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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JANUARY 2002 on-line edition |
Mrs Amanda Hill has been appointed to take over from Jill Holah as Executive Officer when the office moves to Warwickshire. Amanda, who is currently working for the Irish Draught Horse Society, is new to driving, although she is actively involved in Dressage, Horse Trials and Showing. Jill Holah will continue to be on hand to advise as required, and will still be involved in the production of Carriage Horse and the Year Book during 2002. The Association is advertising for a secretary to assist Amanda.
It is obviously going to take some time for the new staff to get acquainted with the sport - and get to know all the personalities - so members are asked to do all they can to help. In particular, if you need to know the answer to a technical driving question please phone the chairman of the relevant committee direct-all committees are chaired by a Council member whose address and telephone numbers is shown on page 5 of the Year Book.
From 25th February, the BHDTA Office will be located near Stoneleigh in Warwickshire. The address will be:
BHDTA,
Deer Park Business Centre,
Stoneleigh Deer Park,
Stareton,
Kenilworth,
Warwickshire CV8 2LY.
Tel. 02476 293760
The e-mail address remains as bhdta@horsedrivingtrials.co.uk.
All those entitled to vote will find a voting paper enclosed with this mailing. There are four candidates for three places on the council. John Attenborough, Sarah Garnett and John Gaynor are standing for re-election, and tandem driver Pat Cooper has also put her name forward. Please take the time to vote. This is your opportunity to influence how the Association is run. Completed voting papers must be returned to the Scrutineer by Thursday 18th April.
The BHDTA AGM will be held at 6.00p.m. on Thursday 9th May at Brighton. This will be followed by a Members' Open Meeting.
In order to save the cost of unwanted multiple mailings to the same address, the Office will only be sending out one mailing per address (although each member has their own membership card). If you would like to receive additional copies of any of the paperwork-or indeed would like separate mailings of future editions of Carriage Horse-please let the office know and we will arrange for additional copies to be despatched.
There will be two Clinics for Club Dressage Judges and potential candidates who perhaps want to know more about what is involved. BHDTA listed National Judges are always very welcome, and it is also useful for competitors! The first of these clinics will take place at Medstead Grange, near Alton, Hants. On Saturday 9th February and will be taken by Sarah Garnett.
The second is at Greenlands Equestrian Centre, Wreay near
Carlisle on Saturday 13th April. Both start at 2.00p.m.
Please notify the Office if you would like to attend. The
cost will be £5.
This year's National Judges Clinic takes place at The Unicorn Trust at the beginning of March, and as usual the second day-Sunday 3rd March-is open to members. Most of the day will be devoted to Dressage and Presentation with a variety of turnouts and starts at 9.30a.m. The cost to members is £5.
The Clinic for winners of 2000 Clarendon bursaries will take place on May 25th and 26th (not as previously published). Although she has sold Clarendon Equestrian, Angela Hamp is very kindly sponsoring the cost of this clinic. The BHDTA is seeking a sponsor for the 2002 Training Bursaries that are awarded to the winners of Novice qualifiers at National events. The winners would attend a training clinic in Spring 2003.
Don't forget the popular Junior Clinic at The Unicorn Trust on Thursday and Friday 28th and 29th March. Youngsters of all ages are welcome and all will get involved-whether or not they have their own turnout. More details from Training Committee Chairman Sydney Smith (Tel. 01451 831052).
There will be a Stewards' Training Day on Sunday 17th March at Fenix Carriage Driving Centre, Cruwys Morchard, Tiverton, Devon, starting at 11.00a.m. Everyone welcome. Please bring sandwiches, fold-up chair, clipboard and pencil and warm clothes. For further information contact Tom Pettifer on 01363 866579.
The full list of BHDTA Clinics for 2002 is shown on page 68 of the Year Book.
