite likely we will not have it for long if it is not kept under surveillance.

I am very sorry to be so boring at the beginning of a New Year but hope these comments will save some of you some heartache.

Frances Collings, Kent

Escrick Park Estate supports carriage driving

Five miles to the south east of York lies Escrick Park Estate which, with the active support of Mr and Mrs Forbes-Adams and their staff, has proved a splendid home ground for many years for the North Eastern Driving Trials Group. Miles of traffic-free lanes and bridleways through woods and farmland ring to the sound of hooves, traps and drivers twice a year as FEI drivers from across the north of England compete at the Groups popular events. Entries of up to 58 bear testimony to the excellence of the venue and the NEDT events.

Thanks to the efforts of the Group and the support from the Estate there is a permanent dressage arena which is not only used for competitions but is also available for practice through the year. There are also five permanent obstacles designed by George Prince giving club competitors from across the region the chance to drive obstacles of National Standard. The creation of these new permanent facilities has provided an FEI driving venue of national importance. A great deal of planning goes into all events, and strenuous efforts are always made to ensure that risks to horses, helpers, drivers and grooms are kept to a minimum. The social events associated with Escrick events are rather less predictable!

In June 2002 the Group's event to celebrate the Jubilee attracted favourable comment from H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh. He wrote 'I am delighted to know that the North Eastern Driving Trials Group chose to mark the occasion of the Queen's Golden Jubilee by organising a special event at the Escrick Park Estate. I congratulate the winners and I hope you have all enjoyed the competition. I trust you will have many more opportunities to take part in what, I think, is a great sport.'

In September 2003, thanks to the generous sponsorship by Martin Johnson of Bellcrown Carriages, the fifth Northern Interclubs Carriage Driving Championships was hosted at Escrick Park. Again it was a huge success, with competitors from the North East, North West, Lincolnshire, Chester and Scotland battling for individual and team honours. Happily for the hosts, the North Eastern Group retained the overall Championship Team Trophy.

On Sunday 21 March this year, the Club is holding a sponsored drive ' sponsored by the Estate - to raise money to support the Carriage Driving Sports Group for drivers with disabilities and entries from all ages and abilities are welcomed. Soon after, over the weekend of 17-18 April, the Club will be hosting a Novice Qualifier Competition for the National Championships. Drivers wanting to experience a challenging competition in excellent conditions, with Yorkshire hospitality, are urged to enter.

Steve Kerry

Further details, contact Sue Oddie, Secretary of the North Eastern Driving Trials Ltd., 01924 368126.

Going for Gold
by Margaret Brockie

CDSGdd is the Carriage Driving Sports Group for drivers with disabilities. It was started several years ago by a group of drivers who realised that there was no official body responsible for the training and selection of teams for the World Championships for Disabled Drivers organised by the International Paralympic Equestrian Committee. Since then the British Team has done well, winning silver medals at the last two Championships and also an individual silver medal.

This year the Group are looking forward to the World Championships to be held at Hopetoun in May and have already started an intense training programme with the aim of earning the gold medal. Because it is on home ground we are allowed to take six individual competitors as well as the team. This year, for the first time, there is to be the extra excitement of a pairs class, which we hope will be contested for us by Carol Porter, who was previously on the team with her single pony, Arthur.

Although it is good to be able to take so many drivers, obviously that raises the expenses of training, entry fees and uniforms. The facilities we use must provide for our specific needs and therefore they are often more expensive, too, and we are very grateful to the North West Driving Club for raising a substantial amount of money at their highly successful Armathwaite Event and Annual Dinner, which is being put towards training. The North East Driving Trials Group are running a sponsored drive at Escrick Park in March and are also running a selection event for us at their club event in April at the same venue. We would like to thank all the clubs who have offered their support.

Our next training course will be at the Unicorn Trust in Stow-on-the-Wold in early March followed by three days at Chrissy Van Reem's later in the month. As well as Carol Porter, the single drivers on the short list are Heather Clark, Steve Manyweathers, James Marshall, Jim McCrea, Aileen Neilson, Maxine Phillips, Judi Ralls and Lindsey Tyas. We are very lucky to have the services of some of the top drivers in the country to train our members, particularly Rachel Stevens, our Team Trainer, who has coached at every course we have had over the last three years. At the Unicorn video playback will enable our drivers to learn by watching and repeating movements. We are also pleased to have John Attenborough to give a talk on sports psychology.

