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Issue 1 / 2006 |
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on-line edition |
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Issue 1 / 2006 |
| Chairman’s Note
The chill days of winter are still here but they are
getting longer as the sun sinks a little later each
evening. My ponies are coming in and having the caked mud
removed to be clipped so that they can start work. I took
them for a gentle walk yesterday to start the long
fitness trail. Apart from my toes freezing I realised
with pleasure that the new driving year was upon us.
There will be in the coming months disappointments but I
know that the thrills will as always, far outweigh them.
Therefore I wish you all a happy and jolly season. Apologies Not only did I rudely omit to acknowledge Vic Kusin as the photographer of the shots of Fred Pendlebury and Prince Philip on the cover of the last issue of Carriage Horse, but I added the insult of substandard reproduction. My deepest apologies, Vic. Several people have commended the improvement in the magazine thanks to the excellent photographs. These are generously submitted by professionals and amateurs alike and I want our contributors to feel that their work is properly appreciated (but I do make mistakes – please let me know and I’ll try to put it right). FP Editor’s Introduction Whether we like it or not, horse sport is changing. This means that we have to change too, even to stand still. How would you like to see horse driving trials developing? What do you think the BHDTA should give you? It’s not just about rules and regulations from the FEI and DEFRA, it’s also about satisfying what competitive carriage drivers want. What do they want? The end of January saw a Great Gathering in the Deer Park offices and 45 people were invited to give their constructive opinions on “The Future” and how to develop the BHDTA and its membership. People were invited because they represented many different aspects of the sport and its supporters: stewards, club officials, members of Council, junior and senior competitors – new and old – from all classes from club to International standard, sponsors, event organisers, course builders… Sydney Smith, the main instigator of the “think tank”, explained that a broad cross-section of interests had been achieved by this particular mix of people. It was a long day and, thanks to Rosemary Neale nursing us along and Lord Onslow encouraging us and summing up throughout the day, we had productive group discussions and covered a lot of ground. Those flipcharts fairly hummed with ideas, coloured arrows and emphatic circlings. I’ve never met a competitive carriage driver without strong opinions about the sport, so don’t keep your thoughts to yourselves, get out your pen or keyboard and send us your own ideas. Tell us what you want: if you don’t, how can we take your opinions into account? You are important – the sport exists because you want to take part and support it in some way. If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably got some ideas about its future and we want to know what they are. Please get in touch, preferably in writing, by letter, fax or infernal email to me or the Office. Your views matter. Fiona Powell, Suffolk 01473 735732, editor@horsedrivingtrials.co.uk Read this - Office News - No 1, 2006 THE BHDTA OFFICE HAS MOVED! The new address is :- BHDTA, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LG Contrary to information supplied to you before – for which we sincerely apologise but it is completely out of our control – the telephone number and fax number have both changed AGAIN! (active from 6 February) The NEW ‘new’ numbers are:- Telephone 02476 419078 Fax 02476 419079 (Calls to the previously published numbers will be diverted to the number above.) NOTE that, owing to the failure of our internet service provider, the BHDTA office was without email and internet access from 3 pm on Friday, 27 January. NO EMAILS WILL BE LOST! Any emails sent to us after the above date will be stored and we will receive them when our connection is re-established. If you need to contact us urgently, please telephone or fax us - the phone lines are working. The operation of the BHDTA website is unaffected. COUNCIL ELECTION There are SIX correctly nominated candidates standing for three places. If you are a Full, Young, Company or Associate member you may therefore vote for up to three candidates. (Voting form enclosed with this mailing) The candidates are (in alphabetical order): Tony Bache, Philip Bateman, Nigel Dipple, Ian Douglas, Edmund Goodwin, Sally Moreton. SELECTION EVENTS AT 2006 NATIONAL EVENTS World Single Horse Championships 21– 24 September 2006 Pratoni de Vivaro, Rome, Italy Selection events: Hopetoun, Newnham Park, Lowther World Equestrian Games (Horse Fours) 30 August – 3 September 2006 Aachen, Germany Selection events: Brighton, Farleigh, Sandringham, Catton Park HORSE REGISTRATIONS Please forward your horse registration paperwork to the office at your earliest opportunity as this will assist Gaynor to get them back to you in good time for your first entries to be placed. Do ensure that you enclose the correct paperwork and payment, £37 per registration for the first five, the sixth registration (per competitor) is £32. There is now only one form for registration as every application has to be accompanied by the passport. The BHDTA registration stamp will be placed in the passport itself rather than, as previously, on a separate piece of paper. All organisations are working towards DEFRA’s requirement that each equine has only one passport containing all the information required. All forms can be downloaded from the website or please copy those forms reproduced on pages… or contact the Office (at the new address) to receive them by post. 2007 PONY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SELECTION PROCEDURE Drivers should complete the Long List Request Form (which can be obtained from the BHDTA Offfice) as soon as possible, in order that they can be included in discussions on training, fund-raising and other plans in the build up to the Championships.
The 2007 ‘campaign’ will be opened with a ‘no-pony’ meeting at the University of Cambridge Veterinary School on Saturday, 18 February, where Dr Frances Henson and Avice O’Connor will show us around the facilities. This will be followed by a short veterinary talk and after lunch there will be an opportunity for those attending to discuss the selection procedure and the way forward for the long-list. The cost is £10/head and proceedings will start at 11am PROMPT. Further details from Jill Holah at j.holah@virgin.net. INTERNATIONAL DRIVER & HORSE/PONY REGISTRATIONS All competitors and horses/ponies taking part in International (FEI) classes at Horse Driving Trials, either abroad or in the UK (e.g. Royal Windsor) require to be registered with the FEI annually. To apply for a registration, you need to complete and
return to the BHDTA the following forms: All these forms can be downloaded and printed out from our website. If you are unable to print out any of these forms, please contact the BHDTA office, who will be able to send you a copy in the post. The cost of registration is £15 for the driver PLUS £15 for each horse or pony. BHDTA VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS Council agreed, at the request of many members, to change the vaccination rules back to 12 months for Club/National events. The six month requirement remains in place for all international events as this is an FEI rule. The rule book extract reads: Article 912. National Passports 1. Registration. 1.1 All horses and ponies competing in National Horse Driving Trials must be registered with the BHDTA. Registration lapses on 3l December and must be renewed annually. 1.2. An annual registration fee will be charged in respect of each animal. Change of ownership, leasing or sponsoring of a registered animal must be notified to the BHDTA Office by the purchaser, lessee or driver before the animal can compete in an affiliated event/show. A fee for each such transaction will be charged. If the name of a registered animal is changed the horse/pony must be registered under its new name and an initial registration fee will be charged. 1.3 Vaccinations for equine influenza, including booster injections at 12 monthly intervals, must be entered in a recognised document which must include a fully completed identification diagram verified by a vet. 1.4 Horses/ponies must be entered at all affiliated events and shows in their registered names. Spot checks of identification, registration and vaccinations papers of horses/ponies will be carried out on the first day of the competition at all events on 10% of starters. CLUBS LIAISON COMMITTEE Another reminder of the existence of this committee (Chaired by Edmund Goodwin, Member of BHDTA Council): SOUTH EAST - Rob Sims, Briars, Station Road,
