George becomes Vice-President
The BHDTA Chairman Tom Pettifer announced at the AGM
that, following his decision to retire from the Council
after 24 years’ service, George Bowman is to be the first
Vice-President of the Association.
Tom said “We are deeply indebted to George for all
that he has done for the sport over so many years, and
hope that we can still rely on his knowledge and
expertise to help us continue to take the sport forward”.
George was not present at the AGM, but a presentation
is to be made to him in due course to mark his retirement
from the Council.
‘New Look’ Lowther for 2003
Not only will competitors find many changes at this
year’s revitalised event at Lowther, so will the
spectators.
Strenuous efforts have been made to find a slightly
less testing route for the Marathon, although inevitably
this means, sadly, no more visits to the Fells. The
course remains on the flatter ground near Askham for
Section A. An all–grass Section C, without any major
hills to climb, will lead on to a new start of Section E
and George Prince’s radical obstacle section - five bold
new obstacles in one line on the right hand side of the
avenue, with loops to the left. Spectators will have a
special entrance to a new viewing area, with once again
three obstacles down by the water.
The best vantage point will be a difficult choice, but
the provision of a shuttle bus service from Thursday
should make life a lot easier for everyone.
To complement George’s marathon obstacles, Roger Alway
will be providing an interesting and exciting Cones day
on Sunday.
Amongst many new faces at Lowther this year, Mike and
Rosabel Rayner take over the task of Stable Managers.
Show Director Robert Benson has gone to a great deal
of trouble to address most of the problems that have
arisen in recent years, and let’s hope he is rewarded
with a large entry and a very successful event.
Strongid-P Indoor One Day Event Finals by Bev
Huntington
Lynne Harrington takes Long-Awaited Title at Last
It was time again for the climax of the Strongid P
Indoor Carriage Driving season at Keysoe. The largest
final so far saw some 80 competitors do battle for the
National Championship Titles.
Open Ponies
Lynne Harrington from Hertfordshire was hoping to go
one better than her runner up position in the Open Pony
Class at last years final. Lynne’s groom and joint owner
of ‘Ace’, Sammy Page, competes the 16 year old Welsh Cob
in ridden dressage competitions during the summer months,
and was unbeaten at Medium level last summer. “They all
laugh at us when we get out of the lorry” Sammy told me
“until we go down the centre line that is!”
Lynne was to have strong competition from current
outdoor National Pony Champion Amanda Saville, of
‘Chariots of Fire’ fame, and 15 year old Philippa Howe,
who also competed in the Junior Class. It was all nail
biting stuff, which had us on the edge of our seats.
Lynne told me her heart was in her mouth as her carriage
went up on one wheel making the dash for the finish.
However, her score could not be beaten and the win was
hers, she also took the Supreme Championship for the
first time.
Open Horse
Roger Warren, who is based in Newton Abbott, Devon was
one of the drivers hot on the heels on current Indoor
National Open Horse Champion Barbara Nadin. Despite a
strong challenge from Scottish Open Horse driver Ian
Bertram, who unfortunately tipped going for the final
gate, Barbara drove swiftly through the final obstacles
to take the title for the fourth time with her delightful
Welsh Cob ‘Henry’
Juniors
Amanda Saville arrived in force with her Junior
entourage. These four young drivers had been trained by
Amanda throughout the winter and were a force to be
reckoned with. The highest placed Scottish Junior driver
was Olivia Dernie from Lockerbie who finished second in
the Juniors and fourth in the Novice Pony.
However, it was current National Indoor Junior
Champion 15 year old Philippa Howe from Kent, who won the
class, retaining her title with Morgan mare ‘Priceless’.
This beautiful mare had been competing in National Tandem
Classes in 2001 by Philippa’s mum Sarah, who was also
competing at the final. This talented youngster also
managed to take the Reserve Championship on only her
second visit to the final. She told me she hopes to go
one better next year!
Novice Horses
David Rockall who is based at Karen Bassett’s
Nottinghamshire yard, was driving Karen’s ex team mare ‘Fuzsa’.
David managed to take the win over the final two
obstacles, beating Jo Munden from Berkshire and her
beautiful Hackney Gelding, ‘Odd Socks’ into second place.