Although we are concentrating on the team at this time, the Group welcomes disabled drivers of all standards who wish to improve their competitive skills and also drivers, helpers and able-bodied whips from Riding for the Disabled groups. All are welcome to come and learn and then take those skills back to be used within their groups. Of course, the social aspects are very enjoyable, too. If you would like to come and join us, to watch and learn and meet new friends with similar interests, you are welcome to come along. If you are interested in becoming a member or supporter or would like to raise money for the team we would love to hear from you, too.

Margaret Brockie (Chef d'Equipe, CDSGdd) margaret@mbrockie.freeserve.co.uk

See also www.hopetoundriving.co.uk for more details about the event.

IPEC World Championship for Disabled Drivers
by Paul Sidwell

I have been contacted by Hardy Zantke, the USA team Chef d'Equipe, concerning the IPEC Championships at Hopetoun, 27 ' 30 May, 2004, with regard to highlighting the fact that, as the USA team may not have finances available to bring their own horses to the event, if there were horse driving trial participants in the UK that may be interested in providing them with suitable horses/ponies to compete.

The USA team should consist of three single drivers, but they are hopefully allowing for two additional individual entries, and perhaps just one or two pair entries. However, their main concern is to find three good driving horses or ponies for the team members.

The competitors would obviously be willing and prepared to pay reasonable expenses and/or leasing fees, although their funds are very limited as most competitors will be shipping their own specialised carriages to compete with.

If you can help with this requirement, please (preferably) email Hardy Zantke direct - hzlax@aol.com or email me, Paul Sidwell - p.sidwell@talk21.com, or call me and leave a message ' 01628 635024

International Paralympic Equestrian Committee World Championships
Judi Ralls wants our team to win medals'

The Championships are to be held on 27-30 May, 2004, at Hopetoun House, Edinburgh, Scotland. The British Team of four including one reserve, four individuals, and one pair, being selected from the Carriage Driving Sports Group, the constituted body from which the team is trained and selected, needs your support from individuals, clubs and trust funds. Can you help'

Charitable status is being applied for. We are affiliated to the BHDTA, of course. Our target is £20,000. It will cost approx £2,000 to train, select and go for each team member or individual, and their supporting crew. The British Team are currently the Silver Medal holders including one Individual Silver from the last Worlds in 2002. This time it must be GOLD! Please help us to achieve our goal.

Please contact Judi Ralls, the Fund Raiser and Committee member, for more information 01252 850330, e-mail judiralls@hotmail.com. Thank you!

Supporters' Notes

Sheila Hawking is the mainstay of the BHDTA Supporters' Group and runs the '200 Club'. If you'd like to find out more about the supporters' activities and how to join the 200 Club, which has a few vacancies, call Sheila: 01977 682298.

BHDTA Stewards Training Day

29 March 2004, 10:30am ' 3pm, at the Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold.

A warm welcome is extended to prospective stewards and our long-standing, experienced ones. Places must be pre-booked and include a light lunch.

Applications by 20 March to Sheila Hawking, Pollums House Farm, Lumby, South Milford, Leeds, LS25 5LD

International Course Builders Clinic Report

Caroline Musker attended the recent clinic at The Unicorn Centre. Here are her notes:

There is a new dressage test (Test 8) that has not been finally ratified by the FEI but several other countries are going to be using it at events this year in order that their competitors are well up to scratch with it by the time it is introduced globally in 2005. Because of this the BHDTA are planning to organise a demonstration at Sandringham, commentated by Andrew Counsell, also, hopefully, at some other shows. Details will be posted as soon as anything is confirmed. They plan to use this test at Lowther and the National Championships for all classes other than Novices.

Peter Bridson tells me that he will be introducing this new test for some classes at the Windsor Park Club events in order to give both competitors and judges the opportunity to learn it and watch it throughout the year .

When reading this new test it is important to notice that movements 3 and 8 are different for Singles and Pairs from Tandems and Teams. Only Tandems and Teams are asked to demonstrate shoulder in; the Singles and Pairs do a one-handed deviation. There are also several short extended trots so everyone will have to get their horses and ponies working well off their hocks.

