The official newsletter of the British Horse Driving Trials Association
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The official newsletter of the British Horse Driving Trials Association |
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April 2002 on-line edition |
Despite the fact that the outdoor season has hardly started, a vast number of driving enthusiasts have been working extremely hard during the winter months. Notably, of course, Dick Carey and his indoor driving ‘team’ who have travelled the length and breadth of Great Britain with hardly a weekend off since October. More recently the organisers and instructors at the various BHDTA training clinics have done a great job and all the clinics have been particularly well attended and enthusiastically received. Many thanks to all those who work so hard behind the scenes all the year round.
Here’s to a very successful 2002 driving season.
Tom Pettifer, BHDTA Chairman
The AGM will take place at the University of Sussex (immediately adjacent to the Brighton HDT showground) at 6.00p.m. on Thursday 9th May. Only those members entitled to vote will be admitted to this meeting, but this will be followed by an informal Open Meeting to which all members are welcome.
Don’t forget that voting papers (sent out with the previous mailing) must be returned to the Scrutineer by Thursday 18th April at the latest. Please take the time to vote.
After a rather slow take up of places, a goodly number of course builders gathered at the Unicorn Trust at the beginning of February, to be subjected to two days of intensive study.
Tom Pettifer welcomed delegates, following which Philip Bateman introduced a brief resumé of two years’ rule changes with particular reference to their effect on course builders.
George Prince then took over with a detailed theoretical look at the problems of building around triangular obstacle elements, illustrating his talk with reference to a proposed obstacle at one of the 2002 events, and also an undriveable obstacle from one of last year’s events on the continent.
After lunch a series of triangular elements were built and Barry Capstick with a team, and Jane Lamb with a single, demonstrated how easy or difficult various turn proved to be. All very illuminating!
Early Sunday morning saw delegates back in the classroom to review the results of the previous afternoon’s session in the school. The general consensus was that the 3 metre rule for squares and rectangles applies, although care must be taken to avoid approaching straight on to an acute end of a triangle, because this is similar to a freestanding post, and where it is proposed that a turn will be more acute than 90 degrees, teams need at least 7 metres for a change of rein unless there is a facing rail to turn the leaders. If a narrow alley between the points of 4 or more triangles is to be offered as an alternative it needs to be at least 1.3 metres wide and must have a straight approach. It was observed that the features surrounding a turn were of equal or even greater importance than the turn itself. For example a facing rail is very different from an open space, and leaders may shy away from shiny barrels.
It was felt that a balance needs to be struck between technical and free flowing obstacles, and in technical obstacles no more than two acute changes of rein should be expected without a break to allow drivers to reorganise their reins.
Still in the classroom delegates then turned their attention to cones. Ian Douglas showed an analysis of all the cone phases during 2000 with the numbers of clear rounds achieved by each class at each event. With one or two notable exceptions these showed 10 to 15 percent of competitors achieving a clear round. This was considered acceptable, although there was a feeling that, as British competitors found continental courses more difficult, maybe some British courses should be made more difficult in the hope that the standard of cone driving would improve.
A technical German course and a free flowing American course were then considered and discussed in depth, and it was decided that as much of the German course as could be fitted into the school should be built during the lunch break, and Jane would be asked to drive it in the afternoon.
Philip de Leon then sobered the meeting with some details of the health and safety requirements for course builders and showed some very gory slides of the result of not taking sufficient care with chain saws, and even quite innocuous tools like hammers and screwdrivers. He particularly reminded course builders that health and safety started at home and good planning and well cared for tools are essential. He also suggested that the accident book should be with the chief course builder until the event starts when it can be handed over to the event secretary.
Jane coped well with the technical turns in the afternoon and obligingly drove long routes and short routes so that delegates could see how the distance driven, and severity of turns, was affected by each.
At a final classroom session it was agreed that it had been a most instructive weekend and all those presenting sessions, particularly George Prince, were thanked for the effort that had gone into planning the event. Barry and Jane were also thanked for agreeing to be guinea pigs.
Drivers can be relieved that, as a result, some over tight turns should not be included in future courses! It was agreed that for next year’s event a foreign coursebuilder should be invited to speak. Delegates also felt that a trip to a continental event at some time during 2002 would be useful, especially if the course builder could be available to show them round the course and discuss the basis of his obstacle designs. This would be investigated.
A quick cup of tea and a warm vote of thanks to the Unicorn Trust for their hospitality saw delegates dispersing to the four corners of the U.K.
After a rather slow take up of places, a goodly number of course builders gathered at the Unicorn Trust at the beginning of February, to be subjected to two days of intensive study.