Novice Ponies
Anna Sadler finally took the honours in the Novice
Pony Class despite strong challenges from Janice Parker,
Nicola Blandin and Olivia Dernie (Junior). Anna drove
‘Happy’, one of Anna Grayston's team of ponies, swiftly
through the last two obstacles to secure the Novice Pony
Championship.
Pairs
The Pairs Class kept the crowd on the edge of their
seats with Scurry driver Gareth Roberts driving Welsh
Section A ponies ‘Lady’ and ‘Tramp’ to a second victory,
retaining their title in the Pairs Class.
Gareth, who is based in Hertfordshire, was the first
novice driver to win the Scurry Class at the Horse of The
Year Show last year.
Tandems
Tandem driver Minta Winn, from Sussex, was thrilled
with her win with Welsh Section A ponies, 16 year old
‘Willie’ and 10 year old ‘Shen’. She managed to fight off
strong challenges from Sara-Jane Cook and Amanda Wells to
take the title.
All done until October when it starts all over again!
Yeoman’s Toyota Brighton HDT by Roland Clarke
With some changes to the site layout, the Yeoman’s
Toyota Brighton Horse Driving Trials on 2nd-4th May got
the 2003 national season underway. Although the lorry
park remained in its usual location, the arenas and
obstacles were moved to near Stanmer House. The downside
was the long walk from the parking, but the setting and
Antony Petitpierre's seven new obstacles made it
worthwhile.
Friday's rain and wind threatened even the marquees, and
there was concern about obstacles 3 and 5 sited on slopes
if the rain persisted, but fortunately Saturday was dry.
For those with their sights on the World Combined Pony
Driving Championships in Austria, this was the first
selection event for the Pony Teams, Pairs and Singles.
Emily Bennett led the Pony Teams from the front, winning
the dressage with her Welsh section C and D team,
finishing a close 2nd behind John Pickford in the
three-section marathon, and achieving the only double
clear in the class. Despite his marathon win, John could
not catch Anna Grayston, both having 15 penalties in the
cones.
After finishing 6th and 10th respectively in the
dressage, Ursula Hirschberg and Georgina Frith, driving
ponies from their teams, challenged for the lead in the
Pony Pairs with fast marathons (3rd and 4th). But they
were unable to catch National Champion Jo Rennison, who
capped another win with her first national double clear.
A 45 dressage kept Julie Camm out front in the Open
Pony class, at her mare ‘Pannau Pandora's’ first
national. Liz Rowe with her 2002 Pony Tandem Champion
leader was 2nd sharing an equal flying 1st on the
marathon with Amanda Saville.
Dressage usually gives Sarah Garnett an
opposition-silencing start and even John Attenborough
could only halve her 21 points lead, despite Sarah having
to cope with a keen horse intent on demolishing the
cones. Boyd Exell will probably drive them at Hopetoun
with the World Championships the target.
Even with youngsters in his Gelderlander team, Boyd
was unbeatable in the Horse Teams, taking every phase.
But his double clear was not alone as Dick Lane, chasing
throughout in 2nd, sneaked one in by a nail-biting
second.
Open Horse National Champion David Matthews started
2003 as he finished last season. Despite doing dressage
in torrential rain for 5th place, Mandy Colbourne
finished in overall 2nd after a good marathon, ahead of
Di Hayes, who drove the only double clear.
Danielle Twitchen led the Pony Tandems from start to
finish, ending on a double clear, and Fred Pendlebury
took the Horse Tandems.
At their first National, Sara Simmons, a mainstay of
Team Frith, won the Novice Pony and Anna Lord won the
Novice Horse, both with times through the obstacles
matching many of their experienced counterparts.
Max Zaloumis of Yeomans Toyota, as Dick Lane's
marathon passenger found the experience "really
enjoyable. This is unique. The event has been more than
we expected."
Hopetoun House HDT by Mary Kusin
The sun shone on Hopetoun this year and the organizing
committee had put in a great deal of effort to improve
the general layout. The marquee and event office are now
situated overlooking the new arena with a road created
specifically for access to this area. Dressage and cones
took place in here for the first time and a viewing area
had been created for spectators outside the marquee.
