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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June 2002 on-line edition |
After the loss of last year’s Driving Trials, it is encouraging to know that the early events have received excellent entries.
Brighton was blessed with good weather for the first event of the new season which saw over 100 starters. The organisers ran 4 classes under FEI rules, and although on this occasion the number of foreign entries was disappointing, we are grateful to them for helping us to raise the profile of the British sport on the international scene.
It was obviously disappointing for all those who had entered for the meet at Windsor Park Equestrian Club, scheduled to run over the same weekend as Brighton, that the event had to be cancelled due to lack of stewards and judges, and every effort will be made to ensure that this clash of dates does not occur again next year.
It was a privilege to be involved in Royal Windsor Horse Show in this very important Jubilee Year, and there was certainly a “buzz” on the showground throughout this very successful five-day show. Joe Moore’s loss was deeply felt within the driving camp, but I am sure he was watching over us and I hope approved of what he saw. Jim French and his team certainly did an excellent job to ensure the smooth running of the International Driving Grand Prix which saw some exciting competition.
I look forward to meeting many members at events during the coming weeks.
Tom Pettifer, Chairman.
My first International Competition by Heather Logsdon
“We’re going to Spain for the Sunshine Tour Iberic Cup competition, why don’t you come ? Go on - we’ll have a lot of laughs and it’ll be great fun”
That invitation from Cherry Gaynor was to be the start of a five- week adventure which I wouldn’t have missed for anything !
Great Britain had three entries in the single horse class, Cherry Gaynor (Jasmine), her husband John Gaynor (Chester) and myself driving Trefaes Prince Regent. Paul Mowbray and John Attenborough represented Great Britain in the Horse Pairs class.
The weather at Montenmedio near Cadiz was disappointing, but the warm hospitality of our Spanish hosts more than made up for that. The training facilities were super, lots of large flat arenas – all on sand - with miles of good riding/driving tracks. Derek Holah came out from England, to assist the organizers as chief FEI Steward, and his wife Jill arrived for the duration of the Spanish event, leaving sunny England and enduring torrential rain to steward the dressage and cones arenas and give us all moral support.
John, first to go in the Dressage, finished in third 3rd place, just ahead of Cherry with her very inexperienced mare Prince went like a little star and we finished just behind Andre Herman from Belgium. What a great day for the Brits !!
Marathon day was cold and damp - good for the horses. The new FEI two-section format was used, and here Section E was set around the golf course where the seven beautifully built and decorated obstacles were long, technical and demanding although they actually drove very well. John completed the best round for Britain, pipping us by just 0.16 and so at the end of this phase we were still in 2nd place behind Andre Herman with John in 3rd, Jorge Ribeiro de Sousa (Portugal) in 4th and Cherry 5th. Paul Mowbray had driven a terrific round with his pair to retain his 4th place. We were all having a great time and, despite the rain, morale was high !!
That night we were entertained, wined and dined by our Spanish hosts and warned that the weather was “ perhaps not going to be so good for the cones driving” . Oh boy - was that an understatement ! A tropical storm raged throughout the night and showed no signs of abating by the starting time of 10.30am. Sheet lightening lit the skies around us, torrential rain made visibility almost zero, thunder rolled and forked lightening danced around the arena, somewhat reminiscent of a well lit rock concert!! Cherry drove the first clear round on the twisty course but unfortunately she incurred 4.5 time faults. John had one cone down and 12 time penalties. Finally it was our turn. Sitting on a metal carriage, with a carbon fibre whip in my hand, driving through torrential rain amongst the lightening seemed a trifle bizarre to say the least ! I borrowed a cloth from Andre (with which he wipes his horse!) to dry my glasses and Prince set off to ‘yahoo’ around the course and finish with a double clear! Andre had his reputation of not having hit a cone for 2 years to uphold, and he also scored a double clear to win the class. Prince couldn’t believe his luck at having a second chance to show off in the drive-off and stormed around the arena, turning corners so tightly that we almost lost Colin off the groom’s seat half way round the course. We managed to drive a second clear round in a fast time. Andre pushed his horse to try and beat the time – and had a cone down! Another great victory for Great Britain!
There were no clears in the Horse Pairs class, but Paul’s good round brought him right up into overall second place.
It was a 9 hour journey to Lezirias near Lisbon in Portugal for the second round of the Iberic Cup. Our new surroundings were beautiful cork forests with herds of mares and foals running through them. All the mare had cow bells around their necks and the atmosphere was quite magical.