Tom Pettifer welcomed delegates, following which Philip Bateman introduced a brief resumé of two years’ rule changes with particular reference to their effect on course builders.
George Prince then took over with a detailed theoretical look at the problems of building around triangular obstacle elements, illustrating his talk with reference to a proposed obstacle at one of the 2002 events, and also an undriveable obstacle from one of last year’s events on the continent.
After lunch a series of triangular elements were built and Barry Capstick with a team, and Jane Lamb with a single, demonstrated how easy or difficult various turn proved to be. All very illuminating!
Early Sunday morning saw delegates back in the classroom to review the results of the previous afternoon’s session in the school. The general consensus was that the 3 metre rule for squares and rectangles applies, although care must be taken to avoid approaching straight on to an acute end of a triangle, because this is similar to a freestanding post, and where it is proposed that a turn will be more acute than 90 degrees, teams need at least 7 metres for a change of rein unless there is a facing rail to turn the leaders. If a narrow alley between the points of 4 or more triangles is to be offered as an alternative it needs to be at least 1.3 metres wide and must have a straight approach. It was observed that the features surrounding a turn were of equal or even greater importance than the turn itself. For example a facing rail is very different from an open space, and leaders may shy away from shiny barrels.
It was felt that a balance needs to be struck between technical and free flowing obstacles, and in technical obstacles no more than two acute changes of rein should be expected without a break to allow drivers to reorganise their reins.
Still in the classroom delegates then turned their attention to cones. Ian Douglas showed an analysis of all the cone phases during 2000 with the numbers of clear rounds achieved by each class at each event. With one or two notable exceptions these showed 10 to 15 percent of competitors achieving a clear round. This was considered acceptable, although there was a feeling that, as British competitors found continental courses more difficult, maybe some British courses should be made more difficult in the hope that the standard of cone driving would improve.
A technical German course and a free flowing American course were then considered and discussed in depth, and it was decided that as much of the German course as could be fitted into the school should be built during the lunch break, and Jane would be asked to drive it in the afternoon.
Philip de Leon then sobered the meeting with some details of the health and safety requirements for course builders and showed some very gory slides of the result of not taking sufficient care with chain saws, and even quite innocuous tools like hammers and screwdrivers. He particularly reminded course builders that health and safety started at home and good planning and well cared for tools are essential. He also suggested that the accident book should be with the chief course builder until the event starts when it can be handed over to the event secretary.
Jane coped well with the technical turns in the afternoon and obligingly drove long routes and short routes so that delegates could see how the distance driven, and severity of turns, was affected by each.
At a final classroom session it was agreed that it had been a most instructive weekend and all those presenting sessions, particularly George Prince, were thanked for the effort that had gone into planning the event. Barry and Jane were also thanked for agreeing to be guinea pigs.
Drivers can be relieved that, as a result, some over tight turns should not be included in future courses! It was agreed that for next year’s event a foreign coursebuilder should be invited to speak. Delegates also felt that a trip to a continental event at some time during 2002 would be useful, especially if the course builder could be available to show them round the course and discuss the basis of his obstacle designs. This would be investigated.
A quick cup of tea and a warm vote of thanks to the Unicorn Trust for their hospitality saw delegates dispersing to the four corners of the U.K.
With four 'Inside Out Fun Days' at Poulton fully subscribed until September, John and I decided that instead of panicking we'd be better employed attending the BHDTA Club Clinics where John hoped to improve his knowledge of safe coursebuilding and I of scoring techniques.
After several sleepless nights I was relieved to discover that Tom
Petitpierre bore no resemblance whatsoever to my old maths teacher! In
fact he explained the scoring system clearly (even I could understand it!) and
his obvious enthusiasm for the job was infectious. Contrary to my previous
beliefs, you don't need to be a mathematician and I would strongly recommend
that if you are interested in taking up the job of scoring that you attend a
clinic with Tom. .
John equally enjoyed the coursebuilding, although the general view was that it
would have been beneficial to have actually seen the obstacles designed being
driven - perhaps next time? National Coursebuilder "Scorch" (Antony
Petitpierre) constantly gave of his knowledge and experiences. (I now hold
him personally responsible for John acquiring the annoying habit of jotting down
obstacle designs at odd times and places!).
The amalgamation over the weekend of the three courses was also beneficial with useful, humorous input from Ian Douglas and Philip Bateman on the TD side of things. Philip de Leon instilled into us the importance of H&S and gave everyone 'food for thought’; we all felt that perhaps this subject - previously thought of as 'boring, but necessary' - had been made interesting by Philip and more time could have been spent on this.