The speeds for cones are going to be increased Internationally for 2005 so some events in this country will have the faster speeds this year.

The Course Designers Clinic was taken by Wolfgang Assendorf, who is an International Course builder, and will be doing the course for the Combined Pony World Championships at Catton in 2005. He told us that in Germany they have different coloured markers and different courses through the obstacles for Novice drivers avoiding the sharper turns and that the Novices also have shorter and slower marathons, we all thought that this was a very good idea. He also said that Selection and Championship events should have more complicated courses that reflect what the competitors will meet at the International events they are trying to qualify for. He told us that the German teams train with much tighter cones courses than they are likely to have at a competition so when they see the courses at the actual event it seems easy. This seems to be a very good plan especially as the speeds are going to be increased. In a Championship the cones may be placed with the line to the back of the cone in the slalom and this will happen for the ponies at Catton in 2005. (It may also happen for everyone at the National Championships at Windsor this year!)

Caroline Musker, Wymondham, Norfolk

Life as a Single Pony

This is not 'an equine Bridget Jones' column, but has the aim of encouraging more sociable engagement between competitors in all classes at events ' yes, Novice drivers are an important part of this, too: count yourself in.

Regular information for all classes of competitor are planned in Carriage Horse. This is the first, for Single Pony class drivers. If you have any experiences or ideas to offer for competitors in your class, please send them to us for wider appreciation.

Sarah Howe took over as Single Pony Representative for the BHDTA at the Conference in October 2003 as Rita McGregor retired. Here's Sarah's introductory note:

'Hi - hope all is well for 2004. You may just be thinking about getting the pony out of the field and starting to exercise it.

'We have included some details of training that Julie Camm is organising and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there. If not, we will see you at Brighton and around the circuit this year. Meetings held at my big blue lorry (hopefully with flag from Rosemary Neale).

I will have announcements made by the stable manager when the meetings will be. Please make sure both Open and Novice drivers are included and if you know there are new drivers joining us who may not know me or my lorry then invite them along with you.

The following are two events held abroad that are open to single pony drivers as well as pairs and team:

10-13 June - Event for single ponies at Dillenburg, Germany
14-18 July - Event for single ponies in Haras, France

There are a few of us that are possibly attending these events. If you are interested you will need to contact the BHDTA for more information. These events you will have to fund yourself.'

'Happy Driving'

Sara Howe - 01732 459518, mobile 07961 314941, showe45951@aol.com

Single Pony Training

4-5 March, 2004 with Boyd Excel and Robert Buck at the Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold.

'Are we ready for the Pony Championships 2005 at Catton''

We want to have a strong British Team at this event. We know we have the talent but we need to start preparing now. It is hoped we can build upon the success of the British Team last year in Austria by working together. The first selection event is being held at Catton, 2 ' 4 July 2004.

This is the first in a series of training clinics we plan to organise to provide ongoing consistent productive training throughout the season aimed primarily at those with a desire to learn and improve who are seriously interested in nominating themselves for the long list for the Pony World Championships 2005. If you are unsure of your pony's talent or potential, come for advice and guidance. We hope to arrange a variety of sessions including obstacle training at Catton.

Our outline programme for the first clinic includes:

demonstrations, two driving sessions each per day, team building/sports psychology, technical training for obstacles and cones, advice on travelling and competing abroad.

Everyone will have the opportunity to watch and listen to the advice given to others and share in discussions.

Cost of training includes (assuming two adults per pony): two lessons each day, two nights' stabling (bedding not provided ' either bring own shavings or £6 per bale), lunch for two people both days, evening meal for two on the first day, all demonstrations and evening sessions. Cost about £195. Some places still available: contact Julie Camm 01454 415050/07778 931950, Alveston House Hotel, Alveston, Bristol, BS35 2LA email: julie@alvestonhousehotel.co.uk

If you are keen to be involved in the training but not able to make 4-5 March, please let Julie know now!