Iberic Cup
Spain and Portugal are combining to organise the Iberic Cup international driving competition in April. The first leg of this competition, which includes classes for Singles, Pairs and Teams of Horses, takes place at Montenmedio near Cadiz from 4th to 7th April. This impressive venue hosts “Sunshine Tour” competitions for all disciplines and is likely to be the final training camp later in the year for many of the teams competing in the World Equestrian Games at Jerez in September. The second competition will be held at Compania das Lezirias near Lisbon in Portugal over the following weekend (11th to 14th April). The Iberic Cup is awarded on the combined scores from both events. A number of British competitors have already expressed an interest in taking part, and more details will be available from the BHDTA Office.
Pony Teams European Championships at Sandringham
The BHDTA is delighted that the FEI has agreed to allow Great Britain to host the Pony Teams European Championship at Sandringham this year following their cancellation due to FMD in 2001. The Championship, sponsored by Bernard Matthews, will run over three days (28th to 30th June) alongside the usual National event. The Sandringham Country Weekend will feature a number of displays, but in particular the famous Musical Drive of the Kings Troop.
The organisers are looking for interpreters/chauffeurs to help look after the visiting competitors. If you have your own vehicle and accommodation (caravan?) and would like to help at the Championship, please contact the BHDTA Office. Foreign competitors are expected to arrive on the Tuesday and stay until the following Monday.
More information about the Championships will be posted on the event's web-site: www.sandringhamdriving.co.uk.
Horse Registration
The cost of horse/pony registration for 2002 remains unchanged at £27 per animal for up to five, and £20 for each additional animal over that number. Applications for re-registration should be submitted by fully paid up Members with a photocopy of the diagram page of the vaccination document/passport carried to events. An initial registration form can be obtained from the BHDTA for new animals. All registrations should be sent to the BHDTA Office, NOT the Membership Office. Event entry forms will be sent out to competitors as they register their animals.
Event Entries
All competitors are encouraged to enter in good time, but those drivers who are wishing to be considered for selection, particularly in the single horse class, are strongly advised to post their entries for selection events as early as possible to ensure that they are accepted
ATV/Motorcycle Passes
Competitors wishing to use ATV's or motorcycles to get around the showground at National Horse Driving Trials must apply to the BHDTA for a pass, submitting a copy of their insurance cover for the vehicle valid for off-road use. Only those with BHDTA passes are allowed to use these vehicles at competitions, although each event organiser has the final say according to the local requirements. CHILDREN are not allowed to ride ATV's 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.
Newcomers to National Horse Driving Trials
An Associate member of the BHDTA who has never previously competed in a National event may enter for ONE event without upgrading their membership or registering their horse/pony, provided they are qualified to take part in the class for which they wish to enter. Application must be made to the BHDTA Office for a special entry form.
Baileys Junior Points League
Baileys Horse Feeds are again sponsoring the Junior Points league, and details of eligibility are shown on page 19 of the Year Book. All those interested in taking part in either the Club Division or the National Division must apply to the BHDTA Office for a special card for signature by the secretary at each event. These must be returned to the BHDTA by 23rd September.
Is there anyone out there that can offer their assistance in promoting our sport? The Marketing/Publicity Committee would like to hear from anyone that feels they can help. Perhaps you have connections with the Press, or maybe you would not mind manning the BHDTA stand at an Equestrian event in your area ? Whatever your interest or area of expertise the committee would welcome some additional help to take our sport forward. Please send your details and a brief description of how you think you can help to the BHDTA Office.
Measurement of Ponies for FEI Events
Until now it has been necessary for ALL ponies under 8 years of age competing in FEI events to have an annual height certificate, but from 2002 driving ponies under 8 years of age and measuring less than 142 cm do not require annual measurement.
Competitors are advised to ensure they have read the FEI rules under which these classes will be run. The main differences between FEI and BHDTA rules are:
Minimum age of horses in Singles Horse classes-6 years.
Four-wheeled vehicles required for Marathon for all classes
Vehicles to be set to minimum required track width for
DRESSAGE as well as cones
Minimum Dressage/Cones track width for Single Horses 138cm
(hoops allowed for CAI-B's if required)
Lamps required for Cones as well as Dressage
Minimum time on Section E = 3 minutes less than Time Allowed
FEI Passports not required for horses/ponies of British
competitors at Brighton or Catton.