And The Unicorn Trust.… a magnificent place and a truly superb venue for a weekend Clinic - what a wonderful job the Trust does to promote our sport, along with other equine interests.
Many thanks to everyone who organised, attended and gave input to what we
think was a very successful and enjoyable weekend. .
It was good to see driving friends again at the Unicorn Trust at the beginning of March after such a long enforced gap. Some new faces, the new Chairman and Executive Officer amongst them. There were one or 2 faces sadly missing. Amongst these was Joe Moore. His contribution to the work of the HDT Judges was acknowledged and we sent him our best wishes.
The new rules were explained to the judges. Nothing very dramatic except in the cones where there are changes that should make the Judges’ role easier - competitors can now circle, etc. unpenalised. However, double boxes will cause different problems for course builders, judges and competitors. Interesting!
Some ‘letters’ were considered - very lucky as they were anonymous. The Judges agreed that competitors should be advised if there is an appeal and then be informed of the progress of any decisions. This will be posted on the scoreboard.
The subject of motorbikes in obstacles was discussed. This continues to be a problem and will certainly be monitored this season.
During the discussion on Presentation, the question of jewellery was brought up - but mostly from the angle of body piercing. What is appropriate and what is not? Difficult for us to answer, especially as some we may not see! It was agreed that all jewellery will be discouraged on health and safety grounds. Nobody is going to see discrete items but excessive jewellery will be seen as a presentation fault.
Diana Brownlie reported on interpretation of the rules at the recent FEI International Judges’ Conference. No effort to go single-handed, rein back, etc in the Dressage in international events will now call for a bell. Trotting in the walk movements (because you forgot), etc will also get a bell. Competitors had better be seen to ‘try’! We do have some drivers who cannot carry a whip because of a disability. If they can’t complete single-handed movements, they need to inform the organiser and the judges prior to the competition. They will be marked on their performance as seen but the bell won’t be rung.
It was confirmed that it is only the Judge at C who can stop a horse for lameness/unlevelness (usually at the end of the test). The other judges will just mark the performance as seen. The same applies with errors of course. If the Judge at C misses the error, the competitor may get away with it, although this may prove not to be so advantageous as the other judges will mark the performance and this could be 0!
The ‘Guinea Pigs’ all deserved a golden star, and what an asset to the Conference they proved to be, with the positive input of Andrew Counsell, George Bowman, Diana Brownlie and top international ridden Dressage judge, Barry Marshall. The ‘Guinea Pigs’ all went home feeling positive and with a sense of purpose and achievement.
The Presentation of the ‘Guinea Pigs’ was discussed but most came ‘as they were’ and were not discouraged. Safety and fit are the vital issues but to gain high marks the turnout must also be correct. Top hats and livery should only appear with a ‘city’ vehicle and are not appropriate with a marathon type vehicle. (These turnouts also need to have full collars.) The Judges also looked closely at pole length and the angle of draught (both multiples and singles). This line is often ‘broken’ on some modern carriages and brings weight down on neck straps. In turn this makes it difficult for any horse to become light in front.
The ‘Guinea Pigs’ were very varied in experience, type and at vastly different stages of training, with some drivers new to their class. Judges were reminded that they must evaluate the performance on the day. If the horse(s) performs with no errors they must be “satisfactory” or above. Some horses/ponies may have reached the height of their trainability and Judges must recognise this in their comments and marks. Equally some drivers may not yet be capable of furthering the performance of their turnout and again Judges must mark as seen but be supportive in their comments.
This was a friendly, positive Conference ably run by Sarah Garnett and much enjoyed by all. The ‘Guinea Pigs’ deserved the thanks they were given and our own in-house ‘trainers’ received special thanks for their input. Thanks to you Sarah.
It was absolutely wonderful to have such a warm welcome. Exercises and fitness workouts consisting of ‘legging it’ as fast as you could all the way around the outside of the huge indoor complex, with instructors Georgina Frith, Barry Capstick and Anna Grayston insisting that they were so fast that they were back to the start without anyone even seeing them pass. I think that is why Sydney Smith of the Unicorn Trust had the speed cameras fitted.
Heavy breathing broke the ice between everyone and friends were made. Individual training sessions with the surprisingly kind yet effective instructors brought the morning to a close, and tired but still enthusiastic we had a delicious meal cooked by the wonderful Fran and her helpers. This prepared us for more mind-draining but fun afternoon lessons with the trainers we had been appointed to. We all worked on our own personal weaknesses, and even I, myself being one of the oldest, found my instructions challenging but it was obvious that my pony appreciated my improvement.