Andre Herman repeated his Dressage win and Prince went beautifully again to take 2nd. John sadly had an error of course which left him in 3rd place after a lovely test. Cherry drove a very sympathetic test to keep Jasmine in the arena when a large group of children erupted from a building nearby and spooked the little hackney.
The sun shone as we started on the first of the two marathon sections which was on sand tracks around the paddy fields. The obstacles were beautifully dressed with thousands of flowers, cars, giant wine bottles and even a speed boat in the water obstacle! The first two were on very steep banks with exceedingly tight turns, the third was the long water obstacle - all within the first kilometre ! The other four were equally technical, and obstacle 5 proved to be the bogey for a few competitors, including John Attenborough.
Sunday’s cones course was set in a beautiful grassy arena with pretty trees and flower banks dotted around it, interspersed with small cross-country fences. Once again the time was very tight and the course was technically difficult, as befitted an International event. The only two double clears were in the Single Horse class from Andre Herman and from Luis Garcia of Portugal.
Paul Mowbray drove superbly to take the Horse Pairs class and went on to take the Iberic Cup in this class ahead of Magdalena Abacassis and Henk van der Wiel.
The whole trip was a wonderful experience, which we enjoyed to the full - with a little help from our friends. The only downside (apart from the weather) was the fact that the Europeans seem determined to try and reduce the marathon at all of the International competitions to two sections which drastically alters the whole enjoyment and skill of the competition. We sincerely hope that it will not come about.
And so we packed up, said good-bye to our many new friends - and left sunny Portugal to journey home - via Madrid - where the owner of the Equestrian Club lent us her car to go out for the evening ; via Dax - where our horses grazed on the racecourse; via Orleans - where the children wanted Prince to join in the Pony Club games and via Calais – where the owner came to meet us at the motorway toll and escort us to his yard.
Thankyou to John and Cherry, for without you we would not have travelled 3,600 miles in a leaking horsebox and had the time of our lives!
Last but not least, a huge thanks to my husband and groom Colin – I couldn’t have done it without you!
Wow! - by Patti Atkinson
We have been there before (helping competitors) but this year decided to make our visit a holiday – and what a treat it was. There are other articles in this edition about All the Queens Horses, but, if you missed the big show and don’t catch it on the tele – shame! Absolutely fantastic! But back to the International Driving Grand Prix!
Glorious sunny weather on Thursday and Friday resulted in some very sweaty horses returning to the cramped box park. But what a superb setting with the castle in the background and so close to the show ground. Some very nice new rigs and thanks to James R for drinks on the terrace (the tail gate of the pink palace). My abiding memory of the dressage – Sarah Garnett’s 34.9.
Land Rover’s sponsorship had resulted in some new and redesigned obstacles. We walked a few and some were very twisty and quite technical but most had lovely entrance and exit routes. After heavy rain on Friday night, Marathon day dawned drizzly and cool, but after donning my waterproof footwear it didn’t rain again!
Some thrills - Aard van der Kamp with his team of Shetlands flying through the water, and Henk van der Wiel’s pair galloping out of obstacle number 8.
Some heroism - John Gaynor and Gary Hunter jumping into the water to help Anne Brisou when she turned over, followed by a lot of dampness when Gary oozed water over everyone in the stands! Others got a soaking as they leapt to the aid of Portugal’s Ana Christina Guerreiro and Great Britain’s John Attenborough when they also came to grief in the water obstacle.
Coolness in dire straights - when one of father George’s wheelers slipped as it entered the first part of the water crossing in the same obstacle.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh had the misfortune to be eliminated for a technicality at Obstacle 1 when part of his turnout crossed the in/out line while in the middle of negotiating the obstacle, and Lady Romsey took the wrong route with her tandem in Obstacle 5 after living very dangerously in the previous water obstacle.
The only thing lacking on Saturday is a beer tent near the water. Perhaps next year? We couldn’t stay for Sunday but got the results off the web site on Monday morning - well done Vic for getting them on so quickly. What a good result for Great Britain in the Single Horses with a win for young David Matthews - and well done Jo Rennison and Sarah Garnett who led throughout in the two Pairs classes.
Having been the surprise leader (by her own admission) after the marathon in the Single Pony class, Rachel Stevens dropped down to 5th in the cones. But she was delighted with her novice pony Glenmead Flashman, who is now competing at national level in a pair. After a good marathon in the National Pony Tandem class, Sarah Jane Cook was unfortunately eliminated in the cones when she had to put her groom down when her tandem wheeler repeatedly got its leg over the trace.