Attelage pour les jeunes'

Junior drivers aged from 7 to 18 have a fantastic opportunity to compete in Arras, France 11-13 June 2004. Training is available for those wishing to be selected. All drivers must have competed at outdoor horse driving trials and there are certain heights of ponies they have to drive. Each competitor is expected to be self-financed (with limited support if we raise any sponsor money). Contact Sara Howe: 01732 459518, SHowe45951@aol.com 

World Single Horse Championships

With less than six months to go until the World Single Horse Driving Championships at Astorp, Sweden, 21-25 July, the Single Horse committee have already got plans underway for a number of fund raising ventures at national events this season, with the launch of the raffle for the Border Fine Arts', 'George Bowman & Hackney Horse' at the Carriage Fair on 21 March.

Also on sale will be a separate raffle for a one-off Full Membership to the BHDTA for the 2005 season. All tickets are £2 each and co-ordinated by David Matthews (01494 484413 for more details). Along with the raffle there will be a number of other memorabilia and information available at the Single Horse Team stand at the Carriage Fair. Both Di Hayes and Paul Sidwell with their Hackney horses will be driving a Pas de Deux to music and this will give all there a chance to guess the weight of both Di and her horse Mel as there will be a competition at the stand with a special prize to the winner. All prizes have been kindly donated by Steve Jarman at www.carriagesales.com.

At the Windsor Sponsored Drive on the 18 April the Single Horse Committee will be running a cones course (subject to weather), with the course set by David Matthews for both Novice and Advanced Drivers at £2 per round with rosettes for clear rounds. There will also be a chance to purchase raffle tickets and to talk to the drivers and committee who will be there on the day.

So we will look forward to seeing you all at the Carriage Fair and Sponsored Drive as your support will be most welcome. Paul Sidwell: 01628 635024, p.sidwell@talk21.com,

Thorseby Park Event 24' 25 April 2004

The Midlands Driving Trials Group invites you to its first major event of the year at Thoresby Park near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The event takes place on the 24-25 April and is an ideal event at which to warm up for the Brighton and Royal Windsor events that take place in May. Thoresby will also act as a National Novice Qualifier. Chris Doughty, chairman of the MDTG, said, 'We welcome non-members to Thoresby for a weekend of competition set in a top quality venue.'

The event will again hold classes for ponies and horses in every combination from pre-novice to team driver. The three-section marathon course is mainly on estate roads and forest tracks and there will be a water crossing or an obstacle that includes water.

It is hoped that the estate will again allow the use of the indoor riding school on the Saturday evening ' a welcome source of warmth and good food.

Entry schedules can be obtained from the membership secretary: Lesley West: 01630 661314 email: jodders@lineone.net 

Get Hooked with Them Indoors

They say that indoor driving is the newest form of horse driving trials in the UK. It helped me to start competing at the end of 2001 and now I'm an indoor trials junkie.

Now that it's beyond infancy, I think it'd be useful to look at Indoor Driving's increasing contribution to the sport. I can only speak from experience of the East Anglia region's people and events although organisers from other regions seem to have similar results.

Competitors are divided into the normal classes of single open and single novice horse and pony. We (in East Anglia) usually have a pair or two and the occasional tandem. Ponies as small as nine hands can compete as well as 16 hand horses. It's best to have enough competitors to make a decent competition in each class so between 16 and 25 entries is a good turnout. The more expensive arenas might take up to 30 entries to make them economic, but this can make it a long day unless you have extremely efficient stewards and co-operative competitors who'll keep everything running smoothly. We start at about 9 am and finish before 5 pm, usually.

Novice Pony is the best supported class, as you'd expect, with about 65% of the entries at most events nationally. Because two to five entries in it are usually first-timers or relative newcomers, at the events at Wix EC, near Manningtree in Essex, we run a Club class too. Splitting the class means that the competition is more exciting and more people go home with a rosette, which encourages newcomers. Club class entries tend to be self-selecting, and those who are ready typically move up to Novice after a season. Club class also offers an opportunity for any driver who wants to go round again with another turnout, perhaps a youngster, because there's time to swap harness or vehicle and warm up, instead of competing hors concours in a rush in their 'proper' class.

Taking part in Club class builds people's and ponies' confidence and experience without much pressure ' not that it's a very pressured sport unless you are trying to get to the Finals: Club class is not included in the Strongid-P Championship. Some of our local National drivers use indoor events for an outing, and it's always a pleasure to see them. Sallie Walrond and Angela Sixsmith, icons of the BDS, have both supported our events, too.