Heathfield, East Sussex 01435 863624 SOUTH 2006 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The BHDTA AGM will be held at 6pm on Thursday, 4 May 2006, on site at Brighton National Event. This will be followed by a Members' Open Meeting. 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 ENTRIES All competitors wishing to compete abroad must inform the office IN WRITING, clearly indicating each individual event for which they wish to receive information. 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. 2006 Clinic Dates After much discussion and changes to dates and venues the 2006 Clinic Season has been finalised. The National Course Designers Clinic has been amalgamated with the Club Course Designers. As George Prince is unable to take the Clinic at Catton as originally intended, it will be taken by Gunnar Larsson of Sweden at the Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold. The Judges have moved their date so it does not clash with the South of England Carriage Fair on 12 March at Ardingly. The Scorers Clinic and a Stewards Training Day will be at The David Broome Centre in Chepstow, in conjunction with the Novice Qualifier event. Walter Domandl and Ray Bragg will host these seminars. A second Stewards Training Day will be held somewhere in South East England. All other clinics are at the Unicorn Trust unless otherwise stated: 4 February - Trainers Seminar 5 February - Club Judges Clinic 18-19 February - National/Club Course Designers Clinic 18-19 March - National Judges Clinic, to include discussion led by Barry Marshall and Andrew Counsell, topics to include Judging Gates and Judging Priorities. 1-2 April - Scorers Clinic and Stewards Training Day to run concurrently with the Forest of Dean Club Novice Qualifier at The David Broome Centre, Chepstow. 12- 14 April - Juniors Spring Training Clinic date to be announced - Health and Safety September, date to be announced - Junior Championships at Escrick Park Rule Changes for 2006 See following article, 2006 Rule Changes, by Ian Douglas. Office News Reminders Event Entries Drivers 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. Event organisers will be charging a £50 excess on all late entries in 2006. This was a unanimous decision taken at the Organisers Meeting at the BHDTA Conference weekend. Membership Renewal Marathon grooms (and friends) Membership forms for 2006: please contact the Office if you need more forms for friends, supporters and marathon grooms. Note that it remains a mandatory requirement that marathon grooms (anyone acting as groom/navigator on vehicles) are members of the BHDTA (in any category other than Supporter). Membership is now handled ‘in house’ by our Membership Secretary, Neil Davenport. Please send your completed forms to the BHDTA Office – at the new address. Drivers’ Liaison Group Council: Earl of Onslow - Chairman Horse Teams: Dick Lane Pony Teams: Sarah Jane Cook Horse Pairs: Mark Mills Pony Pairs: Edmund Goodwin Horse Tandems: David Taylor Pony Tandems: Beverly Mellstrom Single Horses: Paul Chambers Single Ponies: Sara Howe Novice drivers – see Paul Chambers or Sara Howe 2006 Rule Changes - Ian Douglas reports from the Rules Committee. There have been changes to the FEI Rules and some changes to the BHDTA Rules - either printed in red in the Rule Book or contained within Annexes to the Rule Book. I gave a brief outline of what was 'in the pipeline' at last year's conference and can now give you details of the changes approved by the BHDTA Council. I hope to be in a position to issue replacement pages for insertion in your current (2005) Rule Book on 1 March 2006. In addition to correcting some obvious printing errors, and parts of the Index at the back, the following changes have been approved by the BHDTA Council, to come into force on 1 March 2006. I will indicate the source of the change, that is to say if it is an FEI amendment adopted by BHDTA or a BHDTA change which is at variance with FEI Rules. The BHDTA Office hopes to post updates for your rule book during the first week of March. They need a stamped self-addressed envelope, A5 or larger. After the pages have been weighed, the value of the postage required will be published on the website or you can phone the Office for details. Thank you. Ian Douglas See the following page for details. Article FEI or BHDTA Amendment 900.10.1 FEI with BHDTA amendment Events are defined as starting one hour before the first competition and ending one half-hour after the announcement of the final results. 901.11.2.6 FEI adopted by BHDTA Deleted - only of interest to International Competitor. 907.2.21 BHDTA There is now a requirement for Course Designers to have attended a Course Designers Clinic in the two years prior to the National Event for which they are appointed. 916.3 FEI adopted by BHDTA Tails (of horses/ponies) may not be tied or attached to the vehicle or breeching. 918/919/920 FEI There have been changes to Entries, Substitution and Declaration of Horses procedures at International Events - does not apply to British National Events - International Competitors and Chefs d'Equipe should note the changes when published. 922.2.5 FEI At International Events, a short whip for restraint of stallions and difficult horses may be allowed by the Inspection Panel at the First Inspection. 939.4.3 FEI adopted by BHDTA When more than one Dressage Arena is in use, decisions regarding marked lameness during Driven Dressage may be made by the Judge at C, instead of the President of the Jury. 947.2.1 FEI adopted by BHDTA The penalty for wearing shorts on the marathon has been reduced from Elimination to 5 penalty points (per pair of shorts on the vehicle). 947.6 FEI adopted by BHDTA Defines the number of persons carried on a vehicle during competition, see also Annex 20. 949.4.3.1 BHDTA When practical, there will be additional small letters on the back of the marked Compulsory Gates within Marathon Obstacles (this follows a trial at the National Championships in 2005). 951.2.1 (and Annex 12) BHDTA The time limit for all Sections on the Marathon has been amended to the Time Allowed plus 50%. This applies to both three and five section marathons. International competitors should note that this is at variance with 2006 FEI rules. 933.1.3 BHDTA At National Events, the time on the Cones Course may now be reduced by the Jury after the first three competitors have completed their rounds. This is at variance with the FEI rule which only permits an increase in time. 964.9.7 FEI adopted by BHDTA The wording has been amended so that there is no difference in the calculation of penalties between manual and electronic timing. 969.1.1 BHDTA The clearance between cone pairs for Horse Tandems has been corrected to 170cm. Novice Dressage Test 7 BHDTA Movement 6 now includes a 20m circle. Annex 9 and 10 FEI adopted by BHDTA Removes wording “on the bit” in Walk Sections in dressage tests 6 and 7. Annex 20 BHDTA There is now clarification in 910.1.3 that passengers may be carried in Competition B with the prior approval of the President of the Jury. This has been incorporated to clarify the position for those who may wish to frighten a Sponsor. Annex 20 BHDTA There is now a requirement that Competence Cards will need three signatures within a two year period. They will now only be signed if lodged with the Organiser of an event prior to the start of the Marathon. Annexes 21 and 25 BHDTA The Council have decided not to follow the current FEI requirement for equine influenza booster vaccination at 6 monthly intervals - BHDTA rules will now only require boosters at twelve month intervals. However, anyone considering competing abroad will have to ensure that they comply with FEI requirements on arrival at the Event. The paperwork for those seeking selection for World (or European) Championships will be amended accordingly. Annex 26 BHDTA Indoor Rules updated to latest version. BHDTA Horse Registration Rule Changes All animals entered for National Driving Trials must be registered with the BHDTA. A person registering a horse/pony must be a paid up Full, Young or Company member of the BHDTA. The cost of registration for the 2006 season is £37 per animal for the first five animals registered (plus VAT if the animals are registered by a Company Member). If more than five are registered, the cost for each additional horse/pony will be £32. To register your horse/pony, please print out the BHDTA Horse Registration Form, which can be downloaded from the website and is reproduced on page 19 for your convenience. Copy and return this form to the BHDTA at the new address, inside the front cover. Summary of charges for 2006 FEI Horse Passport - £182.12 FEI Pony Passport - £94.00 FEI Driver Registration - £15.00 FEI Horse Registration - £15.00 BHDTA Horse Registration - £37.00 (sixth horse and over £32.00) 22 December 2005 Forms All the relevant forms mentioned here are available for download from the BHDTA website and are printed on pages 19 – 22 because not everyone uses the internet. You can photocopy these forms, of course and the BHDTA Office will send you the forms by post. IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: ALL HORSES must be registered by filling in the registration form and enclosing the animal's passport. This applies to new registrations as well as horses that have been registered before. The BHDTA stamp will then be incorporated into the passport. This is line with all other BEF Sporting Disciplines working to "one horse one passport" which will contain all relevant information needed, rather than lots of different documents and pieces of paper. DEFRA also require notice of breeding (where known) of all horses/ponies used for competition for the new National Equine Database. We strongly advise all members to forward their passports by Royal Mail Special Delivery, plus include a Special Delivery Post return envelope - obtainable from Post Office. Entry forms for National Driving Trials will be sent out to all members who have registered horses/ponies. FEI Driver and Horse registration All competitors and horses/ponies taking part in International (FEI) classes at horse driving trials, either abroad or in the UK (e.g. Royal Windsor) require to be registered with the FEI annually. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION VERY CAREFULLY To apply for a registration, you need to complete and return to the BHDTA (at the new address, inside front cover) the following forms: 1 FEI Driver Registration form (page 20) 2 FEI Horse/Pony Registration form (page 21) 3 FEI Acknowledgement and Agreement form (page 22) These three forms can be downloaded and printed from the website. They are reproduced at the back of this magazine for you to photocopy or the BHDTA Office will send you copies in the post, if you prefer. The cost of registration is £15 for the driver PLUS £15 for each horse or pony. Please send the appropriate payment with your forms. n.b. You must complete your FEI Horse and Driver Registration and applied for your FEI Horse Passport (application form from the website or Office) in plenty of time to make your entry. The BEF, FEI or BHDTA will not be held responsible for those competitors who are refused entry or not allowed to compete through late applications. FEI Registration – Important Information 1 Under the new FEI Rules, from 1 January 2006, all horses/ponies and drivers wishing to compete at any International event, CIA B or CIA A, whether in Britain or Abroad, MUST be registered with the FEI, via the British Horse Driving Trials Association. 2 It is imperative that you read and familiarise yourself with the BEF rule book which contains all up to date anti doping regulations. This can be downloaded from the BHDTA or BEF websites. Alternatively it can be emailed or sent to you by post on request from the BHDTA office. 3 Once you have read the BEF rule book, please sign and return the attached acknowledgement and agreement form for the anti-doping rules. Under the new regulations we cannot issue your FEI Registration unless we are in receipt of your signed form. 4 Drivers in possession of an FEI Registration who are using any form of medication need to check UK Sport’s drug information database www.uksport.gov.uk/did to see whether they are required to submit a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). 5 Ensure the appropriate payment is enclosed with your application. Cheques made payable to BHDTA. 6 The cost of registration for 2006 is: £15.00 PER DRIVER £15.00 PER HORSE/PONY 7 Please note that registration of both horse and rider is renewable for each calendar year. 8 All registrations must be completed prior to entry. FEI registration numbers will be produced on the FEI web site every Wednesday morning. Drivers will be issued with a registration card. However horse/pony numbers will come by email or by post should email be unavailable. 9 All horses/ponies resident in Britain and wishing to compete at CAI B or CAI A events are still required to hold a valid FEI Passport. All horses/ponies competing abroad at any level of FEI Event are also required to hold a valid FEI Passport. Title sponsor needed Sadly, due to a recent management change at SsangYong Cars, the company have decided not to sponsor this year’s National Championships. The organising team are actively looking for a new sponsor – THEY NEED YOUR HELP. If any members have any contacts or companies that they can approach the team would be very pleased to hear from you. The opportunities for a title sponsor to promote their products or services are endless, likewise it is an ideal opportunity for those seeking a live sporting event and an exciting venue for corporate hospitality. It is important that we secure a new sponsor as soon as possible to continue with the growth of the Championships, a lot of hard work has been spent building the event up over the last few years but without funding this could all be wasted Voice Products are sponsoring the Private Driving Classes on the Saturday and Carriage Driving Magazine are again sponsoring the attractive Light Trade Class which this year will be a qualifier for the Osbourne BDS Championships at Burghley 2007. The Windsor Classic Car Show is organised to run on Sunday this year to attract more visitors and an exciting Dog Agility Show organised by the Cranbourne Dog Agility Club will take place on Saturday. So please give this matter your urgent attention and call Nigel Dipple on 07831 272397 or email him at sponsor@windsordriving.co.uk with any help or suggestions you may be able to offer. “Thank you.” CDSGdd World Championships The 2006 World Championships for Drivers with Disabilities are to be held at Apeldoorn in Holland from 6-10 September. The Carriage Driving Sports Group for drivers with disabilities (CDSGdd) will start the selection process with a training course at the Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold, on 4 and 5 April. Any disabled drivers who are have been competing at National or Club level driving trials and who would like to be considered should contact Margaret Brockie immediately. The course will also be open to any driver, with their own or an RDA turnout, who wishes to improve their skills in the disciplines of dressage, cones and obstacles and the trainers for the April session will be Rachel Stevens, Anna Grayston and Jill Holah, all very successful coaches and competitors themselves. Sadly Judi Ralls has lost the versatile little pony Freddi, who has been the mainstay of our very successful teams at the last three World Championships but we have some new blood coming up and hopefully we will be able to repeat our successes of the last few years. In the past, the mainstream driving world has been very generous with their help in sponsoring our teams and it becomes a little embarrassing to beg again but needs must and therefore we ask if you do have any ideas for fund raising or can help us in any way, we would be most exceptionally grateful. For any more information or offers of help please contact Margaret Brockie, 01204 531301 margaret@mbrockie.freeserve.co.uk What is a Technical Delegate? You will ask: what is a Technical Delegate? I will answer: a Jack of all trades, a man that needs to know all the answers. They come from all quarters and directions and never stop from long before the start of an Event, until even after you go home. When I first set out on the trail of being a TD, the breed didn’t exist as such; the TD was chosen from the list of Course Designers or Judges, whose job it was to supervise the running of the Event from the time they arrived on site. Then in 1992, I was asked to take on an Event, being neither Course Designer nor Judge. My President of Jury was ‘Uncle Joe’, who made me work hard throughout the Event, but at the end when I asked how I had done, he replied “you done well my son”; praise from Caesar indeed. Then the following year I was TD at five Nationals, half the Events in the country. The thing that slightly worried me was that nobody else wanted to want the job! The job description is very wide and involves everything from the moment the date and venue are fixed, until the competitors leave to go home and sometimes after that. You’re involved with the writing of the Schedule, which includes the Driven Dressage tests that will be used, the choosing of Officials and 1001 other small details that need to be put into place long before it all happens. If this is a new event there will be a lot more to do; meetings with the Course Designer and the Organiser, consultations with the Secretary and the person organising the stewards, helpers and volunteers; and we must all remember that we are all volunteers and do this for our pleasure. Volunteers are vital – as are spare parts for putting obstacles back together quickly. The usual arrival date for the TD is on Monday, but by then the paperwork for Driven Dressage, Marathon and Obstacle Cones Driving times has been worked out, in principle. Upon arrival your first job is to finalise the Course and Obstacles, so that the all important paperwork