Home Park has to be the best place in the world to drive - what’s the chance of getting picked I wonder?
The 2002 Brighton International Driving Trials, held at Stanmer Park, proved to be a real learning curve for Organisers, Officials, competitors and even the "weather man" - the promised weekend of rain, thankfully, did not happen. Perhaps God in his wisdom has become a fan of Driving Trials this season!!
Organisers quickly learned about International standards for obstacles; Officials became aware of just how much their patience, diplomacy and energy could be stretched; and competitors realised that we CAN learn the obstacles in a shorter time than usual - although I expect the takings were down at the bar!!
Some competitors learned tougher, more costly lessons - that the “compulsory” in “flag” means that you don't miss it; and that if you want to pick up a passenger it's safer to wait until you've gone through the FINISH of Section E! Commiserations to those competitors, particularly to Boyd Exell who drove a superb marathon but was eliminated for a technical infringement under the outside assistance rules when he picked up a passenger on Section E.
Congratulations to the winners of all the classes, some of which proved to be real nail biters! Heather Kinner came up from 7th place after the dressage to take the Open Pony, and Angela Flanagan held her nerve in the cones to achieve her first win at this level. Young Danielle Twitchen drove her delightful new pony tandem to success, and in the Horse Tandem class it was literally a two horse race in the cones as the rest of the class fell foul of the big E! But Colin Allen still reigns supreme!
Jo Rennison took first place in pony pairs and Terry Selway snatched first place from Sarah Garnett with his efforts in the cones. Terry’s victory was all the more poignant because at the same event five years ago his wife and navigator, Danielle, sustained a badly broken leg when they turned over. Since then, Terry has concentrated on coaching with his Gelderlander team, and Brighton marked his return to Horse Driving Trials. In the other selection classes, Anna Grayston drove her new pony team to victory, although she would not have had it all her own way had Emily Brookes not been eliminated on the Marathon. National Champion Barry Capstick headed the horse teams.
The cones course played an important deciding role in almost every class, and one onlooker was even overheard to say " I didn't realise that cones driving could be so exciting"!
The Clarendon Bursary was the brainchild of Angela Hamp, whose company, Clarendon Equestrian sponsored the scheme. Angela put endless hours into the organisation and is a great supporter of training. Although her background is mainly ridden dressage, she came into the sport as a helper for Anthony Cooper and has since become a driving judge.
Due to FMD, the 2001 clinic (for winners of bursaries during 2000) had to be cancelled. In the interim year, Angela sold Clarendon, but to her great credit has honoured her commitment to those who won a place on the 2001 clinic by sponsoring the training weekend with Karen Bassett at the Unicorn Equestrian Trust on 25/26 May 2002.
The aim of the Bursary is to help achieve a smooth transition from Novice to Open classes and this year’s clinic was attended by Mandy Colbourne, Angela Watts and Katie Rivett. As several of the winners were unable to attend, spare invitations were taken up by Ben Grose and Anthony Cooper.
The following was written with contributions from all the participants.
“We had three aims at the beginning of the 2000 season: 1) To have fun, 2) To win a novice qualifier, 3) To win a Clarendon Bursary”
“The Unicorn Equestrian Trust was a stunning venue and we all felt that we had died and gone to heaven. The weekend consisted of morning and afternoon sessions on both days on a one to one basis with the ever popular Karen Bassett.”
“Each of us got more enjoyment, experience, top tips, fun and mouth watering food than we had ever imagined.”
“Angela was exceptional in her role as Sponsor / Co-ordinator / Secretary / Groom and kept us all up to time.”
“Karen with astonishing energy, jumped from one turnout to the next without any sign of looking tired or that she had had enough of us.”
“Fran fed us five-star proportions and we only wish she lived nearer as her cooking was delicious.”
“We will look back on this Bursary weekend with very fond memories and knowing it was one of the highlights of our progression from Novice to Open.”
“We would like to thank Angela for her support and hope that someone else will take on the sponsorship of this very worthwhile idea.”
Joe Moore
It is difficult to imagine driving without Joe Moore who died on 28th April at the age of 70.
His contribution to carriage driving in general, and to horse driving trials in particular, is truly inestimable. While serving on the committee of the British Horse Society when the Horse Driving Trials Group was formed, he went straight on to its committee and remained there for the next 30 years, serving as Chairman for eight years from 1988-1996. He was therefore constantly in the forefront of the evolution in the sport that has taken place over the last three decades.