Club class takes all sizes and, because it's scheduled late, first-timers can watch the earlier classes and get the hang of how to do it. This is another major strength of indoor driving: you can watch your betters and listen to other people's comments and make your own judgements. Everyone competes in exactly the same conditions and right under your nose. Because everyone does the same short dressage test, which is called Precision and Paces, it's easy to compare one performance with another. I think the judging is made easier and fairer because there are always two judges, one for precision and one for paces. Forty percent of the marks are for precision, sixty for paces and your score is announced as you leave the arena. Sarah Lane's Shetland has a better extended trot than most of the larger animals, but if your animal's paces need improving, you can still get high marks for accuracy. Inclusiveness is important. I think it's a vital ingredient if our (outdoor) sport is to thrive. A healthy sport needs a stream of keen newcomers. They can only come from the pool of existing BDS and pleasure drivers and from competitive horse-owners enticed into a different discipline. Inclusiveness means welcoming everyone to join in. The cheerful tone is set by the IHDTC team, who keep everything ticking all day, existing on tea, bacon sandwiches and Mars bars. As long as you and your turnout are safe and are prepared to follow the rules, and pay your £25 (£15 for juniors) you are welcome to have a go and we'll give you all the help you want. We've had an American buggy and a modern-day chariot (!) turn up to compete. It's this friendliness that encourages people to compete indoors when they'd never have felt they could attempt an outdoor event ' despite wanting to. They can see what they have to do and it's all under one roof. It's a relatively small commitment in time and money if you've got the basic kit and there's no compulsory polishing and scary presentation judging. Typically, newcomers are drivers with an unmet competitive urge, of course. Some have been driving for donkey's years, some are new to driving, juniors or 'returners'. Some people start by stewarding or watching or grooming for a friend for a season or more, then bring their own pony. I've never met anyone who had a go and never wanted to do it again, people get totally hooked. One new competitor, grinning from ear to ear at her first event, said, 'I wish I'd tried this years ago.'

Doug Seel started indoor driving trials this season ' and is already hooked.

It's easy to forget how scary your first driving trials event was, how anxious you were not to make a complete idiot of yourself, not to make mistakes, not to look incompetent. I know there are drivers who'd love to compete but they are put off because they don't know what to do. I just bumbled into it, too ignorant to know what I didn't know. But after you've tasted the competition and had your first adrenaline 'fix', you become sterner stuff and, if you have the time in the summer, you will want to join the outdoor sport. So all the indoor drivers are potential members or at least supporters or much-needed stewards of the outdoor clubs ' although most are members already.

At each East Anglian region event, out of an average of 23, probably five to seven drivers are not members of the EACDG; either they are newcomers to the sport, they belong to other BHDTA-affiliated clubs or they have other commitments in the summer such as private driving, showing, riding or seasonal work. Some of them steward regularly at EACDG events in the summer. And about eight drivers have joined the EACDG having come through indoor driving. We can certainly regard indoor driving events as useful recruiting grounds and, at least, positive PR.

People sometimes turn up their noses at indoor driving. Precision and Paces is not a 'proper' dressage test, and the arena's too small, they say. Yes, in the past obstacles tended to be tight and difficult for bigger animals and learner drivers. Yes, you have to harness up at least three times, warm up and warm down properly, and keep your horse cosy in between activities. And people do say that indoor drivers take tight routes which would tire horses outdoors'

It seems to me that practising in a small arena and trying to drive a circle and an accurate test is going to improve most people's driving ' and our judges are impressed by the rising standards in just three seasons. Indoor obstacles have become much more generously proportioned this season, enabling Open Horse driver Heather Logsdon, for one, to match and beat Open Pony times. Claire Bourne and Paul Mills compete with their horse pairs from time to time and Mark Mills brings his horse tandem ' the only one competing indoors in the UK, I believe. You do have to harness up several times, but it's not a great hardship, is it' And rugging your pony well and making sure he's sheltered from the weather should ensure he enjoys it, too. As for the tighter routes some little ponies take, perhaps, driven well, they can open people's eyes to different approaches.

So my conclusions are that, certainly in East Anglia, indoor driving is continuing to contribute enormously to the growth in popularity of competitive carriage driving. We gain a few extra competitors and/or stewards and helpers each season ' and they tell their friends ' and people, horsey and otherwise, can see what our sport is all about. It's good PR. It's vital that people keep coming into our sport. They move from 'I'd like to'' to 'I can' eventually, but it can take a couple of years. Indoor driving has improved the standard of driving and made many people starting out realise that training can help them to get better results.