can be finished and ready for the secretary to supply the competitors. The most important part of your work is to co-ordinate all the various functions that are going on, to make all necessary preparations, so that you can be sure all is ready for the course to be open by Thursday lunchtime - this is the latest time the course can be opened; to open the course early is always a bonus. From now on the questions keep flowing: where is this? can we do that? Something needs changing, whereabouts do we put the flowers? The TD needs to have the answer at his fingertips, as most jobs need seeing to instantly. The larger the event the more complex this all becomes. When the course is open, the pressure is relieved until the competition starts. Jean Lane, “Jill of all trades”, one of our newest TDs, keeps her hand in and backsteps regularly for Jenifer Barker-Simson on the East Anglian indoor driving circuit. The emphasis then changes to a personnel organisational role: there can be over 100 people to position, brief and check that they are doing what they should be doing. These include Judges, Stewards, Obstacle Observers, Paramedics and Repair Crews, all of whom want to know where they should be, at what time and when to go into action. You, the TD, are the person who has to know what, when and where. If it goes wrong, there’s only one person to blame…yourself! Fortunately there will be plenty of useful help at hand to assist you for this is an all important matter of Teamwork! You are the person to lead and guide; to be calm, understanding and show everyone that you know what you are doing; that you are a professional. Philip Bateman Strategy for the Horse Industry The Strategy for the Horse Industry in England and Wales was published by the British Horse Industry Confederation on 6 December 2005. The document is a blueprint for everyone involved with horses, setting out objectives such as bringing the horse industry together, increasing participation in equestrianism and raising equestrian skills, training and standards. Andrew Finding, Chief Executive of the BEF commented: “A substantial element of the strategy is drafted by those directly involved with the Federation and its member bodies. It fits very well with the Federation's own strategic direction and we hope that they will both go a long way towards helping the entire industry work together, for the greater good of all.” Source: BEF website You can read the strategy at www.defra.gov.uk/rural/horses/ Fenix Demonstrates Mark Broadbent confesses that he loves putting on a show and he made a big impression with a 45-minute driving demonstration recently. Beginning with long-reining a single horse, he talked through the training of the driving horse, next showing the same horse harnessed in a single carriage, taking it into a pair and then bringing it back into the arena in a team, to the fascination of the audience. Between the quick changes behind the scenes, Mark commentated as different turnouts took their spins around the ring. He says it went down a storm with the large audience and the local paper’s reporter certainly enjoyed the spectacle. Right, Mark Broadbent of Fenix Carriages drives and commentates throughout his demonstration. Horse Welfare What’s the latest news on horse welfare in the UK? Should livery yards be licensed?Parliament is addressing issues of animal welfare. After the six-hour second reading of the Draft Animal Welfare Bill in Parliament on 10 January, the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) is not entirely satisfied with the powers the government proposes to give welfare organisations in abandonment cases. However the ILPH, RSPCA and the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) welcome wider aspects of the Bill. The Bill is designed to update, replace, combine and simplify the original 1911 legislation and laws currently contained in a number of other pieces of legislation. The Bill would bring the legislation on horses (and some other animals) into line with the well-tried legislation that now applies to farm animals. “If someone can't afford to keep an animal or it has come to the end of its life and they can't afford to dispose of it, it may be abandoned. This is partially addressed, but there should be a wider provision that allows us to take over,” said ILPH veterinary advisor Keith Meldrum. In addition to a new legal requirement for the keeper of an animal to provide a level of care, the ILPH has called for legally binding Statutory Improvement Notices (SINs). These give police and welfare officers the right to ensure immediate improvements can be made to substandard welfare conditions. The licensing of livery yards and the government's plans to introduce registration of animal sanctuaries gained full support. Sources: Horse and Hound online, ILPH – www.ilph.org “We're recommending livery yards be checked on an 18-monthly basis, with a vet inspection every three years,” said former BEVA president Lesley Barwise-Munro. “Riding schools shouldn't go beyond a year for both welfare reasons and public safety.” The British Horse Industry Confederation is producing a fact sheet detailing recommendations for licensing and its renewal, to advise the standing committee taking the Bill forward. It is possible that the Bill could receive the Royal Assent in the summer of 2006. In case you missed it… Extracts from the Conference Report which appeared in the last issue of Carriage Horse are re-printed here to remind you of the salient points and for the benefit of new members. Membership fees were discussed at the Conference and the new rates will be published on the web and in the next issue after the next Council Meeting. Because the club affiliation fee scale with its levy on club membership numbers was so unpopular, Treasurer Derrick Mayes said, a new method of calculating the fees has been introduced by Council for next year. These raised £30,500 in 2005 and are planned to raise about £30,330 if they were calculated on the same numbers. The new fees are, clubs of up to 19 members, £300; 20 – 49 members, £500; 50 – 99 members, £750; 100 – 199 members, £1400; 200 – 299 members, £2100; over 300 members (including the Indoor Horse Driving Trials Club - IHDTC), £2800. The IHDTC pays a levy of £10 per event to the BHDTA, too. Ian Douglas, Chairman of the Rules Committee, said that the next Rules Committee meeting would be held on 2 November to report to Council on 8 December and the topics for discussion included: * FEI rule changes, mostly minor and technical. * Juries of Appeal were to be dropped from CAI-B events. * The start and end of an event were to be defined in the Rule Book. The proposals are: International events start one hour before the first vetting; National events start one hour before the first dressage test is driven and end 30 minute after the final results are posted. * The FEI is having difficulty defining “dismounting” from a carriage, currently defined as “the voluntary removal of a person from a carriage”. Ian dryly acknowledged the amusement which this remark evoked from the floor and said the FEI is probably changing this… * A horse’s tail is not allowed to be tied or plaited in any way to the trace or breeching. * International events: a horse can be substituted in the event of an accident or illness before the first inspection. * Also being considered were: * Chefs d’Equipe will be asked to declare the horses competing in writing * Vetting of stallions – a short whip can be carried to control a stallion during the vet inspection. * Lameness in dressage – the President on each dressage arena, positioned at C, can eliminate for lameness. * The wearing of shorts on the marathon used to be penalised (potentially) by elimination – this has been reduced to five penalties (although whether this was per shorts-wearer or per turnout was not clear). * The maximum time allowance for the walk on sections B and D in the marathon is likely to be increased. The time limit of section C, the fast trot, might also be changed, but details were not discussed. * FEI Test 8, currently used for Open and Multiples classes at National events, may be judged by the President of the Jury at C with two judges each side of C, three metres in from the corners and two more judges at B and E markers. This gave a good view of the back of the shoulder-in, said Ian. This was already being done at international events. * The Rule Book is being corrected. * To be confirmed: selection events would allow three horses for pairs drivers. * Competence cards – Council asked the Rules Committee to look at having a time limit on the retrospective signing of competence cards. A two-year period is being considered – that is, competence cards must be completed over two seasons and, ideally, should be signed at the end of the event, not afterwards. * Errors of course in dressage: judges and drivers have asked for consideration of giving five penalties for each error of course instead of the current rule which is elimination