When the sport of horse driving trials was first introduced into this country, however, Joe's initial involvement was as a competitor. He was asked to take part in an event at Stoneleigh to provide competition to select a British team to compete in the World Championships. His appetite whetted, he continued to compete over the next few years with a pony team and then a horse team. A turnover one year at the Lowther Horse Driving Trials in an obstacle sited in a deep hollow, led to it being known to many as “Joe's Quarry”!
Joe was also a regular competitor in the 1960s and early '70s in light trade, advertising his family's transport and haulage business with a furniture van he bought for the purpose. He competed in private driving and was also one of the first competitors in scurry, winning the Championship at the Horse of the Year Show twice. With his team of Dartmoor ponies, he played the part of Father Christmas at Ascot and also at the Christmas Show at Olympia for many years.
It was in these years, too, that he took part in displays, driving either a team or a unicorn, at a number of venues, often abroad. With the team of Gelderlanders he bought from Holland in the early '70s, he competed not just in horse driving trials, but also in coaching marathons winning the Dave Jacobs Challenge Cup at Aldershot Show four years running. Being an active member of the Coaching Club, he regularly attended their meets and also found time to take part in the now famous Rocket Run, begun by Sir Dymoke White. Twice he won the Championship at the British Driving Society's annual Show at Smith's Lawn. One of his greatest pleasures came from driving his team, uncompetitively, simply enjoying a quiet few hours along the roads around his home.
Joe's involvement in horse driving trials became ever more time-consuming as he travelled nationwide to find new venues for national events, many of which he helped to organise. Giving up competing himself to administrate the sport, for 20 years or so he was the chef d'equipe for British teams competing in World Championships and he also served on the FEI Driving Committee. Somehow he also found time to be a national and international judge in horse driving trials, as well as judging private driving, coaching and scurry.
On the Committee of the London Harness Horse Parade for many years - an event incidentally in which he also regularly used to exhibit - his interest in harness horses was far-reaching. It was on his initiative that the obstacle driving competition for heavy horses got under way and he helped to formalise the rules for this.
Joe was on the Committee of the Royal Windsor Horse Show for some two decades, its Show Director for much of that time. He was also instrumental in the development of the popular Windsor Sponsored Drive which has raised over £160,000 for various charities.
Over the years, Joe continually put his hands deep into his pockets to help the sport he loved, providing personal financial support in many areas. He dedicated his life to the furtherance of horse driving trials and should be remembered as one of its greatest benefactors as well as a stalwart ambassador.
Our sympathies are with his wife Anne, his daughters Sally and Josephine, and grandson James.
Council
The AGM was held on Thursday 9th May at Sussex University during which the result of the election ballot was duly ratified. John Gaynor and Sarah Garnett were re-elected and Pat Cooper was elected to Council.
At the Council meeting immediately following the AGM two co-options were made, Tom Pettifer was co-opted to Council as Chairman and Derrick Mayes joined Council and the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
Presentations
At the AGM the Chairman made some presentations on behalf of the BHDTA. He presented John Attenborough with a silver wine coaster in recognition of his efforts and time spent working as a member of Council.
Two presentations were also made to Jill Holah. The first for her time spent as a 'long serving Council Member', a role from which Jill had resigned during 1997 in order to take up the position of Executive Officer. The second, to say 'thank you' for her outstanding endeavours whilst working as Executive Officer, from which she retired in February. The Chairman specifically acknowledged the work done by Jill during 2001 in dealing with the endless ramifications caused to our sport by the FMD crisis, during which she had worked very long hours, without assistance, in an effort to keep administration costs to a minimum.
