British Carriagedriving
Training structure
Updated: Jan 2025
We would like to inform you of important changes to the training structure within British Carriagedriving.
For many years, the training activities have been overseen by the "Training Committee," which was responsible for three primary areas: the training of officials, the accredited coaching qualifications managed by Angela
Flanagan, and the development of both trainers and athletes, along with the training of horses and ponies.
In line with our goal to make committees more proactive, aligned with the sport, and less reactive, we have decided to discontinue the Training Committee. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed their time and expertise to the committee in the past. Your efforts are deeply appreciated.
We acknowledge that the existing process has not always been fit for purpose, and as a result, individuals seeking to become driving officials at various levels have sometimes found themselves lost within the system. We are committed to improving this process.
The development of well-trained and consistent officials is critical to the success and integrity of our sport. Not only does this ensure fairness and consistency in the application of rules, but it also strengthens the confidence
of external bodies and aids in our work with insurers. It is essential that our training process accommodates the diverse nature of the sport.
While competition carriage driving follows a unified set of rules, variations do exist, particularly in disciplines such as indoor carriage driving. These differences must be taken into account when training officials, who must be able to work across these variations and understand the full scope of the sport, from local competitions to FEI international events.
To support this, we will implement a more competency-based approach to training, including the introduction of “mentors.” Each area of training will have a designated lead as follows:
- Technical Delegates: Katy Stewart
- Course Designers: Malcolm Brown
- Judges: Andrew
Counsell (currently seeking a new lead)
- Stewards: Marisa Pinnock
- Volunteers: To be announced
Each lead will be responsible for overseeing their area of training and development.
Our immediate priorities include:
- Reviewing the current list of officials and reconnecting with those who may have been overlooked or lost in the system.
- Establishing clear pathways for progression, taking into account prior learning and experience.
- Maintaining an up-to-date list of officials.
- Developing training and update protocols for officials.
- Enhancing communication
with officials to improve collaboration.
- Regularly upskilling officials to
ensure they remain informed and competent.
The leads in each area will collaborate to ensure consistency in documentation and processes across the board.
In addition to training officials, we will continue to focus on the coaching qualifications program, which is still being overseen by Angela Flanagan. This program has proven highly successful, with over 30 coaches having
earned their qualifications. For 2025, there will be no changes to this structure.
The recommendation process for athletes has been enhanced, ensuring that insurance, safeguarding, and health and safety requirements are met. We are aware that this is a complex and sometimes contentious area, due to the variety of training methods and approaches in use.
We are exploring the development of a “coaching pathway” for carriage driving, which will address the lack of a formal "driving qualification" alongside the coaching qualification. This initiative will provide clarity and structure moving forward.
Regarding the role of Stewards, Marisa Pinnock has kindly agreed to lead this area. We anticipate that changes will not be implemented before 2026 at the earliest. The role of “steward” is recognized internationally, but our current structure does not fully reflect this.
Marisa, with her extensive international experience, will review the current system and work towards creating a standardized job description for stewards. This will help Event Organisers with event management
and ensure greater consistency.
Volunteers and helpers will still be needed in large numbers, but those wishing to take on the role of official stewards will have a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved.
Timeline
The leads for each area are already working on these changes and will be available for discussions during the clinic in February 2025. A portion of the clinic sessions will be dedicated to discussing the new processes and gathering feedback.
Our goal is to establish a positive and proactive process that will encourage more individuals to become involved in officiating within our sport.
Andrew Counsell,
Chair, British Cariagedriving
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