after the third error. * Vaccinations: Council agreed at their last meeting to look at what might be done to relax the current FEI ruling for six-monthly flu jabs for horses taking part in FEI equestrian sports. Even when horses are not competing internationally, they must comply, however. Lord Onslow commented that he was affected by this ruling as much as the rest of us. He had contacted the manufacturers of the vaccine and they claim 15-month effectiveness, however, it is unlikely that the FEI will change its mind, despite Lord Onslow writing to its President. (See Office News in this issue for an update.) There were questions from the floor including Barry Hilditch of NEDTL asking what dressage test ponies would be using next year. Answer: FEI tests 6 and 7. Paul Chambers, Single Horse Representative, asked which test would be used for the Single Horse Championships. Answer: probably FEI test 7 – to be confirmed. Emma Burge, Single Pony Champion 2004, asked about whether professional trainers were to be continued to be allowed to warm up turnouts immediately before the dressage test, saying that this practice was not allowed in ridden dressage, eventing or show-jumping. Sydney Smith responded that she would consult the FEI about the practice. FP Letters Page Help for a driving newcomer? I am interested in horse driving trials, but have little experience, and limited finances. I do have two horses, one a cob who was broken to drive before I bought her (I have however, been told that she was not that willing an apprentice in harness) the other a New Forest who is broken to ride, but not drive. My dream is to trial my New Forest I was wondering whether there was anyone in my area who would be interested in an extra pair of hands, so that I could gain some more experience, or whether there was anyone that could advise me the best way of going about getting started. Just one thing, as I work, I could only help out at weekends or evenings. I obviously accept that lessons would be a good idea, and am quite prepared to undertake these, but would also like to get as much experience from volunteering if at all possible as well, as my finances are not likely to stretch too far! I have been shown how to drive (albeit on an totally amateur basis) by a friend who drives out on the Forest, but who does not compete or show in any form. I realise that I have a lot to learn, but one thing I do not lack is enthusiasm! Just one thing - which I hope will not deter anyone interested in letting me help I am in my mid-forties, but am still fit, and have all my own faculties! Anyway, perhaps some BHDTA member could help me. I live near Romsey, Hampshire. Stephanie Allen Email: horsemad58@yahoo.co.uk Carriage Drivers’ Copses at Catton Park The two copses of 20 trees each auctioned at Sandringham last June to raise funds for the World Pony Driving Championships are to be planted on new parkland at Catton this Spring. Owing to the number of generous people who bid for this lot, Robin and Katie Neilson feel it would be difficult to gather everybody together 'out of season' and have therefore decided to hold a ceremony and erect appropriate plaques over the weekend of Catton's Driving Trials 20 -23 July 2006. Hopefully as many people as possible will be able to attend. Any enquiries to Katie Neilson on 01283 712222 or kneilson@catton-hall.com, Catton Hall, Catton, near Walton on Trent, South Derbyshire. DE12 8LN Indoor News thanks to Phil and Barbara Nadin and Equifor.com Webheads See the new “BHDTA Interactive” part of the website. Do you have any comments about wind farms? Have you ridden or driven your horses near any wind turbines? Use the web to make your comments – just click the button… Free bridleways information for riders and drivers. If you haven’t already had a look at it and you’re interested in exploring bridleways and tracks in your area, why not take a peek at www.bridleways.co.uk. Their latest email newsletter includes a page about satellite-navigation systems suitable for horse riders – and carriage drivers. If you have any comments on this, why not contact them – and let us know what experiences you’ve had. I know some people use GPS devices for mapping and measuring marathon routes. FP Carriage Horse Editorial Policy This publication has an independent editorial policy and provides an open forum for all 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 be necessary. Letters 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 and provide a credit for the photographer with photos, if you wish. Unless the contrary is stated, the views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the BHDTA or its Council. Indoor News Keep up-to-date with indoor drivers’ lively discussion, debate and announcements: compare and contrast the results of the different classes and see how drivers are doing in your area at www.indoordriving.co. uk December's lucky winner of the £500 Prize Draw operated on behalf of the Indoor Driving Club was Terry Chambers from Brentwood. The winning ticket - No. 133 - was in joint names with his wife Michelle and early indications are that Michelle may be the main beneficiary. Young Drivers 2006 Event Schedule The BHDTA Junior Clinics officially began in 1993 with some very well known names attending: Anna Grayston, David Matthews and Mark Winder amongst them. We have all come a long way in 12 years and there are now some 90 names on our register. The “Juniors” at that clinic have now become trainers and in fact the next generation are emerging to join them. Ben Grose started teaching at the Summer Camp at Forest Farm in 2005 and had very good reports from everyone. To site other achievements, Chris Ainscough proved his abilities by taking sixth place in a very competitive Open Single Horse Class at the National Championships. Nicole Petch drove an immaculate clear round of cones to complete one of the only three clears all day at the National Championships. There were many others I could name, but I found myself very proud of everyone’s achievements. Thanks to our sponsors All the Young Drivers Training Clinics are made possible by the generous sponsorship from Baileys Horse Feeds and the Worshipful Company of Saddlers. In addition, the BHDTA Supporters helped to sponsor the Junior Championship. We are very grateful for their continued support. In an ideal world, we would like to arrange clinics all together, but due to the fact that the school holidays vary from region to region and the costs make travel very difficult, the committee has tried to arrange spring clinics north and south. Easter Clinic The Unicorn Trust in Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire will host an Easter Clinic, 12 - 14 April, 2006. Most of you have already attended this clinic, but for those of you newcomers, it is usually focused on preparing you for trials competition. Some of you may have been competing throughout the winter at the Indoor Horse Driving Trials Club events and be well advanced at driving obstacles and cones: this clinic gives you an opportunity to get back to basics and polish your skills. For others it may be your very first experience and our instructors will help you make a good beginning and you will also have a “buddy” to guide you. Over the years we have used it to “top up” your training with talks and demonstrations as well as some very competitive games in the evening! Applications for the Easter Clinic to Sydney Smith Granary Cottage Netherswell, Stow on the Wold, Glos. GL54 1JZ or by email sydneys@netcomuk.co.uk or the BHDTA office for an entry form as soon as possible. Northern Training Day There will be a Northern Training Day, 5 April, with Andrew May at Dophinton, Peebleshire. Applications should be made to Amanda Saville Chariots of Fire Driving Centre Nether Boreland, Lockerbie DG11 2LL or email juniors@chariots.org.uk or the BHDTA office. Amanda Saville will be getting married over the Easter holidays and we wish her all the very best. Summer Camp There is a change of venue for the Summer Camp. We are sad to leave Forest Farm with all its wonderful facilities and grateful to our hospitable hosts, Pippa Jarman and Debbie Butler. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to hold the camp at the Ashfields Carriage Driving Centre near Dunmow, Essex, 31 July- 2 August, and we are very grateful to Jean Lane for taking on the organisation. Hopefully you will find the new venue’s position near the major motorways to be helpful. Applications should be made to Jean Lane c/o Haverhill Motaquip Ltd.Recreation Rd,Haverhill, Suffolk,CB9 8BH or by email jeannielanedriving@yahooo.co.uk or the BHDTA Office. Junior Championships The 2005 Junior Championship at Escrick Park was a wonderful example of good competition, good sportsmanship and FUN. With the added element of the Team Competition, kindly sponsored by Sheila Hawking, we have now embarked on the beginnings of International competition and congratulations to the English Team for winning the Trophy. However, we must maintain, if not improve our standards and the Irish will be champing at the bit to get their trophy back! We will be aiming to put forward another fantastic team effort and there is much planning to be done. The 2006 Championships will again be held at Escrick Park in Yorkshire with the kind permission of the North East Driving Club on 30 September - 1 October with the generous sponsorship of Baileys Horsefeeds and the BHDTA Supporters Club. Although we discussed an earlier date, it is the only possibility of getting everyone together, so I hope that you will have enough time to plan ahead. Amanda Saville is our very special Organiser for this event and details will circulated to every Club as well as posted on the BHDTA website. Applications should be made to Amanda Saville, details as before. Club support for junior drivers? At the Club Organisers meeting at the annual conference, it was very clear that the clubs are very aware that there were many of you wanting the chance to compete. I am sure that they will endeavour to arrange classes to accommodate most of you, but if your club is unable to put on a class, you should approach a neighbouring club or perhaps even organise a group of you to ask a club to arrange something. The qualifications for competing will be to complete two club events. However, if for some reason this is impossible, there is still the possibility of competing if you have attended the summer camp and are approved by the instructors. Junior Committee There is plan to discuss organising a Junior Committee to help with plans for your future. The first meeting to discuss this idea will be held during the Easter Clinic at the Unicorn Trust. If the Council approve our proposals, it will be another important milestone. Andy Pilkington has already agreed to help me by liaising with you and helping to make your views known. Make no mistake, all of this just doesn’t just happen. It takes an immense amount of work and help from your family, mentors and volunteers. Competitions and clinics need sponsorship. It is very important that you appreciate the opportunity they provide and return the confidence they have in you by trying your best and being a good ambassador for the sport by appreciating their help. Someday it will be your turn to give something back. Finally, you will have received a letter by post with this same update, but including a questionnaire. If you want to help us help you, please return the completed questionnaire to the Office or myself as soon as possible. Sydney Smith Club News NEHDTL Sponsored Harness Horse Drive Sunday, 26 March 2006 Escrick Park, York (off A19) Our annual sponsored drive will be held on Sunday, 26 March, at Escrick Park near York. Last year the drive raised £2,800.00 which was divided between The British Heart Foundation and The Diabetes Trust. As well as being a great fundraiser, the event offers an early opportunity for members to have a fun day and use the facilities at Escrick and get in some valuable obstacle practice prior to the start of the outdoor season. This year the monies raised will be divided between the Martin House Childrens Hospice and Riding for the Disabled. Both are very worthy causes. Please give the day your support, if you can not bring your horse or pony any help you can offer on the day would be appreciated. MDTG looks forward to the start of the new season The Midlands Driving Trials Group opens it season at Thoresby Park, near Mansfield Notts. on the weekend of 22-23 April. Chris Doughty, the Group’s Chairman, said, “Our reciprocal arrangement with the NEDTL means that our members get reduced entry fees at Escrick in return for us offering North Eastern Group members reduced fees for Thoresby. Both venues are superb places for early season events and I am looking forward to another good entry and weekend of sport.” The Group’s second event on the following weekend is a training day with Stuart Roberts and Karen Bassett near Burton upon Trent in South Staffordshire. Saturday’s pupils, joined by other competitors, can put their new- found skills to practise on the Sunday during a one day event featuring a shortened marathon course. A concentration of National events during May means that the next MDTG event is 17-18 June at Offchurchbury near Leamington Spa. Organiser Bob Auton said, “We returned to Offchurch in 2005 after a gap of some years and our competitors had a great weekend. We will build upon the good reputation held by this venue and will consider using permanent obstacles if entries grow as we expect.” The Grangewood and Knowle Hill events swap dates just for this year. Mike Fallowell will have a water obstacle at Knowle Hill while Geoff Kirby will have spent many winter hours thinking up challenging obstacles for Grangewood. We tried Great Ponton, near Grantham, as a new site during 2005 and were so pleased with it that we return there for a competition on 19-20 August 2006. The horsebox park will remain near the obstacles and the dressage arena and cones course will be moved to some level ground near the farmstead. This site is very close to the A1 and is easily accessible from many parts of the country. EADTG and NEDTL members are again offered reduced entry fees – it’s an excellent site, why not give it a try? The Club Championships will be held on 2-3 September at Catton Park and the season finishes on 23-24 September at Mythe Farm. Details can be obtained from the membership and entry secretary: Lesley West on 01630 661314 or email jodders@lineone.net and also from the website www.mdtg.co.uk News from East Anglia Ashfields Carriage and Polo Centre and EACDG are proving the right formula for carriage drivers, attracting them from nearby and far afield. Zoe Morgan brings us up-to-date. Ashfields Carriage Driving Centre has been having an enormous face lift and the stables are very nearly finished. Terry Chambers has designed a state-of-the-art carriage driving and polo centre with forty new stables and a club house. Wilf Bowman-Ripley will be running a carriage driving shop selling carriages, harness and every type of driving accessory which is due to open in the spring, 2006. The East Anglian Carriage Driving Group Ltd have run four very successful shows at Ashfields, each show attracting more and more entries. There are six permanent obstacles designed and constructed by Wilf with two new ones due to be built for 2006 season. Wilf Bowman-Ripley also runs popular driving clinics and gives private lessons. First-time competitors wishing to try driving trials can have a special “taster” day of training involving a safety check, dressage and cones lessons and going out on a marathon learning about how to drive the sections - A,D and E – and how to do the timing. These are followed by lessons on obstacle driving. The EACDG welcome new members to enter their events and recommend that before you compete at your first event that you spend a day at Ashfields with Wilf or one of the other instructors. Ashfields Events 2006 22-23 April, EACDG two-day event 29-30 July, EACDG two-day event 31 July - 2 August three-day Junior Clinic Find out more about the EACDG and how to join on their website www.eacdg.org.uk or by calling the club’s secretary Jean Lane, 01440 709180. Training Clinic Dates at Ashfields for 2006 Wilf Bowman-Ripley will be teaching at all these clinics on both days. 15-16 April with Georgina Frith on Sunday, 27-28 May with Karen Bassett on Saturday and Pippa Bassett on Sunday, 17-18 June and 8-9 July The Single Horse Ball The 2006 Single Horse Ball will be on Saturday, 18 March, at Hadlow Manor Hotel, near Hadlow, Kent. (Black tie or lounge suit (Raffle and tombola (Excellent live band This is a fund-raising event for the Single Horse class competitors and Rockdale House, the local old people’s home in Sevenoaks. Tickets are £30 each and can be ordered from the organiser, Sarah Owlett 01732 838320 or send a cheque + SAE to Absaloms Farm, Underriver, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0SL We hope as many single horse drivers as possible will attend. If you’re a single horse competitor or just want to join in the fun, get your ticket now! Please contact Wilf 07770 944868 to book any lessons. All lessons are one-to-one. You can also book private lessons on other dates or hire the facilities at Ashfields and bring your own instructor. Find out more from Zoe Morgan 01371 875792 One of the latest designs from Fenix Carriages is the new pony pairs vehicle. New Fenix Flyer unveiled Mark Broadbent of Fenix Carriages has been hard at work on his range of competition vehicles, too. Here are the standard features of the latest in his successful and popular Fenix Flyer range, the Flyer Mark IV for single horses and ponies: * Increased back step area with non-slip aluminium raised perforated sheet for extra grip * Delayed steering, geometrically designed resulting in excellent ground following with no tail sway (option on pony models) * Sporting, comfortable driver’s seat with side