Committees
Following the recent changes to the Council, the revised Committees are as follows:
Finance & General Purposes Committee - Geoff Woods (Chairman), Ian Douglas, Tom Pettifer, Derrick Mayes
Rules Committee - Anneke Wallace (Chairman), George Bowman, Ian Douglas, Sydney Smith, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
Competitions - Ian Douglas (Chairman), Philip Bateman, Barry Capstick, Derek Holah, Barry Hunter, George Prince
Marketing/Publicity - John Gaynor (Chairman), Nigel Dipple, Rosemary Neale
Judges - Sarah Garnett (Chairman), George Bowman, Diana Brownlie, Sydney Smith, Geoff Woods
Safety - Barry Hunter (Chairman), Peter Bridson, Philip de Leon, David Pawson
Training - Sydney Smith (Chairman), Karen Bassett, Barry Capstick, Georgina Frith, Sarah Garnett, Anna Grayston, Anneke Wallace
Technical Training - Sydney Smith (Chairman), Ian Douglas
Indoor One-Day Events - Edwin Goodwin (Chairman), Rita Bundock, Dick Carey, Philip de Leon, Rob Sims, Sydney Smith
Club Liaison Committee - Sarah Garnett (Chairman), Pat Cooper (North), Rob Sims (South East), Anthony Cooper (South West), Andrew Smith (Scotland), David West/Lesley West (Midlands)
Supporters Group - Sheila Hawking (Sheila would like to hear from anyone willing to take on this role at the end of 2002)
Driver's Liaison Group Chairman -George Bowman
Honorary Life Membership
At their meeting on 21st May, Council decided to add a further membership category. At that time, it was the unanimous decision of Council to invite Frank and Cynthia Haydon to become the first Honorary Life Members in recognition of their achievements and contribution to the sport of Horse Driving Trials.
Iberic Cup
British drivers had a successful Iberic Cup, although the name 'The Sunshine Tour' was a misnomer! The competitors endured some dreadful weather with heavy rain and high winds. Our congratulations to Paul Mowbray on winning the Horse Pairs section. Other competitors taking part were John Attenborough in the Horse Pairs and John & Cherry Gaynor and Heather Logsdon in the Single Horse classes.
'All The Queens' Horses'
Due to last minute changes to the competitors at Royal Windsor new representatives were needed for 'All The Queens Horses'. Thanks go to both Sue Mayes (single) and Terry Selway (pairs) who stepped in very much 'at the last minute', they joined Karen Bassett with Robert Wilkinson’s team of horses. Sadly Sue's pony became unsettled at the dress rehearsal and was withdrawn. Some late nights were experienced, however all that took part reported that it had been 'a once in a lifetime experience'.
Stewards for Sandringham
Felicity Muscott has received an excellent response to her request for stewards for the European Championships and National event at Sandringham and does not think that she can accommodate any more. Many thanks to all those who have offered to help.
CORRECTION TO 2002 RULE BOOK
Please note that some words were omitted from Novice
Dressage Test No. 7 on printed on page 131 of the 2002 Rule
Book. Movement 6 should read:
BM - working trot
M - Circle left 20m diameter
SINGLE HORSE CLASS REPRESENTATIVE
Colin Logsdon has succeeded Louise Ruffe as Class Representative for the Single Horses. His telephone number is 01763 260904.
PRICE INCREASE FOR FEI PASSPORTS
Due to an increase put in place by the FEI, the cost of passports has risen to £41.00 for ponies and £121.00 for horses. Please note that this increase takes effect immediately.
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
The following are changes to the FEI dates list published in the 2002 Year Book (page 59):
Cancelled: Mindelstetten (4 - 7 July)
Landstetten (5 - 8 September)
New Date: Du Pin au Haras (France) - 19 - 21 July (CAI-B 2-4/CAIP4)
Any competitors interested in competing abroad should apply to the BHDTA office for the relevant schedule.
Note: All entries for FEI events must go through the BHDTA Office.
FEI COMBINED PONY CHAMPIONSHIP 2003
This Championship for Singles, Pairs and Teams of ponies will now be held at Karlstetten in Austria from 14th to 17th August 2003. We do not yet have the detail of how many representatives in each category will be allowed. 2003 selection events will be nominated in due course.
TEAM SELECTION and CRITERIA
Selection is now under way for the Single Horse World Championships (Conty, France 28 Aug-1 Sept) at Brighton, with further Selection Events being Farleigh, Hopetoun, Sandringham, Newnham and Catton. Chef d’Equipe will be Rene Schoop assisted by Trevor Harding.
Selection for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) also began at Brighton and will be followed by Farleigh, Hopetoun, Sandringham, Newnham, Catton and Henbury. Chef d’Equipe is Bob Johnston who will also be acting on behalf of the British Pony Teams at Sandringham. Bob's assistant at Jerez will be John Gaynor.
Clarification of Selection Criteria
At their meeting on 21st May, Council clarified that any placing in the top ten achieved by a foreign driver would be ignored and the relevant selection points awarded to the next British driver. To score any points, a driver must complete the whole competition without elimination or retirement.
Selection for Horse Pairs 2003
We are advised that the Horse Pairs World Championship scheduled for June 2003 may possibly be postponed until September 2003, the exact venue still to be confirmed.