The following day was made into a competition. With cones, obstacles and a dressage test to drive, everyone was excited and also a little nervous. The competence of the participants in the clinic varied, some were very young children who were novice drivers, but there were others who were going to the Indoor Finals the following weekend. This gave us opportunities to not only learn from the instructors, but also from one another, and the obstacles were a good example of this. The more professional drivers amongst us helped to show the others the quickest routes and also freely gave advice about how to avoid hitting the cones and collecting penalties.
The competition was a fun and friendly one and after everyone had finished all three stages, chocolate prizes and Polos were presented. Both my pony’s and my own stomach found these prizes much more rewarding than rosettes or trophies!
The couple of days I spent at the Unicorn Trust were not only educational but exciting and fun. Every free moment was filled with quizzes or presentations, all of which were attention-grabbing for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I shall continue to attend these clinics for as long as possible.
The Saddlers Company are very generously offering additional vouchers this year. In addition to the vouchers awarded in the 36 Novice qualifier classes throughout the country, they will be presenting some special £40 vouchers for the best driver under 21 years of age as follows:
Best under 21 driver (horse or pony) in the Novice classes at Brighton, Farleigh, Hopetoun, Newnham, Alnwick, Normanhurst and Castle Kennedy
Best under 21 Open Single driver (horse or pony) at the National events at Brighton, Farleigh, Hopetoun, Newnham, Catton, Henbury, Alnwick Castle, Normanhurst and Castle Kennedy.
THOSE DRIVERS ELIGIBLE FOR THESE SPECIAL AWARDS ARE ASKED TO INDICATE ON THEIR ENTRY FORM.
Because of the additional pressure on the infrastructure caused by ‘All The Queen’s Horses’, the entries for driving for the International Driving Grand Prix at Royal Windsor have had to be slightly reduced. There will be no National class for Horse Tandems this year, although we are assured that they will be included next year. We have been asked to emphasise that parking at this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show is going to be particularly tight, and will be strictly limited to competitors and stewards with official passes.
Judges’ Committee
Diana Brownlie has been co-opted on to the Judges’ Committee.
Probationary Judges List
Boyd Exell has been accepted as a Probationary Judge
Change of Address
Mrs Angela Hamp, The Martins, Crow Hill Top, Nr Ringwood, Hants. BH24 3DD (Tel.
01425 477057).
Additional STEWARDS are required for both the National classes and the European Championships at Sandringham (28 - 30 June). In addition, “Ride on” marathon REFEREES are required for the foreign entries in the European Championships. (Note - it will not be possible for anyone competing in the National classes at Sandringham to referee). All those interested in helping in any way should contact Felicity Muscott on 01508 492659 (also fax) or 07811 231957.
Baileys Horse Feeds are again sponsoring the two divisions of the Junior Points League. One division is open to competitors in National events up to the age of 21; the other is for Club competitors under the age of 18 years. The winner of each division will win a place on the 2003 Junior Clinic at The Unicorn Trust. Full details are available from the BHDTA Office.
Reminder that any Associate member who has never competed in a National event may enter ONE event without upgrading their membership or registering their animal, provided they are qualified to compete in the class for which they wish to enter. Special entry form available from the Office.
HM The Queen has very graciously made a donation to the HDT Special Development Fund.
At Greenlands, Wreay, Nr Carlisle
Saturday 13th April, 2.00pm to 5.00pm
You do not have to be a judge to come to this clinic -
Do come along to this clinic given by Sarah Garnett. Tickets £5 on the door. Further details from the BHDTA, Sarah Garnett (01306 884956) or Libby Parsons (01768 486880).
RULES
Rule Book
The new 2002 BHDTA Rule book is now available from the office (cost £10). This will fit into the old cover, but if you wish to purchase a new cover, the cost is £4.
Thanks to Anneke Wallace who has put in an enormous amount of work to produce the rule book with the help of the Rules Committee.
Rules Reminders:
1. Mobile phones are not allowed on the carriage during the marathon at National events (Art 955.2 Outside Assistance).
2. Hackamores used on their own or in combination with a bit are not allowed for Horse Driving Trials(Art 916.5).
3. No person on the carriage may be tied to the vehicle in any way during the marathon (Art 948.6.4).
Rules Clarifications:
Drivers are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that their groom is capable of rendering the necessary assistance at any time (Art 910.3).