support giving enhanced driving position * Wide shaft fitting ensuring comfort and easy unrestricted turning for the horse * Fully elliptical multi-leaf springs, bespoke, made to accommodate the weight of each driver and backstepper * Set back swingletree for close coupling * Lightweight and strong “A” frame construction * Increased stability and outstanding groundholding * Removable rear seat, lamp brackets and telescopic axle option for three-phase competition * Grab handles placed at convenient points to suit the individual driver and groom * Colour of your choice * Three year guarantee with excellent service and after-sales support. Call Mark Broadbent, 01363 866532, or see Fenix Carriages’ website at www.fenixcarriages.co.uk for more information. The Real Rules of Dressage “Enough to make a horse laugh” from Sarah Garnett A dressage test is a test of your skill against another competitor's luck. Dressage is about achieving a harmonious working relationship with your horse. His idea of harmony is eating grass in a field. If you want to end a drought or dry spell, wear a new jacket and hat for your dressage test. Untalented, difficult, aggressive horses have robust health and long lives. Talented tractable horses are accident prone. You will drive the best test of your entire life just prior to being penalised for not wearing your gloves. The less skilled the driver, the more likely they are to share their ideas and advice on driving the test. No one cheats at dressage because no one has worked out how to. It is surprisingly easy to end a test with a perfect square halt once you have scored a four for every other movement. Special Rules for Riders Horses do not improve their paces because you are wearing expensive German jodhpurs. However, if you are considering the services of a horse clairvoyant to help you with your training, then clearly you have reached the point of total desperation - try the German jodhpurs anyway. If you chose a disco theme for your dressage to music test then the judge will not be less than 90 years old. If you fall off your horse in the arena you will have paid to have the test videoed. Have you tried driving tandem? David Taylor from Purleigh in Essex is the new representative for the Horse Tandem drivers class in the BHDTA Drivers’ Liaison Committee. He’s so keen to get more drivers having a go at tandem driving, for pleasure or competitively that he has developed a new website: http://uk.geocities.com/carriagehouse@btinternet.com Read his tale of how he got started driving tandem and competing (which seemed to involve camels…): be prepared to roll on the floor, your sides aching with laughter at his adventures. Below, David drives his tandem indoors as well as grooming for his daughter Claire (she drives tandem, too!). Photo: FP South of England Carriage Driving Fair Britain’s largest indoor carriage driving show, organised by Brockham Harness Club, is at the South of England Showground, Ardingly, W.Sussex on Sunday, 12 March, and celebrates its tenth year. The show offers carriage driving enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport the excitement of a live sporting event with all the entertainment of top quality attractions and has become recognised as the start of the driving season. The programme in the main arena starts at 10am and combines thrilling competition, instructional & informative displays and sheer entertainment from the country’s leading carriage drivers and 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 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, Di Hayes and Dick Lane (pictured below). Main arena attractions include International Horse Team competition, Junior musical drive, Private Driving with The BDS, Heavy Horse Power, Scurry Competition, Breed Displays, RDA Driving, The Gary Docking Makeover, Trade Vehicles, Baileys Kid’s Challenge, Masterclass with top trainers, Ridden Dressage, and there’s the ‘Suck it and See Hour’, a chance to drive a single or a pair under the expert supervision of leading whip Gary Docking. We are also very pleased to welcome from Holland – Aart van de Kamp with his show complete with three of his famous Shetland teams, Aart has also thrown down a challenge to take on GB pony team drivers in an exciting head to head competition. A new feature introduced last year was the veterinary corner which will be repeated with expert advice available throughout the day. Everyone has a chance to scoop the ultimate prize, a Tedex Harness, kindly donated by Fiona Tedman of Zilco in the Grand Draw. The BHDTA and BDS will have stands at the show giving out information to potential new members and catching up with existing members, full range of merchandise, rule books etc will all be available for purchase. 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, 12 March, 2006. ND p.s. The single horse class will be using the fair to launch its fund raising efforts for 2006 so come along and support Team GB members. Life Launder your yard Spring is the time for the annual epic cleaning session, but these days it more commonly referred to as ‘decluttering’ or ‘life laundry’. This clearing out can be an energising experience. Constantly being surrounded by dirt and items that you never use or which are broken can significantly drown your energy levels. The principles of life laundering should not just be applied to our homes but in all aspects of our lives, even to improve our horses’ environment, too. Here are some tips from Scotts of Thrapston: 1. Check roof for loose tiles and remove overhanging branches to prevent damage to the roof and clear gutters. 3. Check kicking board and repair any damage caused from kicking. Stokboard to 1.2m high offers extra protection against kicking. 4. Remove cobwebs from the inside of the roof to minimise dust and help prevent COPD. 5. Check concrete for any damage over the winter due to frost and repair as necessary. 6. Steam clean the kicking board to remove manure stains and freshen up with a coat of black and white paint. 7. Wooden door and window frames can be painted with anti-crib biting treatments. 8. Clean cladding, doors and windows; at the same time check for damage and repair as necessary. 9. Adjust any doors that do not open or close properly. 10. Sweep all corners of the tack and feed room helping to prevent damp and damage from vermin. 11. Finally, steam clean the yard floor, wiping away the grime and moss which can make the surface slippery. The 'baggage' you’ve removed will no longer drag you down and you are ready to face new challenges, whether it’s doing your first dressage test or aiming to qualify for the Club or National Championship and you’ll also save time on your daily duties. More information - 01832 732366, email equestrian@scottsofthrapston.co.uk Events Diary 2005 - 2006 National Events, Novice Qualifiers, Club events and Training Clinics derived from the list on the website. NOTICE TO ALL AFFILIATED CLUBS Please enter the details of your events on the website or send your dates to the Office as soon as you can to be included in this listing. 12 March South of England Carriage Driving Fair, Ardingly, West Sussex. Tickets on the door or in advance – contact 01483 276936 or www.brockhamharnessclub.co.uk 25-26 March – Indoor Horse Driving Trials Championship Finals, The College EC, Keysoe, Beds. See www.indoordriving.co.uk NATIONAL DRIVING TRIALS DATES 2006 5-7 May - Brighton (Sussex) 26-28 May - Hopetoun (Edinburgh) 2-4 June - Farleigh House (Hampshire) 16-18 June - Newnham Park(Devon) 30 June-2 July - Sandringham (Norfolk) 14-16 July - Henbury Hall (Cheshire) 21-23 July - Catton Park (Derbyshire) 4-6 August - Lowther (Cumbria) 11-13 August - Alnwick Castle (Northumberland) 25-27 August - Castle Kennedy (Dumfries and Galloway) 26-27 August - Normanhurst (East Sussex) 15-17 September - National Carriage Driving Championships, Windsor INTERNATIONAL & WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 11-14 May - Royal Windsor CAI-A (W) 27 August – 3 September World Equestrian Games Aachen(GER) CH-M-A 4 21-24 September – Pratoni de Vivaro, Rome (ITA) World Singles Championships CH-M-A 1 NOVICE QUALIFIERS The 2006 Novice Qualifier classes are run at club events. These are in addition to those held at National events: 1-2 April - Forest of Dean, Chepstow 8-9 April - North East DTG, Escrick Park 22-23 April - Midlands DTG, Thoresby Park 20-21 May - Windsor Park, Windsor 17-18 June - Chester DTG, Poulton 19-20 August - Northern Ireland, Necarne 19-20 August - Brockham Harness Club, Borde Hill, Sussex This will make a total of 17 Novice Qualifiers throughout the country over the coming 2006 season. In 2005, a total of 15 Novice Qualifier events ran with 82 ponies and 125 horse entries. Only eight ponies and 12 horses competed in the Novice Driver classes at the SsangYong National Driving Championships at Windsor in September. Club Events Club Secretaries – you can enter your event dates and details on the BHDTA website and they will automatically apear here. “More publicity equals more competitors.” Club website addresses can be found on the BHDTA website. Date, Club, Event, Venue, Contact 12 March, WPEC Windsor Park Driving Training Day (Members) 01276 472169 12 March, MDTG, Judges Clinic 18 March, EACDG, Euston Park near Thetford, training with Kandice Trusler 19 March, EACDG Euston Park near Thetford, one-day event 25-26 March, National Indoor Horse Driving Trials Finals, The College EC, Keysoe, near Bedford. Competitors qualify throughout the country. Come and watch this exciting event, see your friends and enjoy the spectacle. 