Selection events will be the last four events in 2002 (Lowther, Alnwick, Normanhurst, and Castle Kennedy) plus the first two National events in 2003.
The Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association held an Easter Monday Drive in Donaghcloney hosted by the Lyons family. This was followed by the ‘Driving Extravanganza’ on 13th/14th April at the Moy Riding School, organised by Finbar Magill. The first outdoor event of the season due to be held at Loughery College near Cookstown had to be postponed due to Northern Ireland being honoured with a visit by HM The Queen.
May we say how sad every member of the NICDA were to hear of the passing of Mr Joe Moore who did so much for our organisation. He will be deeply missed.
Further details of the Association from Penny Campbell on 028 92652292 or Jackie Niblock on 028 92621259.
Thoresby gave the Midlands Driving Trials Group’s event in April better weather than usual. An excellent entry of 65 drivers from all over the country spread over nine classes attended, including five horse teams, although one was obliged to withdraw.
Boyd Exell was the overall winner of the Horse Teams class (117) with Dick Lane coming second (143.6) having been equal first in the marathon. John Pickford won the Pony Teams class, Sally Moreton the Pony Pairs and Colin Allen the Horse Tandems class. Danielle Twichen won the Pony Tandems, Lyn Winder the Single Ponies and David Matthews the Single Horse.
“Despite heavy rain early on the Saturday morning and overnight the course drove well and everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable event,” said Elisabeth Greensmith, the organiser for the Midlands Driving Trials Group. Elisabeth even organised an indoor competitors’ conference with hot meal and cold booze in expectation of the Thoresby weather. It did manage to hail heavily, but not until most competitors had left on Sunday.
The club was pleased to be able to return to Thoresby near Newark in Nottinghamshire after a break of some four years and has already reserved the venue for the same date next year.
Further details of the MDTG from: Mrs Ruth Auton on 0116 275 4328 rauton@uhl.trent.nhs.uk
Dumfries and Galloway Horse Driving Club held their first driving event of the season at Nether Boreland by kind permission of Amanda Saville. Amanda put a great deal of thought and effort into building 5 super obstacles.
On Saturday the juniors, Amanda’s chariots, gave the obstacles a fair test, showing the adults how to drive them after they had completed the dressage and cones.
Hazel Carruthers was 1st overall. Christine James was a close 2nd, followed by Rachel Jackson, Megan Carruthers, Alice Spence, Charlotte Mann and Elise Pilling. Well done juniors!
On Sunday morning the dressage commenced at 10.30a..m. with Chris Walker-Jones judging a good turnout of 18 competitors. A testing cones course followed with few clear rounds. Finally the marathon, driven over roads and tracks around Boreland village finishing with the obstacles in adjoining kind neighbours’ fields. Even the rain failed to spoil everyone’s enthusiasm. Club Chairman Catriona Murray asked Mr Bridgeman to present the rosettes.
Vivienne Rome, who is competing at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May, is back on form winning the overall shield; we wish her luck. Catriona Murray thanked everyone for coming and all who made the competition a success especially helpers and Amanda for providing the premises to hold the competition.
Gladys Dale, one of the most respected ladies in the Carriage Driving world and the past chairman of the Supporters, recently celebrated her 80th Birthday. She enjoyed the occasion at a family party at home, and flowers were sent on behalf of the Supporters. Gladys sends her sincere thanks to everyone for their good wishes.
The season for the Supporters’ Tent opened at Royal Windsor Horse Show - and a very busy few days it proved to be. Joe Moore was sadly missed, but at the same time Jim French must be congratulated on picking up the reins at such short notice and overseeing a very successful driving event. The BHDTA Welcome Party for competitors and stewards was enjoyed by all. Thanks must go to Jill Holah who made the initial arrangements, and to Sydney Smith who took over at the show.
The extravaganza of “All The Queen’s Horses” was most spectacular, making the Royal Windsor Horse Show of 2002 most memorable. Similar thoughts are shared by many people.
Thank-you Tom for collecting more members for the ‘200’ Club; still a few places left.
A busy time is anticipated at Sandringham for the European Pony Teams Championships, and I look forward to seeing everyone there.
SHEILA HAWKING
THE SMELL OF THE GREASEPAINT AND THE ROAR OF THE CROWD
by Gary Docking
They say never work with children and animals. Worse still, how do you expect some 3,000 people and 1,000 horses to take a week out of a busy May schedule, pay them nothing, feed them well, ask them to live in lorries or tents, and expect the impossible. Well this is exactly what Major Sir Michael Parker said “I know very little about horses so I expect the impossible and now and again I actually get it.”