Note change of wording: ‘Any official’ is changed to read ‘The Technical Delegate, President of the Jury, or the official doctor…’ . This brings the wording in line with Art 910.5.2 (National).
2.. Change of wording to Art 950.3.3.2 to say ‘Only disabled drivers with an authorised pass from the BHDTA driving at walking pace are excepted from Art 950.3.3.1.’
Appeals
Confirmation of the procedure recommended for 2001 when an appeal against a decision has been lodged - The scoreboard for the affected class will be marked up to indicate that the results are pending an appeal and where possible this information will also be communicated to competitors via the PA system. When the appeal is resolved, the scoreboard will show whether or not the appeal has been upheld and any necessary changes made to the results.
Anonymous Letters
Some anonymous questions relating to rules matters have been received in the Office. The Council deplores the submission of any questions/queries/letters without signature and would request that in future members should go through the official channels and approach the chairman of the relevant sub-committee if they have any points to make or queries to be answered.
INTERNATIONAL
Horse Teams
The FEI have confirmed that the Horse Teams class at Sandringham will be classified as an FEI qualification event for drivers/horses for the World Equestrian Games (18th to 21st September).
Selection events are: Brighton, Farleigh, Hopetoun, Sandringham, Newnham, Catton, Henbury (best four results in the selection points league to count).
Pony Teams
Bob Johnston will be Chef d’Equipe for the Pony Teams at the European Championships at Sandringham (28th to 30th June).
Because of the exceptional circumstances following the lack of competitions in 2001 and the early Championship in 2002, selection for the Pony Teams will be made 50% on the results of a points league to be run on the results of the events at Brighton and Hopetoun and 50% on the judgement of the Ratification Panel. Competitors are encouraged to compete at Farleigh, where they will be observed by the Ratification Panel, although the event will not be included in the points scheme. The Ratification Panel consists of Tom Pettifer, Edmund Goodwin and Richard Margrave.
Single Horses
René Schoop has been appointed as the Chef d’Equipe for the British team at the Single Horse World Championships at Conty (France) at the end of August. He will be assisted by Trevor Harding.
Selection Events are: Brighton, Farleigh, Hopetoun, Sandringham, Newnham, Catton (best four scores to count).
Reminder for competitors in CAI-B classes (Teams/Horse Singles/Pairs) at Brighton and Catton:
Before arrival:
1 Horse singles must be 6 years of age
2 All competitors must have licence from BEF (apply to BHDTA Office)
Upon arrival:
1 Examination and check by vet
2 Bridle numbers issued and worn throughout the event
Vet Inspection:
1 In bridles with bridle numbers and no bandages
2 Passport not required - only BHDTA and vaccination docs
Dressage:
1 Same vehicle must be used in Competitions A and C, and must be of the same
minimum width
Horse Single 138cm
Horse Pairs 148cm
Horse Teams 158cm
Pony Teams 138cm
2 Lamps and reflectors must be fitted
Marathon:
1 All vehicles must have 4 wheels
2 All vehicles must be 125cm wide
3 Section E has a 3-minute window
4 Competitors will be able to inspect the entire course
5 After a hold-up competitors will start from the halt
Cones:
1 The same vehicle must be used as in Dressage
2 Lamps and rear reflectors must be fitted
3 Vet inspection 30 mins before cones
4 Horse singles will be allowed to use hoops
The NEDTL are pleased to announce that Escrick Park Estates have kindly provided the Group with a permanent Dressage and Cones area. This area is available to anyone wishing to practice on it. Escrick Park have also made available their magnificent bridleway network on the Estate at a reduced tariff. For reservations and further details please contact Karen Taylor on 01482 848113.
In addition to these facilities, negotiations have been finalised with the Estate for six permanent obstacles to be erected. The obstacles are designed by National Course Builder, George Prince, and built by Escrick Park Estate, Ken Walmsley and the Committee Members. It is hoped that this will give Club competitors a chance to drive obstacles that are designed and built to national standard.
The NEDTL are also introducing a ‘Transition Class’. This class will enable open class drivers to drive novice horses/ponies in a class of their own without having the pressures of a full open class Dressage test.
Our Novice qualifier will be at Escrick Park on 1st/2nd June and to celebrate the Queens Jubilee year we shall be incorporating some special attractions at this venue.
It is hoped that all these facilities will attract other
club members and National drivers to compete at some of our events.
The NEDTL would like to thank Escrick Park Estates for the support they gave us during the difficult times of 2001 and the help they have given us in establishing these wonderful facilities.
Club Secretary: Mrs Sue Oddie, The Stables, heath Hall, Wakefield, WF1 5SL. Tel. 01924 368126.