25-26 March, WPEC Windsor Park Equestrian Club Meet 1 (Members) 01276 472169 1-2 April, Forest of Dean, two-day event + NQ, David Broome Centre, Chepstow 5 April, Junior Training Day (Northern) with Andrew May, Dophinton, Peeblesshire. Applications to Amanda Saville, Chariots of Fire Driving Centre, Nether Boreland, Lockerbie DG11 2LL or email: juniors@chariots.org.uk 8-9 April, NEDTG two-day event, NQ, Escrick Park, near York 9 April, WPEC Windsor Park Windsor Park Sponsored Drive (All). Driving in Windsor Park is a great privilege, and always breathtaking 01276 472169 12 – 14 April, Junior Training Clinic, Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold, application forms from the BHDTA Office 15-16 April, WPEC Windsor Park Club Meet 2 (Members). Competitors are not required to enter all phases (Dressage, Cones and Marathon) if they don't wish to, and each phase is judged independently, 01276 472169 22-23 April, SCDA Eglinton, Irvine, Ayrshire Scottish Points two-day event, 0845 226 9498 22-23 April, EACDG, Ashfields Carriage Driving Centre, near Dunmow, Essex, two-day event 22-23 April, MDTG, Thoresby Park, two-day event and NQ 6-7 May, SCDA Dalmeny, S. Queensferry, Lothian Scottish Points two-day event 0845 226 9498 5-7 May, Brighton Horse Driving Trials, Stanmer Park, Brighton, National event and NQ 20-21 May, WPEC Windsor Park Club Meet 3 (Members and NQ). Competitors are not required to enter all Phases (Dressage, Cones and Marathon) if they don't wish to, and each Phase is judged independently. 01276 472169 10-11 June, SCDA Falkland, Fife Scottish Points two-day event 0845 226 9498 17-18 June, SCDA St. Fort, Tayside Scottish Points two-day event 0845 226 9498 9 July, WPEC Windsor Park Marathon Only (Members). 01276 472169 15-16 July, SCDA Barskimming, Mauchline, Ayrshire Scottish Points two-day event 0845 226 9498 22-23 July, WPEC Windsor Park Club Meet 4 (Members). Competitors are not required to enter all phases (Dressage, Cones and Marathon) if they don't wish to, and each phase is judged independently. 01276 472169 29-30 July, SCDA West Newton, Arbroath Scottish Points two-day event 0845 226 9498 31July-2 August, Junior Summer Camp, Ashfields Carriage Driving Centre near Dunmow, Essex. Apply to Jean Lane, c/o Haverhill Motaquip Ltd., Recreation Rd, Haverhill, Suffolk,CB9 8BH or email jeannielanedriving@yahoo.co.uk 19-20 August, Brockham Harness Club, Borde Hill two-day event + NQ, Borde Hill, Haywards Heath, Sussex, Sara Simmons 01903 812885/ 07802 335705 19-20 August, SCDA Dalswinton, Dumfries Scottish Points two-day event, 0845 226 9498 2-3 September, SCDA Blair, Dalry, Ayrshire Scottish Points two-day event, 0845 226 9498 2-3 September, WPEC Windsor Park Driving Championship (Members), 01276 472169 17 September, WPEC Windsor Park Club Classes at National Championships. 01276 472169 23-24 September, SCDA Thornton, Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire Scottish Points two-day event 0845 226 9498 STOP PRESS FEI Passport surcharge 26 January 2006 The BEF have introduced a surcharge for FEI passports that have to be turned around quickly. In the past for example, someone would turn up at our office with a passport that needed revalidating and was needed for the next day because they were leaving for an International competition. We would dash over to the BEF and get it validated and returned the stamped passport to the owner. The BEF now charge £50 + VAT (£58.75) for a passport to be turned around in 48 hours. Any normal passport application can now take up to 3 or 4 weeks to turn around. They will also now charge £25 per Section Nine insertion. Unfortunately, we have to pass these surcharges on to the passport holder, so please make sure you have your passport up to date well in advance of any international competition. STOP PRESS Windsor Park Annual Sponsored Drive Sunday, 9 April, 2006. The Meet is at Smiths Lawn, Windsor Park. All varieties of (safe) turnouts are welcome. Charities that will benefit from this drive are: NSPCC, Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, RDA Carriage Driving, British Heart Foundation. There has been an unavoidable delay in distributing the Schedule and Entry Forms, so to obtain an Entry Form now, send an sae to the Entries Secretary, Denis Williams, Jorric Stud, Church Lane, Wexham, Bucks, SL3 6LH Tel/fax 01753 577969 THB British Equestrian Novice Points Leagues THB British Equestrian Insurance Brokers Ltd are kindly continuing to sponsor the Novice Driver Points Leagues throughout the 2006 season. Points are awarded in Novice Qualifier classes for single horse and single pony turnouts competing at National and Club events down to sixth place. Find out more about insurance from on 01732 771719. Stewards wanted There are many ways you can help at events and “stewarding” is one of them. You don’t need to be a horse expert: if you can hold a pen or stopwatch then you can join in! There’s always room for extra pairs of hands at events, from exciting score collecting and timing at obstacles or in the cones, writing for the dressage judge, being a “collecting ring” steward… The list is endless and you can always learn something new if you wish, whether it’s from watching top drivers or writing the dressage judge’s remarks. Even just a couple of hours’ help is welcome. Contact the BHDTA Office or your nearest club’s secretary and let them know what you can do. Fenix Carriages Points Leagues 2005 Fenix Carriages, based near Tiverton, Devon, are kindly sponsoring the Open and Multiples classes’ Points Leagues again for 2006. Points are awarded at National events down to tenth place, first place having ten points and tenth having one point. The best six of an individual driver’s placings count towards the final result. The rules and latest results can be seen on the BHDTA website throughout the season. Find out more about Fenix Carriages from their website, www.fenixcarriages.co.uk, or call Mark Broadbent, 01363 866532. Training Mark Broadbent of Fenix Carriages teaches at Forest Farm on a regular basis. If you are interested in having a lesson – or in having your Fenix carriage serviced at Forest Farm, please contact Mark (or Jo) 01363 866532 Train with Karen Bassett, Georgina Frith and Heiner Merk at Blandings Farm, near Newmarket. Call Louise Garget on 01638 720664 email: louise.garget@virgin.net Train with Wilf Bowman-Ripley, Karen Bassett, Pippa Basett and Georgina Frith at Ashfields Carriage Driving Centre, near Dunmow, Essex. More details: Zoe Morgan 01371 875792 Groom wanted: Joanne Hartland is looking for a groom or trainee to start the 2006 season. The position involves grooming, riding and offers the chance to get involved in the Hartland Carriage business. It is an interesting job with a lot of variety. Accommodation is offered. Contact Jo at hartlandcarriage@aol.com Enthusiastic groom wanted for family ride/drive yard in Northumberland. Busy and varied job involving competition carriage driving, hunting, all Pony Club activities and holiday ride/drive business. Must be competent rider with dressage experience for schooling horses and ponies. Furnished cottage available. Ali Wrangham 01668 217329 Carriage wanted: Three-phase carriage to fit 15.3 hands single horse; suitable for club level competitions only; must have adjustable axle, preferably a double seat at the front. Please ring Bob Auton 07967 342235 (Midlands) Pony wanted: Experienced pony wanted for driving trials, indoor and out, 13 – 14.2 hands. Must be suitable for junior and novice drivers. Tim Bradford 01621 828718 (Purleigh) Carriage Horse Copy Date The next issue of Carriage Horse is planned to hit your doormats in May. Please send articles, letters and items for publication to reach us as soon as possible, before 3 April. Please send paper letters and your faxes to the Office and emails to the Editor, cc: the Office – thanks! Contact details are inside the front cover. All items to be sent to BHDTA Office or preferably e-mailed to: bhdta@horsedrivingtrials.co.uk 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 be necessary if space is limited. Letters will have the right to reply in the same issue if considered appropriate. Anonymous, defamatory or objectionable letters will not published. Unless the contrary is shown, the views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the BHDTA or its Council. |
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