The marathon route, wending its way through the
picturesque estate paths, was enhanced by the
rhododendrons and azaleas in full bloom. Excellent views
were also gained of the Forth rail bridge as competitors
made their way along the start of section E. All the
obstacles were situated in the deer park this year which
made for a much easier access route. If you had time, you
could admire the herd of roe deer grazing under the
trees, as you mentally recited your route through the
next obstacle!
As a keen competitor as well as course builder, Ian
Gilbert brings a wealth of experience to the course. The
obstacles are beautifully constructed with a wide variety
of challenging options while you are never left without
an escape route if necessary. Some fast times were put up
through the obstacles in all classes but the fastest
marathon of the day, a massive 9 penalties faster than
anyone else, was recorded by Boyd Exell driving Sarah
Garnett's horse pair. In the horse teams class,
spectators were puzzled to see quantities of steam
following Robert Bowman's carriage after the water
obstacle. This turned out to be a binding brake which
forced him to retire.
Sue Mart won the Bellcrown Challenge for the fastest
single pony in obstacle six, the Bellcrown Bunker, where
a golfer stood holding a ball, which doubled as a
knockdown element. Amanda Saville won the "Jack in a Box"
No. 2 Challenge for the fastest single pony through
obstacle 2, while Andrew Smith, Chairman of the Scottish
Carriage Driving Association which organizes Hopetoun
Event, won the No.1 Challenge prize donated by Brockham
Harness Club for the fastest novice driver through
obstacle 1.
A live ceilidh band provided the entertainment on
Saturday evening. The marquee was filled with revelers
but sadly no-one did anything sufficiently embarrassing
to be worth reporting here. Many thanks to everyone who
supported the raffle.
We had the best of the weather on Sunday with blue
skies for most of the day. Course designer Ian Bertram
had set a challenging but fair cones course which proved
influential, especially when an unfortunate cone down
reversed the order in the pony pair class.
Earlier in the day Andrew Smith, the SCDA Chairman and
one of the event organizers, had won the Novice Driver
(Horse) class while his wife Carole secured victory in a
hard fought battle in the Novice Driver (Pony) section -
very much a case of his and hers on this occasion. Carole
also won the Thistle Trophy for the lowest score achieved
by a Scottish Competitor.
Owen Pilling of Owen Pilling Graphics, the event's
main sponsor, enjoyed the lap of honour from George
Bowman’s carriage.
Everyone headed home on Sunday having enjoyed an
exceptionally friendly and well run event, the standard
of which deserves a few more competitors from both North
and South of the border in 2004. Hope to see you there!
Landrover International Driving Grand Prix at Royal
Windsor Horse Show by Felicity Vero
This year’s Landrover International Driving Grand Prix
at Royal Windsor Horse Show attracted an excellent
foreign entry in the horse classes, although the pony
classes only saw a handful of visitors.
Thursday’s Dressage was driven in lovely sunshine -
“Make the most of it”, everyone said! First to go was the
national class for Pony Tandems where Sue Skeggs took a
narrow lead over Lesley Cox. The following Horse Pairs
class was truly international with the top six places all
going to overseas competitors. After Amanda Saville had
cheerfully provided some lunchtime entertainment - which
she also did on Friday in worsening conditions - the
Horse Teams drove their Dressage. Boyd Exell, fresh from
a win at Brighton , took the lead from Harry de Ruyter
(Ned) with Dick Lane the best of the British in third.
Unfortunately, come Friday, the weather took a
definite turn for the worse! Nevertheless, three British
competitors filled the top places in the Single Pony
class - Sue Mart, Amanda Saville and Sue Corlett.
The Single Horse class was led by Anne Violaine Brisou
(France), out to make amends for losing out on the
individual gold medal at the World Singles Championships
last year. Great Britain filled second and third with
Jimmy Robson and David Matthews, but there was only 2.6
penalties between first and third.
Experienced Belgian driver Mia Allo won the Pony Teams
Dressage from Emily Bennett and Anna Grayston who were
equal in second place. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was
fourth at this stage.
Ulrich Spenneman (Germany), winner of the Pony Pairs
class in 1999 and 2000, took the lead after Dressage
ahead of last year’s winner Jo Rennison. Fred Pendlebury
drove an outstanding test with his horse tandem to head
the national class.