The Indoor Horse Driving Trials Club has over 350 members and contributes its membership affiliation levy to the BHDTA with all the other clubs: a significant revenue stream which did not even exist a few years ago. Their events don't conflict with the outdoor season and offer many people an inspiration to keep driving ' and training ' all winter. Organising a national championship is a major exercise, yet the organisers' willingness to listen, their enthusiasm and co-operative flexibility still shines through.

As for our regional events, they offer an opportunity to see driving friends and have a chat in the caf' and keep in touch in the winter months. Oh, and where else can I get my adrenaline fix' FP

Chef's specials

Leonie Marshall suggests this delicious, heart-warming casserole recipe to enjoy after a hard day's driving, indoors or out.

Unctuous Casserole
1' lb ostler's liver (or lamb's)
6 rashers smoked streaky bacon
2 onions
4 carrots
2 lb potatoes
Plain flour
Seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil or
1 oz butter
2 stock cubes
2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
Water

Serves 5 ' 6 hungry drivers and friends.

1. Cut the liver into thin slices and coat with the seasoned flour. Remove rind from the bacon and cut the bacon into two-inch pieces. Peel and coarsely chop onions and carrots. Peel and slice potatoes.

2. Heat the oil or butter in a thick-bottomed pan and fry bacon for three minutes on a medium heat. Turn up to high heat and fry the liver until brown on all sides. Add the vegetables with enough water to cover them. Bring to the boil and add ketchup and stock cubes. Stir well then cover and leave for about an hour until meat and vegetables are tender.

Best served with a robust red wine and good company.

Horse Journey to The Gulf of Mexico
Elizabeth Tyas promotes international driving.

Alison Tyas from Norfolk, has travelled to America to help with Michael Muir's 1,000 mile "Journey to the Gulf of Mexico". Mike (pictured, left) is President of the US Driving for the Disabled and is retracing his great grandfather's route from Louiseville, Kentucky through Tennessee, North Car-olina, Georgia and Florida to Cedar Keys on the Gulf of Mexico. For the journey he will also be accompanied by fellow Team USA member Cindy Goff who was paralysed as a result of a riding accident 20 years ago. This international horse journey team will promote equestrian sports for people with disabilities and en route will be visiting hospitals and rehabilitation centres.

In 2001 Mike undertook a similar project, travelling from San Diego on the West coast through deserts and over mountains to Washington DC in the east. This trip of 3,000 miles took him ten months and Alison and her sister Lindsey Joined the crew for the last 500 miles driving over the Appalachian Mountains and on to Washington. (Left, Mike Muir's grandfather and friend)

If you are interested, you can follow the trail and escapades of these intrepid pioneers on www.horsejourney.com and if you would like any information on previous horse journeys, please contact horsejourneyuk@aol.com for further information.

Elizabeth Tyas, Norfolk

South of England Carriage Driving Fair

Britain's largest indoor carriage driving show, the eighth organised by Brockham Harness Club, is at the South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex on Sunday, 21 March, and offers carriage driving enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport the excitement of a live sporting event with all the entertainment of top quality attractions.

The programme in the main arena starts at 10 am and combines thrilling competition, instructional and informative displays and sheer entertainment from the country's leading carriage drivers & equestrian personalities. There will be a large range of trade stands and full bar and catering facilities under cover and with free parking and free admission for children, it's the perfect family day out.

Tickets are available on the door, but for more information or advance discount tickets call 01483 276936 or visit www.brockhamharnessclub.co.uk 

Join us in the company of renowned drivers such as

Boyd Exell, Karen Bassett, Georgina Frith, Pippa Bassett, Gary Docking and Dick Lane. Main arena attractions include International Horse Team competition, Baileys Junior challenge (north versus south), Chariots of Fire, Private Driving, Heavy Horse Power, Single Horse Pas de Deux, Scurry Competition, RDA Driving, Trade Vehicles, Masterclass with Boyd and Karen, Ridden Dressage, and there's the 'suck it & See Hour', a chance to drive under the expert supervision of leading whip Gary Docking.