Sarum and Forest Harness Club is running the Southern Area Inter-Club Championship, sponsored by the BHDTA, which will take place at Tenantry Farm, Rockbourne, Nr Salisbury on 7th and 8th September 2002 (the week before the National Championships), and it is hoped that all the southern clubs will enter a team, the rules of which will be sent to the relevant club secretaries in due course.
At the same event an individual Southern Area Championship will be held, for which points can be gained by entering Southern Club Events. Again full details of the points schedule will be available to club secretaries in the near future.
Club Secretary: Anthony Cooper, Lyvers Farm, East Grimstead,, Nr Salisbury, Wilts. SP5 3RX.
Tel. 01722 712709 Fax. 01722 712467.
The affiliated Club directory of events, sponsored by Fenix Carriages, is now published and is available by sending a s.a.e. to Anthony Cooper, Lyvers Farm, East Grimstead, Salisbury, Wilts. SP5 3RX, or can be found by visiting the Fenix website - www.fenixcarriages.co.uk which is linked to the BHDTA website. The directory shows the dates of all one- and two-day Club events in England, Scotland and Wales, and with eighty-two events to choose from, it is a must for planning your club season. Sincere thanks to Anthony Cooper and John Freeman for all their hard work in compiling the directory.
Members of the Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association had a busy start to the season in March, with their open meeting on the 7th followed by two indoor competitions on the 3rd and the 30th. After the non-existent 2001 season everyone was eager to get out and about, with Ross Mulholland and ‘Honey’, Jackie Niblock and ‘Trooper’ and Danny Glendinning and ‘Cherry B’ walking away with the first awards of the season in the pony class. Ian Campbell and ‘Glen’, Jim McCrea and ‘Glen’ and Evelyn McMillen and ‘Taff’ doing the same in the horse class. Eddie Ingram has so far been unrivalled in the multiples class with ‘Bill’ and ‘Ben’.
There was also a Lungeing and Long Reining Clinic on the 14th hosted by Lucy Adams and her horse ‘Centurion’, plus training days taken by Mary Bryson for all those Open Horse drivers hoping to qualify and compete for Ireland at the world Single horse Championships.
The calendar continues to be busy in April with the Easter Monday Drive in Donaghcloney followed by the ‘Driving Extravanganza’ on the 13th and 14th at the Moy Riding School, organised by Finbarr Magill (who can be contacted on 028 3834675 or 07712 527178) with Helen Rogerson, Joanne Hartland, Gerry Crowley and Cecil Geddis helping out. The 27th of April sees the start of the outdoor season with Loughery College HDT near Cookstown.
In May there are two events, one at Upperlands on the 4th and the other at The Cairn on the 26th. On the 11th and 12th May there is a Tandem Clinic with Lesley Cox for all those members interested in learning how to tandem drive but didn’t know how.
The Club is enjoying renewed interest this year and anyone who would like any further information should feel free to contact either Penny Campbell on 028 92652292 or Liz Gardiner on 028 97565269.
The Lincolnshire Driving Trials Group are delighted to be hosting the Northern Inter Club Championships kindly sponsored by Bellcrown Ltd at Grimsthorpe Castle, Nr. Bourne on 21-22nd September 2002.
Grimsthorpe Castle makes for a superb setting and is easily accessible off the A1 making it a very easy journey from the north.
The LDTG are honoured to have local National tandem driver Colin Allen to design all the obstacles, so a real treat is awaiting our northern friends.
Following on from last year’s cancelled season we hope all Clubs are able to fulfil a programme of events enabling their members to qualify for invitation to this prestigious end of season Championship. A friendly atmosphere is guaranteed, lots of fun, entertainment and may be a little bit of driving competition thrown in!!
All enquiries to Linda Turner on 01623.512729, or genesis10@supanet.com.
The North West Driving Club held their 1st indoor competition of 3 at Greenlands Equestrian Centre Nr Carlisle. Feb 2nd brought a quandary for the organisers as they were not sure whether to cancel because of the high winds so phone calls were made at 6.30 in the morning to say we would risk the weather. Amanda Saville who not only drove but brought her entourage of junior drivers, which bumped the numbers to 28, the highest ever.
The event was organised by Lynn Winder as Lou Wood is in Newcastle awaiting
heart surgery. Lynn says that it is not the organisation but the work force
behind the organiser that ensures the success of the event, and she had a
brilliant team, an ex farmer (Drew Douglas) an ex greengrocer (D J Trotter) Mr
and Mrs P Thompson (nee Philippa Booth and Philip. .