By this time most stewards were wet, cold and fed up,
but a little party in the Supporters’ Tent raised
spirits! Thank you RWHS!
With all the rain, it was decided to shorten Section A
and slow Section C on the marathon, resulting in revised
marathon times - another minor headache for the
secretary! However, on the whole the marathon drove well,
despite poor conditions, though the rain might have
contributed to the electronic clocks on the obstacles
failing to work as they should. There were very few
casualties, though some competitors made the odd costly
error - poor Boyd Exell had the misfortune to lose his
groom off the back of his carriage - again! The water
obstacle drove much more smoothly this year, although
John Pickford had to retire with an injured pony and
George Bowman’s new leaders were very reluctant to get
their feet wet without help from one of the grooms. As
always it was a pleasure to watch Aart van der Kamp’s
little team of Shetlands tackle this obstacle and they
were only four seconds slower than Emily Bennett’s
fastest pony team time through the water! Sadly Emily was
then eliminated for missing a gate in the last obstacle.
The rain did eventually stop, but early on Sunday
morning the Show Committee took the decision to cancel
the rest of the show, only allowing the Driving to
continue in Home Park. This is not the first time that
this has happened, although thankfully this time the
cones did take place in the proper arena and not in a
hard car park!
The Single Pony class was very tight with only 1.09
penalties between Amanda Saville in the lead after the
marathon and fourth placed Sue Corlett. Des Sheridan,
lying third for Ireland, was wrongly eliminated in the
cones but after re-driving the course he moved up to take
second place overall and win the cones phase. Sue Mart
was the overall winner of this class after a lovely clear
round.
Ulrich Spenneman maintained his lead throughout the
competition to give Germany a win in the Pony Pairs
class. Although Jo Rennison (Great Britain) gave him a
good run for his money, she could not improve on her
second place.
Lesley Cox won the pony tandems with her grey Eriskay
ponies, while Aart van de Kamp (Ned) took the pony teams
for the second successive year from Mia Allo with Anna
Grayston in third.
Anne Violaine Brisou maintained her lead throughout to
win the single horse class from last year’s winner, David
Matthews.
The Horse Pairs were very close, although
disappointingly Great Britain did not feature in the top
six. Ben Gosschalk took the lead after a storming
marathon despite his injured knee, less than a cone
separated the first four. In the event it was another win
for France when Pierre Jung, third after Dressage, took
the class. Fred Pendlebury enjoyed a comfortable win in
the Horse Tandems from Pat Cooper.
Little more than one penalty separated Harry de Ruyter
of Holland and Boyd Exell (Australia) after the marathon,
with last year’s winner Felix Brasseur (Belgium) and
Karen Bassett (Great Britain) separated by less than a
cone in third and fourth respectively. All went clear in
the cones, although Boyd and Karen
had time penalties. But the overall placings remained
unaltered, Harry de Ruyter regaining the title he last
won in 1998.
For some it may not have been the happiest Royal
Windsor, but at the end of the day we were all privileged
to be part of this wonderful occasion held in the superb
setting of Windsor Castle.
Iberic Cup 2003
Sadly there were no British participants in this
year’s Iberic Cup competitions in Lezirias (Portugal) and
Montenmedio (Spain) at the beginning of April, but the
organisers gave their usual warm welcome to participants
from Belgium, France, Hungary and the home countries. The
Iberic Cup is awarded on the basis of the combined scores
from the two events.
Felix Brasseur (Belgium) won a close contest with
Portugal’s Frederico de Beck for the horse team trophy.
Portugal’s Ana Cristina Guerreiro and her lovely pair of
Dutch horses were neck and neck with Belgium-based Erika
Szabo from Hungary going into the cones in the last
competition, but an impressive double clear - the only
one of the whole event - round the tricky course secured
victory for Ana Cristina. Andre Herman from Belgium led
from start to finish in the Single Horse class with his
attractive Lusitano horse.
Next year the organisers have ambitious plans to
combine two weeks training in Montenmedio prior to the
first event there, to be followed a week later by the
second leg of the Iberic Cup in Lezirias. What a
wonderful opportunity for those who have the time to be
able to spend some three weeks at the wonderful facility
near Cadiz!