Veterinary inspection (trot up) before start of competition
(horses/ponies must be presented in bridles).
Final veterinary inspection (in harness) before cones - no
bandages allowed.
FEI licences required by drivers (cost £10) -application
form available from BHDTA..
Competitors should note that the minimum age for horses at the SINGLE HORSE World Championships is 6 years.
It has been agreed that because of the short time for selection, a modified selection scheme will be necessary for the Pony Teams. Therefore the selection points system will only be applied at Brighton and Hopetoun. The Adjudicators, Tom Pettifer, Richard Margrave and Edmund Goodwin will observe the performances at Royal Windsor and at Farleigh, and the overall selection will be based 50% on the selection points league, and 50% on observation by the Adjudicators. The Chef d'Equipe for the British Team at the Championships will be Bob Johnston.
The events at Brighton and Catton will run to the traditional THREE-section format, i.e. Sections A, D and E. The International Driving Grand Prix (CAI-A) at Royal Windsor Horse Show will run a traditional FIVE-section Marathon. The Council still intends to try the new FEI format later in the season and information will be given in the next edition of Carriage Horse.
Under FEI Rules, drivers and horses competing in the World Championships for SINGLE HORSES and HORSE TEAMS must fulfil the FEI qualification requirement to ensure a minimum standard.
Single Horses
Drivers/horses must have completed at least one FEI
event in 2001 or 2002 prior to 3 July 2002. They must
achieve a Dressage score of atleast 90 points in Test No. 7
(i.e. 70 penalties).
Horse Teams
Drivers and horses must have completed at least one FEI
or one FEI-approved National Event during 2001/2002. Drivers
must have obtained a score of 90 points or better in
Dressage Test No. 5 or 112 points or better in Dressage Test
No. 6 before the multiplying coefficient of 0.80 has been
calculated. Drivers/horses need not qualify as a
combination. A spare horse must have completed a marathon at
one of these events.
The BHDTA has applied to the FEI for approval for the Horse Teams class at Sandringham. Brighton, Royal Windsor and Catton are all FEI events.
There is no FEI qualification requirement for the European Pony Teams Championship.
Lincolnshire Driving Trials Group
Lincolnshire Driving Trials Group have already put a full calendar together for the 2002 season, catering for all carriage drivers, from social evenings, pleasure drives, training days and 1 - 2 day events. The essence of the club is to run quality, low cost events at wonderful locations throughout Lincolnshire, with a relaxed atmosphere with the ever-popular Hog roasts/BBQ's at events.
The first outing with the LDTG is a Dressage Training Day at Poskitts, Near Lincoln (indoors) with National Tandem Driver Colin Allen on February 12th (details from Club secretary) Following on from this is our annual pleasure/sponsored drive around the superb estate of Belvoir Castle (actually just in Leicestershire) on March 10th. Drivers or riders start at 5 minutes intervals allowing you to go at your own pace, taking in magnificent views and stopping off at the pub halfway round. The route is to be approximately 10 miles of fairly undulating terrain.
For further details on this drive contact: Sue Mart, Sparrow Lane, Long Bennington, Newark, Notts. NG23 5DL. Tel: 01400 281280. For fixtures/dates/membership details please contact LDTG secretary Linda Turner. 77 Dalestorth Road, Skegby, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts. NG17 3AG. Tel : 01623 512 729
Inter-club Competition Grant
The BHDTA is anxious to promote the inter-club competition and has offered a grant of £300 towards the organisation of three such competitions to cover the North, the Midlands and the South. Details of the venues will be confirmed in the next newsletter.
Midlands Driving Trials Group
At the recent AGM the retiring chairman Graeme Whitaker and his wife Penny were presented with a horse bronze as a mark of appreciation for all their hard work. Other members of the Committee who also retired were Nick Blencowe, General Secretary Jenny Harrison, and David West who is going to work in the USA. Chris Doughty was elected as Chairman with Mike Fallowell as Vice Chairman and Publicity Officer. Jane Trivett will be the Newsletter Editor.