With a late start due to the weather conditions Amanda, who had to travel on the
back roads from Dumfries, only arrived at Greenland's at 9.45am so we were later
firing up. The dressage was interesting as they always are and some were really
testing for Philippa including her patience, when one competitor tried to do a
novice test in a 20 X 50 arena. Ann Varley kindly sat up with him for a second
attempt which was more successful. Some 11 juniors took part, Donna Ryder was
1st with Clair Laughton 2nd which is how the placing stood last year at this
time; come the 2nd event they swapped places. Interestingly, both drive Fell
ponies bred by D J Trotter. Third place in the juniors went to Charlotte Mann
who drove very consistently so the other two better watch out as they have
competition from some fresh blood.
The pony class was won by Keith Bent, Keith's claim to fame was when Drew Douglas drove over him via the axle in the water hazard at Holker Hall - Keith was very wet and Drew was very sorry. Amanda Saville was 2nd in the ponies with Clair Cooper 3rd, Jackie Herd travelled from Hull for a 4th place. Also competing in the pony class was Debbie Wicks nee Cowdery, she drove one of Mandy Wilsons (the proprietor of Greenland's) ponies. Debbie put up some good hazard times but with 2 cones down it's hard to catch up. The Horse class was won by John Reid with the absence of Barry Ward as his chimney pot had fallen off in the storms. Rachel Nelson drove cones and hazards as her horse played up with the wind so John Reid drove it in the dressage. Judy Beaumont on her first outing was third.
Multiples consisted of one horse pair, one pony tandem and one pony pair. Ann Varley was back on form and drove the hazards brilliantly, Lynn Winder drove her new pair of Hackney crosses but they were no match for John Attenborough.
The overall lowest score of the three events is the champion. At present we have Keith Bent on 59.6 and Donna Ryder also on 59.6 then Amanda Saville on 60.6. The second leg of the championship was due to be held on 23rd Feb but we were forced to cancel due to the snow and have rescheduled for the 9th March.
Tony Russell
Everyone who knew him will be very saddened to learn of the death in February of Tony Russell, husband of judge and former top driver, Gay Russell.
After training in the family firm, Tony started his own tannery in the early 1960’s, and served as the Master of the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers before becoming the Chief Executive of The Society of Master Saddlers some nine years ago.
Tony was very supportive of Gay’s driving activities and acted as groom/navigator initially to her single pony, then the very successful pony pair and latterly with Gay’s single horse.
The BHDTA is delighted to have been asked to take part in the extravaganza "All The Queen's Horses" being organised at Royal Windsor Horse Show on 16th, 17th and 18th May to celebrate HM The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Horse Driving Trials will be represented by Karen Bassett (team), James Jeffery (pair) and Jimmy Robson (single).
Tickets can be purchased from Way Ahead, The Hollows, St James’s Street, Nottingham NG1 6FJ, and by credit card on 0870 1215370. Full details on the website www.allthequeenshorses.co.uk
Yvonne Johnston is organising a Spanish Gala Dinner in a marquee on the lawn at the Fosse Manor Hotel, Stow on the Wold, on Saturday 20th April. This event is to raise funds for the British team going to the World Equestrian Games in Spain at the end of August.
Champagne will be served at 7.00p.m., sponsored by Lanson Champagne. A three-course Spanish Dinner will be served at 8.00, with Salsa Dancing, Spanish Music and Flamenco Dancers. There will also be a small Auction of Promises, and Yvonne would be pleased to receive any Promises which should be sent to The Fosse Manor Hotel, Stow on the Wold, Glos. GL54 1JX.
This special evening will be a Black Tie affair, and tickets at £43 each are available from The Fosse Manor or from Barry Capstick.
Further details from The Fosse Manor (Tel. 01451 830354).
A calendar has been produced to raise funds for the trip to Jerez. Thanks to the following sponsors:
- Architectural Heritage
- Baileys Horse Feeds
- Bowmans of Penrith
- Stankem Ltd
- The Old Hall Clinic (Mr and Mrs Philip Owen)
- René Schoop International
- Carriage Driving (advertising)
- Fosse Manor Hotel
- Mr and Mrs Steve Lamb
- Mr and Mrs Geoff Woods
- Mr and Mrs Mark Lee
- A/C 4 Services
- Nick Morris Photography
- Lenrys Products
- Robert Wilkinson
19 – 21 JULY 2002
WE NEED YOU! We really, really need more volunteers, especially on the Saturday, for the above event. Please come and join us at Catton Park, Burton on Trent. Contact Ailsa Douglas on 01630 672670 or e-mail ail_8@hotmail.com.