Boyd Finishes Second in World Cup
After a superb performance in the final qualifying
round at s’Hertogenbosch (Holland), Boyd Exell was lying
in second place in the overall standings as he set off to
Gothenburg in Sweden for the final of the World Cup.
Having been unbeaten in four qualifying rounds,
Germany’s Michael Freund had amassed sufficient points to
secure the title even before the final competition. But
he is such a competitive driver that he was determined to
try and maintain his unbeaten record for the series. In
the event, Freund was beaten into second place in the
final competition by Christoph Sandmann of Germany who
put up a superb performance to complete the only clear
round. Boyd finished in third after two knockdowns
although with an exceptionally fast time.
Sadly local hero, Thomas Eriksson, was eliminated for
an error of course.
Despite his third place in Gothenburg, Boyd had scored
sufficient points overall to finish as the runner-up in
the World Cup, just one point ahead of Sandmann.
Boyd has enjoyed a very successful winter season with
Fred Pendlebury’s veteran team of cobs and is full of
praise for the horses’ exceptional talent for this type
of competition.
The 2003/2004 indoor campaign starts again at
Stuttgart in November, but team drivers have to finish in
the top ten in the World Cup Points League based on the
results of specified outdoor Horse Driving Trials during
the summer of 2003 in order to secure one of the coveted
places on the circuit.
National Championships
Plans are well in hand for this year’s National
Championships at Windsor. New title sponsor Craghoppers
are very generously supplying fleeces for all the
stewards, and each National Champion will receive an item
of clothing for themselves and their groom (two grooms in
the case of the teams).
Last year’s newly constructed marathon obstacles will
undergo some minor modifications, new decoration and
re-flagging by course designers Barry Hunter and Roger
Alway to give a new look for this year. Some obstacle
sponsorship has already been agreed, but there are still
some obstacles available - with or without the
possibility of erecting a hospitality marquee alongside.
Anyone interested should contact Nigel Dipple (07831
272397).
Denis Williams is hoping to again persuade local
garden centres to dress some of the obstacles - which was
done to such great effect in 2002.
Barry Hunter will be designing the cones course, and
this year the cones phase will be run in two arenas
simultaneously.
Sadly Simon Baker is unable to continue the
sponsorship of the Private Driving Championships through
his company Voice Products, and we would like to take
this opportunity to thank Simon for all his support over
the last six years. These competitions were Simon’s
brainchild to bring together competitors from all driving
disciplines, and this aim was admirably achieved in 2002
when the Novice Horse/Pony Championship was won by
regular Driving Trials competitor Rosemary Neale with
‘Ruckham Henry’.
Stewards’ Training Day at Lowther by Sheila Hawking
Twenty-eight people attended the Stewards’ Training
Day held at Lowther at the beginning of April organised
by Robert Benson, Show Director of Lowther Horse Driving
Trials. Instruction was by Philip Bateman, ably supported
by Diana Brownlie, George Bowman and Jim Corbett – in
fact quite a celebrity affair!
First Philip went through the instructions for
obstacle stewards, during which many questions were
asked. The stewards were then divided into groups as if
at an event for timing, obstacle drawing etc. Meanwhile
George Bowman IV and brother Barnaby alternately provided
the ‘real’ competitor – sometimes driving correctly, at
other times making a deliberate mistake, really testing
the stewards.
After a busy 2½ hours we were entertained to soup and
sandwiches at The Queen’s Head, Askham.
On behalf of all present, I thank most sincerely
Robert Benson, Philip Bateman and the Bowman family for
giving of their time so generously.
Junior Clinic by Jenny Mackenzie
The BHDTA Easter Junior Clinic, supported by Baileys
Horse Feeds and the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, was
held at The Unicorn Trust Equestrian Centre, Stow on the
Wold. Aimed at all ages and abilities, the clinic really
put the juniors through their “paces”.
It all began with exciting tales of masked highwaymen
and runaway coaches, as Mark Broadbent from Fenix
Carriages gave a fascinating introduction to coaching.
His talk provided an insight into traditional coaching
methods and explained how driving has developed from an
uncomfortable form of transport into the current sport of
Horse Driving Trials.