A West End Theatre Producer was brought in to give the whole occasion a sense of theatricality and stage management soon stopped using phrases like “down stage left darling” and “could you disappear a little further into the wings”. Horses, as we all know, take fright and need gentle encouragement rather than theatrical tantrums. All this takes some knitting together.
The team of horses brought over from France to be driven by an eminent American Whip decided they would rather lie down and die than pull a coach around the newly laid arena, This team turnout went from a coach and four, to a brake and team, to a pair and a demi mail phaeton – downsizing at its best. The Metropolitan Police Force very kindly lent their horses to our Commonwealth and overseas visitors; some of them could ride - but one or two I think are still between Eton and Bracknell trying to return to the Showground. The highlight of the Friday evening was to be a parade of famous racehorses. Desert Orchid took one look at the carriage-driving turnouts and disappeared through the car park towards Windsor High Street.
The weather? England’s best - scorching hot one minute and torrential rain the next, which made for an interesting week trying to rehearse and look ones best.
Nobody but nobody could actually prepare you for the atmosphere of that incredible arena and the technical and audio expertise brought to this event. Horses were asked to put up with the most incredible situations and by and large they did. Most enjoyed it, few were afraid of it, one or two couldn’t hack it (mostly riding horses I hasten to add).
Laugh? Yes we did - even the American lady who said “Look George they’ve even put goddam glasses on the driving horses to stop them getting the glare from the lights” and “how annoying the Queen built Windsor Castle so near Heathrow Airport”.
Cry? Yes we did, at the end of the last performance and if you are like me at the end of every performance.
Proud? Yes we were to be British, really nobody does it better.
Thankful? Yes now that it’s all over.
Would we do it again? Where do I sign?
Memories? How incredibly well we got on, all disciplines, when you actually took away the competitive element!
From Behind the Camera
by Mary Kusin
Imagine being paid to go to Royal Windsor! This was the very happy position I found myself in when asked join the camera crew covering “All the Queen’s Horses” for the BBC. (Of course as this was an evening performance it meant I had plenty of time during the day to watch the Driving Trials!).
The event was recorded on three successive nights, although unfortunately there were only a dozen shots that could be edited successfully into the finished programme from the wet Friday night. The dress rehearsal was also used as a backup in case anything was missed.
Long hours were spent by the production team and the engineering manager planning the best locations for the cameras and ensuring that all the necessary cables were in place. In this case the cables had to be rigged before the arena was built. A total of thirteen cameras were used. I operated camera 4 which was in the corner of the main arena where the gold state coach entered, with a further one in an identical position to mine at the other side of the arena. Another camera ran on rails alongside the arena and could track along with the horses and carriages. Other cameras included one looking at the exit where the King’s Troop galloped out at speed and two effects cameras mounted on the gun carriages..
The engineers, VT (video tape) operators, sound and production staff sit in the production truck which is full of wiring and monitors. The cameramen are able to hear the director who can call for particular shots. My favourite was “get me a severed head” which was the shout as the Mongolians entered to demonstrate the origins of polo.!
The monitors proved very useful to a driver one night. Anne Gilbert and crew were enjoying a peek into the truck to see what goes on behind the scenes when her husband Ian noticed that the monitors were showing a presentation ceremony taking place. Anne had to run from the wings and arrived in time to receive her winning rosette for the dressage!
It was a fabulous sensation actually being in the ring along with the action. The cannons firing at the end of the Kings Troop display sent out immense shock waves, and the vibration of the horses’ hooves mingling with the smells and sounds of the massed musical ride, was without doubt, a very special experience and one which I will remember for a long time to come.
Organised by Brockham Harness Club
Our aim to promote & encourage all aspects of carriage driving was achieved with this year’s show. Our ‘Back to Basics’ theme certainly worked and over 1400 visitors enjoyed the fair, now in its sixth year. A balanced mix of entertainment and education under one roof kept our audience glued to their seats.
We have a great team at Brockham and this year’s Fair proved it yet again. It’s a mammoth task and for a club to stage such an event I think is “brilliant”, well done the Brockham team!
However we couldn’t run the show without the generous support we get from all our friends in the world of carriage driving and our sponsors, particularly Martin Johnson of Bellcrown Carriages.
It is also very good to see so many familiar trade stands supporting us year after year.