Two of the best known and respected names in harness making, Tedman Harness of Oxford and Zilco International have formed a new joint enterprise to become Zilco Europe Ltd.
UK based director Fiona Tedman will be responsible for the support of European distributors for the range of Tedex, Duraweb and Zilco harness. Zilco Europe will hold stocks of a wide range of harness to facilitate prompt supplies to approved distributors in the UK and throughout Europe.
Zilco and Tedman's combined skills and experience in the specialised field of carriage driving harness will ensure that present and future demand for professionally designed, tested and manufactured equipment is readily available to drivers everywhere.
"We have some excellent new products in the pipeline for 2002, designed to make horse conformation and comfort a top priority." says Fiona Tedman. "The design team includes top Australian driver Boyd Exell, harness makers (Fiona Tedman and Laurie Trist of Zilco have over 50 years of harness making experience between them!) and an impressive technical support team for pattern making, computer programmed stitching, and full test facilities for consistent strength ratings. The driver is not forgotten either… There are more features to improve the aesthetic appearance of the range, as well as more quick release options, and easier integration of single and pair parts."
I have a fine pair of 11 year old 16 hand Gelderlander geldings who have competed for the last two years. I have the space to keep them, their feed, harness and vehicles. I do not have adequate time and ability to keep them fit, to school or to ride them so that they will behave and perform well in driving events as an Open Pair.
We are in North-West Hampshire and I am looking for someone with the skills and some of the time, which I do not have, to share them with me to maintain them for driving locally and competitions.
If you have any interest, I am open to any proposals. Please contact Mark Maclay Tel. 01264 738229.
Members may be interested in the special two-day equine-specific First Aid Courses being run by the BHS. They are run nationwide. Details on the BHS web-site - www.bhs.org.uk (Training, Education and Exams).
It will be the first international Driving Championship to be staged in Great Britain for 16 years when the FEI European Pony Team Championships take place at Sandringham Estate from 28th to 30th June. The Championship will be generously sponsored by Bernard Matthews who is also the main sponsor of the Sandringham Country Show and National Driving Trials. As a lifelong and dedicated supporter of all things Norfolk, Mr Matthews has made many notable contributions to maintaining local and traditional country pursuits.
Competitors from at least six other countries are expected to take on the British contingent, although sadly our reigning gold medallist, Georgina Frith will not be defending her title. Georgina sold her team of Welsh ponies to the USA at the end of last summer, and is currently putting together a new team of young Connemaras, but they will not be ready for this level of competition this year.
The Championships are being run in conjunction with a National event, which will present the organisers with a real challenge. All competitors will be doing their Dressage on the Friday with the championship competitors christening the wonderful new levelled and turfed main arena!
On Saturday all the pony classes will be on the Marathon course, with the 30 or so Pony Teams in the obstacles from mid-morning. Meanwhile the horses will be doing their cones. On Sunday the roles will be reversed with the ponies doing their Cones, while the horses tackle the Marathon.
The President of the Ground Jury is to be Helmut Kolouch from Austria, and the Technical Delegate is Ge Konig from Holland.
The construction of the exciting new Marathon obstacles is nearing completion under the supervision of George Prince who is assisting the FEI Course Designer, Christian Iseli. As always the obstacles are positioned close together which gives ideal viewing. An added attraction for the spectators over the weekend will be performances by the unique six-gun display of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery. This will give the event organisers an added headache of scheduling to ensure that all horses and ponies are clear of the arena area before the guns are fired!
For information on the event - competitors, admission charges, timetable etc. see the website: www. sandringhamdriving.co.uk
Single Horses:
Poznan, Royal Windsor, Wachtebeke, Astorp, Dillenburg, Altenfelden, Blainville (Can), Nebanice, Conty, Gladstone (USA)
Horse Pairs:
Poznan, Royal Windsor, Wachtebeke, Astorp, Altenfelden, Blainville (Can), Mindelstetten, Saumur, Szilvasvarad, Nebanice, Beekbergen, Karlstetten, Gladstone (USA)
Horse Teams:
Poznan, Royal Windsor, Wachtebeke, Astorp, Altenfelden, Blainville (Can), Aachen, Saumur, Szilvasvarad, Breda, Nebanice, Riesenbeck, Beekbergen, Donaueschingen
THE NEXT ISSUE OF CARRIAGE HORSE WILL BE PUBLISHED IN early JUNE 2002
Deadline for articles etc - 15th May 2002
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.