On the second day all the turnouts lined up for a
quick driven assessment, from which we were then divided
up into three groups - Whips, Wheels and Collars. The
three instructors, Barry Capstick, Anna Grayston and
Georgina Frith, devoted lots of time, energy and
enthusiasm into helping each of their groups. In the
morning the turnouts had an individual dressage lesson,
followed by cones in the afternoon, then the dreaded “Two
Minute Cone Competition”. This consisted of a cones
course made up of three circles and a slalom. The aim was
to drive as many pairs of cones as possible within the
time. However, any cones knocked down added time
penalties to the score. The overall winner was Clare
Taylor driving ‘Star’.
The groups then had the opportunity to practise the
dressage test which they were to perform the following
day. Everyone’s attention suddenly turned to last-minute
memorizing of the test, which was quite a task !
After driving the test we then had a talk by an Equine
Nutritionalist from Baileys Horse Feeds. We discussed the
type of work and feed driving horses require. Each of our
horses/ponies was then weighed using a weight tape, and
their condition and individual dietary needs discussed.
This was very useful as it took a lot of the mystery out
of feeding, and enabled the group to consider the diets
of a range of different types, breeds and ages of driving
animals. We also focused on the particular needs of a
horse competing in three-day HDT’s, for example
additional supplements and electrolytes. Many thanks to
Baileys for sponsoring the clinic and providing a wealth
of nutritional information.
The last day began with obstacle building in the
indoor school, the instructors talked us through the
advantages and pitfalls of some of the routes we had
chosen and suggested new alternative routes that somehow
none of us seemed to notice!
We then practised driving obstacles, trying to get
quicker and quicker each time, all in preparation for the
looming competition in the afternoon. After lunch we had
the opportunity to put together everything we had learned
over the two and a half days. This began with driving our
dressage test outdoors, followed by a short cones course,
then indoors to drive the obstacles. Everybody thoroughly
enjoyed this and there was a great sense of team spirit.
Can I say a big thank-you to everyone involved who
made the clinic so much fun.
Midlands Driving Trials Group - Thoresby by Keith
Harding
“A great start to our season at a lovely venue,” was a
frequent comment by competitors at Thoresby Park on
26th/27th April for the opening competition of the
Midlands Driving Trials Group. The sixty plus entries
included seven teams, nine pairs and four tandems.
Although only a club event, the national competitors set
a high standard of turnout for the dressage on Saturday –
giving club drivers something to aim for.
Paul Hart won the national novice horse qualifier with
Fiona Powell winning in the pony section. In the horse
teams Dick Lane’s first place in the marathon failed to
overhaul Boyd Exell’s 33 point dressage score – this
being the best dressage score of the day.
Elisabeth Greensmith and her team produced yet another
great competition, found over sixty people to act as
stewards and even got the weather to turn out right.
CLUB CHANGES
There are the following additions to the list of
affiliated clubs printed in the 2003 Year book:
BRISTOL HORSE DRIVING CLUB Chairman – Mr Michael W
Wall, 32 Beechwood Avenue, Hanham, Bristol, BS15 3QW Tel
– 0117 9611009 Fax – 0117 9672822 Email – Michael.wall5@btopenworld.com
JUNIOR CHARIOTS Secretary – Rosemary James, 1 Grant
Avenue, Lockerbie, DG11 2EH. Tel – 01576 202510 Fax –
01576 610248 Email – juniors@chariots.org.uk
LINCOLNSHIRE CARRIAGE DRIVING GROUP Secretary - Mrs
Beryl Marshall, 1 Court Leys Cottages, Brandon, Grantham,
Lincolnshire, NG32 2AY, Tel - 01636 629134
Note: The above should not be confused with the
Lincolnshire Driving Trials Group (secretary Linda
Turner).
Change of Secretary:
WEALD HARNESS CLUB - Heather Nestel, Little Goldwell
Oast, Goldwell Lane, Great, Chart, Ashford, Kent, TN26
1JS. Tel. 01233 620080 Email - bandhnestel@aol.com
Change of Email address:
CHESTER HORSE DRIVING TRIALS GROUP - Julie Fergusson:
juliefergusson@bryneglwys.fslife.co.uk
Sarum & Forest Harness Club
The BHDTA Novice Qualifier and Club Two-Day Event will
be held at Rockbourne, Wiltshire on 19th/20th July. For
schedules Tel/Fax : 01747 850235.