As always, the proceeds go back into the sport and this year we are also supporting two charities – Leukaemia Research and Saddle Up (Spinal Research Trust)
Hopefully by now, Year 6, we are on the map , but where do we go from here? Who knows…..watch this space!
Nigel Dipple, chairman BHC and Event Co-Ordinator
THANK YOU
The thrill that comes with riding and driving is the inspiration to take to the great outdoors at every given opportunity. It wouldn’t be the same if the sense of excitement and vulnerability were removed – we love it basically. But although we are quite comfortable with a little danger now and then, not everyone gets away with it.
A broken back or neck is one of the most devastating injuries that can beset an equestrian and we can all think of someone who has ended up in a wheelchair. The Saddle-Up Campaign was launched in 2000 to support a new project that is finding ways of repairing damaged nerves in the spinal cord and equestrians from all over the country are doing their bit to help.
The Indoor Carriage Driving club were enthusiastic supporters of the campaign during 2001 and held various fundraising initiatives at their competitions in support of the campaign, which culminated in the Final of the Strongid-P Indoor Driving Championships at Keysoe in November. Finalists secured sponsor money and spectators paid to watch the action which raised over £2,500 with another £200 raised from the sale of raffle tickets and Christmas cards.
The charity behind Saddle-Up is Spinal Research and they would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who contributed in some way or another and made them feel so welcome, especially two of the organisers – Dick Carey and Rita Bundock.
“The response from riders and drivers has added a great sense of excitement to the campaign” said Nicolette Thomas, National Events Manager. “Momentum has really built up and there are some fantastic events in the pipeline”.
Spinal Research attended the South of England Carriage Driving Fair organised by Brockham Harness Club and has also been invited to the National Carriage Driving Championships at Windsor in September. So if you would like to get involved with the Saddle-Up Campaign, you can visit the Spinal Research stand at Windsor, call Nicolette on 01483 898786, email to saddle-up@spinal-search.org, or visit www.spinal-research.org.
The No. 1 Challenge!
Brockham Harness Club, organisers of the very successful South of England Carriage Driving Fair, have organised the “No. 1 Challenge”. The club will present a limited edition driving cap and rugby shirt to the fastest competitor through Obstacle No. 1 on the Marathon in a different class at each of the national horse driving trials during 2002.
Joint winners of the prize at Brighton HDT were Heather Royle and Anthea Shipley in the Novice Horse class.
Details will be available at each event and on www.brockhamharnessclub.co.uk
Congratulations to Jim French who was presented with the Geoffrey Cross Memorial Trophy by Her Majesty The Queen at Royal Windsor Horse Show. (see photo above). This trophy is presented annually to the person who, in the opinion of the Management Committee, makes the biggest contribution to the show. Jim took over as Driving Director when when ill-health forced Joe Moore to stand down.
Building on the success of the Easter clinic, a summer junior clinic has been organised for July 31st - August 2nd 2002 at Forest Farm, Barnes Lane, Milford on Sea, Hampshire by kind permission of Pippa Jarman. The clinic is open to all young drivers whether a BHDTA member or not, and with or without competition experience.
Three instructors from Karen Bassett, Georgina Frith, Anna Grayston and Barry Capstick will make full use of the wonderful facilities at Forest Farm to train towards all three phases of driving trials. Grass dressage arenas, obstacles safely sited within individual paddocks and a full cones course will all be used over the 2 days for training.
For those drivers who have been to spring clinics at the Unicorn Equestrian Trust, this summer clinic will be a similar format; individual lessons for drivers with their instructor as well as group learning projects to encourage new friends to be made. The clinic culminating in a mini competition to put into practise new found skills.
Drivers who are interested should initially register with the BHDTA office at a cost of £40.00 if you are bringing your own turnout (£20.00 if coming on foot). Cheques should be made payable to the BHDTA.
It will then be necessary to contact Pippa Jarman directly at Forest Farm (tel/fax 01590 644365, email driving@ffarm.fsnet.co.uk to cover the cost of use of the facilities, stabling etc. Some stables and paddocks are available at Forest Farm on a first come first served basis if portable stabling is a problem.
Participants may arrive on 31st July and leave on 3rd August, but all arrangements should be made direct with Pippa. There is no organised catering on site, but there is a Chinese Takeaway and Fish and Chip shop which both deliver. It is hoped to organise an informal get together in the evenings. If you have any further queries, please ring the office.
THE NEXT ISSUE OF CARRIAGE HORSE WILL BE PUBLISHED IN AUGUST 2002
Deadline for articles etc - 15th July 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.