The club has a full programme of events planned for 2002 including a welcome return to Thoresby Park in Nottinghamshire for a two-day event on 27th and 28th April. Entry forms for this event are available from Elizabeth Greensmith (Tel. 01623 811482).
Copies of this directory will be available soon from Affiliated Clubs or from Anthony Cooper at Lyvers Farm, East Grimstead, Salisbury, Wilts. SP5 3RX. The dates can also been seen on the website of the directory's sponsor, Fenix Carriages - www.fenixcarriages.co.uk
Brockham Harness Club will again be organising Britain's biggest indoor Carriage Driving show at the South of England Carriage Driving Fair, Ardingly on Sunday 24th March. Arena demonstrations will feature some of the top names in driving. There will be a large range of trade stands, and an opportunity to win a Bellcrown carriage. This popular event which runs from 10.00a.m. until 5.00p.m. More details are available from: organiser Nigel Dipple 01293 852855 or by e-mail to:chairrman@brockhamharnessclub.co.uk or via the web-site - brockhamharnessclub.co.uk.
Start the season off and come to the Bennington Weekend on 9th/10th February at Wilton House RDA Centre, Wilton (2 miles west of Salisbury) from 10.00am to 4.00 pm. A large indoor school will provide the opportunity to try a range of Bennington Carriages and see them in action.
Whether you are new or already hooked on carriage driving a fun/informative day is planned. See/try a varied range of our super Bennington vehicles, and to catch up with your driving friends. During the day Bennington maintenance demonstrations will be taking place with some helpful tips/hints on servicing. Driving associated trade stands will be exhibiting, making it any ideal opportunity to buy those items ready for the start of the season. This is a weekend not to be missed! Free admission and refreshments available.
For further details contact Sue Mart at Bennington Carriages Tel : 01400 281280 or Clare Wigmore, Tel : 01722 712237
The BHDTA is continuing the members introduction commission schemes for Clubs, as well as the opportunity for Clubs to apply for an interest free loan. But additional help will be available in 2002 to assist Clubs to advertise their events in the local press. The Association will contribute 50% towards the cost of advertising up to a maximum of £50, to any club who has at least 50 BHDTA members on their register.
The Association is also anxious to recognise all sponsors of the sport at whatever level, and is therefore liasing with Clubs to acknowledge the support of their major sponsors. As well as a letter of thanks from the governing body, these sponsors will receive a special badge and a regular copy of Carriage Horse.
The journey there was very pleasant and leisurely as we left home at mid-day Friday 26th Oct. Arrived at 10am Tuesday to vet check of paperwork, disinfection of every lorry once unloaded, 2 stables provided - one for horse and one (shared) for tack etc and carriage stored in secure cover (armed guards appeared later in the day and around the stables), lorry parking 2 blocks away! All was well as we were early to arrive so unloading etc was peaceful - until I discovered that while we were doing this someone had stolen the wallet with all our passports, driving licences and paperwork, as well as over £500 in French francs! I managed to get Hubby to organise from home the tickets for the return as we just had no time, inclination, or transport (I could not collect the hire car as I had no ID).
Fortunately I had some currency in other purses - along with the Credit Card - so we were still able to have some "retail therapy" around the stands at the showground. The show itself was enormous - made Wembley and Olympia together look small - with over 2500 horses.
We had another very laid back vet check on the Wed pm and the office eventually opened at about 7pm that evening to give Dressage times. The arena was unbelievable - it was on a tarmac area in front of the stabling so it was great for watching, but they had dumped tons of grit on top and "levelled it". The pairs went first some of whom had a horse go down!! Unfortunately for us poor singles they did not level it again until dark!! One minute you were literally ploughing through the stuff, next you were on bare tarmac, but at least we were all in the same boat! We managed to my delight to come 3rd. In the cones there was only one clear, most including us had one down when the surface moved, but we were 4th in the first competition. In the next we went fast and clear and thought we were 2nd, but as it was a Time Competition it didn't matter about going clear-you just had to go fast and the penalties were added to your time - resulting in two nasty tipovers.