Come and help raise funds for the British Teams and the IPC World Championships. Everyone has a chance to scoop the ultimate prizes in the Grand Draw for only £1. Win the fantastic new Bellcrown carriage or a Super Tedex harness, kindly donated by J. Martin Johnson of Bellcrown Carriages and Fiona Tedman ' Zilco Europe.

Whether you are looking for information, new products and ideas or want to enjoy a mesmerising day's entertainment,come to Ardingly for all the fun of the fair on Sunday, 21 March, 2004.

'I'm a (pet) celebrity, get me outta here''

Two upcoming BBC programs and an opportunity for you (and your horses) to feature on TV.

Test Your Pet (working title)

Discover the feline intellectuals, the canine masterminds and the equine prodigies of the UK animal world. This Spring BBC ONE will investigate just how intuitive Britain's pets are. Using a series of tests devised by a team of animal behaviourists, Test Your Pet will endeavour to uncover the answers to questions such as, what breed of dog has the highest IQ, exactly how long is a goldfish memory, and is a parrot's ability to talk associated with which claw it uses the most'

BBC ONE will encourage viewers to look at the animals that they share their lives with in a new light and participate in the biggest ever investigation into the characteristics and capabilities of some of our best loved creatures. Alongside the practical tests, the programme will also be seeking to find the answer to some of the mysteries of the animal kingdom. Find out what cats do at night, what dogs do during the day, and whether your cat purrs when you are not there. Owners will be challenged to prove what their particular breed of animal excels at and every pet from horses to birds can show off its true skills. Join in the nationwide survey of UK pets to help us discover who really is the cleverest pet.

From early March pet owners can register their pets' details and find out more information on the tests at our website www.bbc.co.uk/nature/testyourpet 

Alternatively, if you know of a particularly intelligent pet who you would like to tell the production team about, please call 0117 974 2141 or email testyourpet@bbc.co.uk

In addition to the above press release, this particular brief is to find stories of unusual behaviours in horses across the UK. Ideally, these behaviours would need to be visually interesting, but in most cases I think that they will be unpublished and will only emerge as personal tales belonging to individual horse owners. The idea is to intercut the actual tests with visual stories that show animals displaying unusually intelligent/different/trained behaviours. Please contact Will Bolton, Researcher "Test Your Pet", Email: testyourpet@bbc.co.uk

How we live in Britain today

We have received the following letter at the BHDTA office. Nothing to do with carriage driving, but someone somewhere may be interested. If they chose a driving yard for their "subjects", that would certainly be different.

From Nicola Colley:

'I'm working on a documentary for the BBC about how we live our lives in Britain today.

We are looking for families/households who are interested in being filmed in their home for a period of six months from autumn 2004 until spring 2005.

We are looking for a cross section of British life in the home, as every household is different from people who live alone to large extended families.

The program would involve installing cameras within the home for a period of six months.'

Please contact Nicola Colley, Producer, Endemol UK, Shepherds Building Central, Charecroft Way, Shepherds Bush, London, W14 0EE, or email: Nicola.Colley@endemoluk.com

Web discussion forums

If you are new to the internet, you may not yet have enjoyed the lively discussions out there. Here are a few sites for carriage drivers to air their views:

www.scda.co.uk - Scottish Carriage Driving Association's website

www.indoordriving.co.uk - not just about indoor events, but including all aspects of horses and driving

www.carriage-driving.com - The Ostler's Message Board from Carriage Driving magazine: your chance to say what you think.

What's your favourite site' Drop us an email'

Mad Things

Baley Bench/Table from Gusto

Carriage drivers' homes are at the cutting edge of interior design, of course'

This appears to be a bale of straw wrapped in transparent plastic to you and me, however'

'straw has long been used in building and furniture making. It is a sustainable bulk material which also happens to be beautiful. The bale itself is a product of industrial agriculture and its reappropriation as a seat happens naturally in the barn/country environment. 'Baley' formalises this reappropriation and reinterprets it as domestic/contract furniture in its own right. Existing straw bales are sized and treated with a fire retardant material, then encased within a made to measure transparent cover.'

'shortlisted for the Homes and Gardens Classic Design Awards 2003, Baley was exhibited in the Victoria and Albert museum. Our latest customer for Baley is Babington House, Somerset, where two sizes of Baley appear in their Cowshed Spa building.'

You too can be at the leading edge of rural interior design. The large size is £135 and the smaller, square 'seat' is £116. You can contact Gusto on 0207 736 8828 or see www.gusto.co.uk (or DIY).

Grooms wanted and offered'

If you need a volunteer groom at an event, or someone to help you exercise your driving horses or ponies in return for gaining some experience, why not advertise here (free for ads up to 50 words).

Drivers, please send brief details of your own turnout and driving experience, your name, nearest town, and telephone numbers.

Grooms, send brief details of your experience (if any), what your commitment might be ' exercising or attending events, your name, nearest town, and telephone numbers.

'On-foot training day'

27 March  ' Wix EC, near Manningtree, Essex. EACDG Ltd 'teach-in' with Kandice Trusler, presentation tips with Ivor Harper, long-reining small ponies with Barry Marshall and demonstrations by 'guinea pigs' of driven dressage with different turnouts. Everyone's welcome: call Jacqui Clarke on 01702 510077 for more information.

For Sale

Single Horse Bennington B1 three-phase vehicle with extending axles, delayed steering, rear disc brakes, rear groom's seat, single driver's seat and driver/passenger seat, dressage shafts and marathon shafts. Recently serviced by Bennington. Excellent condition. Vehicle ready to go - in last four Novice Qualifiers in 2003 finished third once and second three times. £3250

Steve Manyweathers 01582 461326 (Herts) steve@mpluswin.com 

Stewards Training Days

14 March at Dounhurst Farm Carriage Driving Centre, near Billingshurst, Sussex, with National Technical Delegate, Tony Bache. Please call Martin Holgate for more details ' 01424 774865

28 March, 10:30am ' 3pm, at The Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold. Please call the BHDTA Office for more information.

Stewards

Stewards and volunteers in any capacity are always welcome at club and National events. If you contact an event secretary and offer your services, you'll be knocked over in the rush. If you are new to horse driving trials, stewarding provides an excellent grounding in the rules of the sport, helps you to understand what goes on and you can make lots of new friends. Contact details for club secretaries in the BHDTA yearbook and on the website.

Felecity Muscott would love to hear from you if you'd like to steward or help in any way at Sandringham National HDT and Country Show on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, 25'27 June. Experience not necessary: training will be given. Bring your friends and make a weekend of it. Please call her on 07811 231957 and join in the fun!

Events Diary 2004

Club secretaries and event organisers, please send details of your competitions and training events for publication to the BHDTA office by fax or letter, or, preferably, go to the website and enter your own details.

The BHDTA website also shows much more information about the events listed there and the clubs' website and email addresses. Several clubs have links to their sites and downloadable schedules and entry forms to save valuable time.

Situations Vacant

Work and train at 'Forest Farm' Carriage Driving Centre. Wages plus funding for BDS/BHS exams, accommodation provided. Driving licence essential. No riding necessary, but could be asset. No horses or dogs. Start early May. Suit a post-diploma/gap year student. Contact Pippa Jarman or Debbie Butler, tel/fax 01590 644365, Email: driving@ffarm.fsnet.co.uk Website:  www.forestfarmdriving.com 

WANTED! Georgina Frith requires a competition groom for 2004 season, to work with horse team, travel to all competitions. Accommodation provided, non-smoker preferred. Rewarding position for competent rider/novice driver/improver. Driving licence an advantage. Must turn out horses to highest standard. Contact Georgina Frith on 07740 872615, 01590 64342, georginafrith@aol.com 


The next issue of Carriage Horse will be published in April. Please send items for publication to the BHDTA by 31 March 2004: the earlier the better. Advertisements up to 50 words are free for members. Commercial advertisers, please contact the Office ' 02476 293760 ' or preferably email, bhdta@horsedrivingtrials.co.uk 

Carriage Horse Editorial Policy

This publication has an independent editorial policy and is intended as an open forum for BHDTA members.

All letters and reports from members and clubs of the BHDTA are welcomed and will be published where possible, although some editing may b necessary when space is limited.

Letters will have the right to reply in the same issue if it's considered appropriate. Please give your name and contact details, including nearest town, when you submit a letter or article by mail, fax or email.

Unless the contrary is stated, the views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the BHDTA or its Council.