I was more than happy with our performance, and we were the leading European singles driver overall. Everyone was very kind and helpful, particularly the TD from Holland, but my New Year's resolution is to polish up my French and try to add another language!
A happy New Year to all of you, here's hoping for a
better 2002. Thank you all for your very kind Christmas
cards.
Stan and Jean Wilson have decided to hang up their
stopwatches, and they will be greatly missed. BHDTA are very
much indebted to them for all the hours they put in, in all
weathers over the many years they have been obstacle
stewarding. My sincere thanks to Jean for her help in the
supporter's tent. Don Wood is well and planning to help at
one or two events, although it may be his last season.
We are just over halfway with the "200" Club, 2002 membership. Thank you to all those who have promptly renewed their membership and to the new punters, I hope they are lucky. So, a big reminder to those who have not yet renewed their “200 Club” membership and an open invitation to anyone who would like to participate. Remember all profit goes to your sport.
Anyone who is interested in becoming a steward/supporter will be most welcome, please do not hesitate to contact me for further details on 01977 682298.
I am looking forward to meeting you all again in the spring, lets hope for kind weather.
PS. Please support the "200" Club
Congratulations to HRH Prince Philip on his recent well-deserved award from the FEI for “Dedicated and Distinguished Services to Equestrian Sport”. His Royal Highness is the first winner of this new award which was presented to him at the recent show at Olympia.
All BHDTA members will be very sad to learn of the death
in November of Naomi de Ferranti, wife of Henbury host and
pony pair driver Sebastian de Ferranti, after a long and
courageous battle against cancer.
We have also just received the sad news of the death on 29th
December of Michael Bassett, father of Karen and Pippa,
after a long illness.
Dear Carriage Horse,
Medical Armbands
With today's potential for litigation, a Medical Officer
helping at a carriage driving event has to be skilled in
resuscitation and trauma, hold certification for this, be
well insured and slightly nuts. Vets do have the advantage
of dealing with fit animals; MO's are dealing with a wide
age range-young people on lifetime medication, children, and
mature adults, some with daily medication for hypertension,
diabetes, asthma, epilepsy etc., previous heart attacks,
spleen removals, cancer and joint replacements.
My plea is that for your own benefit, by wearing a medical armband you give the MO a fighting chance of a good diagnosis to better inform a subsequent Casualty Department, e.g. abdominal pain after an accident…. Is it a ruptured spleen? No, the card says it has been removed…..is it appendicitis? No, its been removed too. Have you had a previous coronary and been given a life-saving enzyme that cannot be repeated? I would be delighted if competitors would think about wearing an armband such as used by eventers and skiers with essential medical information tucked inside. All information will easily fit on to a postcard.
I am totally opposed to the disclosure of any personal health problems to any central register, but I am in favour of personal responsibility for ones own health. Prescribed medication needs to be verified before being given by a hospital or the event MO, so it's a good idea to tuck your prescription list into your armband. Example below of relevant information:
Name……………………. Tel…………………..
Address…………………………………………...
GP Tel…………………..
Next of kin…………………. Tel………………..
Medication:
Bendrofluazide 2.5 mg
Atenolol 25 Mg o.d.
Asprin 75 mg o.d. etc.
Medical history:
Heart attack 1985,
Allergy to fish
Surgical history:
Fractured jaw 1980,
Right cartiledge 1989
Hysterectomy 1986 etc.
DR. PAMELA JARVIS
The new BHDTA Rule Book will be available in FEBRUARY from the BHDTA Office at a cost of £10. Ring binders are available separately at £4. All costs include postage and VAT (on covers).Cheques payable to BHDTA.
THE NEXT ISSUE OF CARRIAGE HORSE WILL BE PUBLISHED IN
early APRIL 2002
Deadline for articles etc - 15th March
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.