Shepway Harness Club Dates
- Sunday 1st June - Cow Gate Farm - Hawkinge
mini ODE ( 4 obstacles )
- Sunday 6th July - Hardres Court - Upper Hardres mini
ODE
- Sunday 24th August - Parsonage Farm -Bekesbourne
mini ODE
- Saturday 6th September - Shepway's 21st Birthday
Party
- Sunday 20th September - Cow gate Farm - Hawkinge
ODE ( 6 Obstacles )
Please note that event secretary Jackie Durkin has
moved to: 3 Old Court Cottages, Aylesham, Canterbuy,
Kent. CT3 3HP. Tel. 01304 841979
Brockham Harness Club
Borde Hill, one of the country’s ‘truly great gardens’
is the new venue for Brockham Harness Club’s Two-day
Event, which takes place over the weekend of August 30 &
31. Set in over 200 acres of spectacular parkland near
Haywards Heath, Borde Hill provides a wonderful location
for horse driving trials.
More than 4,000 spectators are anticipated on Sunday,
since the driving trials coincide with Borde Hill’s
popular annual Kids’ Animal Fair.
Course designer Andrew Simmons is currently creating
six exciting obstacles, one of which will incorporate
part of Robertsmere Lake, set in a glorious position just
below the Tudor mansion house. J Martin Johnson of
Bellcrown Carriages, a keen supporter of Brockham Harness
Club, is one of the main obstacle sponsors and his
obstacle is to be shaped in a giant B to be named “Begin
with a Bellcrown at Brockham”.
Dressage and cones will take place on Saturday with
the marathon running on Sunday. This event is a national
novice qualifier and a qualifier for the southern area
club championship.
Trade stands, entertainers, arena activities and a
vast range of catering outlets will support the weekend
to make it a great day out for everyone.
Various sponsorship opportunities are still available
to cover all types of budgets, trade stand bookings are
currently being taken and schedules for the competitors
are now available.
Borde Hill is just a few minutes drive from Haywards
Heath and accessible by main line rail services from
London and the South Coast.
For information visit www.brockhamharnessclub.co.uk or
telephone Nigel Dipple on 07831 272397.
East Anglian Carriage Driving Group Fiona Powell
“I love East Anglia in the Spring-time…”
East Anglia has already seen two events in April. Our
new committee, spurred by end-of-season zeal last year,
rashly decided on a training day and one-day event at
Easter followed by our Euston Park two-day event:, but
our hard work has paid off with enjoyable early season
competitions.
Landowner Dan Squier’s aptly named “lazy wind” of
Essex at Doggetts didn’t discourage 11 turnouts and 50
“on-foot” supporters on the Saturday. The BHDTA made a
donation towards the cost of Jo Meech’s Stewards’ Clinic,
Mike Watts’ Backsteppers’ Training (or “How to be better
than a sack of potatoes” – get your own copy from
www.eacdg.org.uk), Tom and Rita McGregor’s dressage,
cones and obstacle walking and Claire Bourne’s Harness
Fitting and Presentation Tips. The roaring log fires and
cosy atmosphere of the Old Farmhouse were also
appreciated in the evening, when Marion Squier and
friends produced a superb home-cooked meal.
The one-day event’s six obstacles and a water splash
drew 18 starters. Stewards proved a rare breed but enough
of Dan’s neighbours and friends were mustered. Amanda
Wells retained her early lead in Open Pony, followed by
Janet Seaman and Fiona Powell. Novice Pony class was laid
waste by Christina Curran’s broken spring, and
eliminations, and won by Claire Taylor, junior, second
Alma Webb, third Diana Irwin.
Euston Park, Thetford, is always a popular early
event, with quick-draining. sandy tracks. In March we
built National-standard obstacles in the park, in easy
reach. Lynne Harrington led Open Pony all the way. She,
Jill Wood, second, and Jenifer Barker-Simson, third, were
the only non-eliminated finishers. Novice Pony entries
proved more resilient and serious ups and downs in the
early stages were between Janice Parker, Yvonne Farmer,
and juniors Holly Stile and Claire Taylor, Janice
eventually taking the upper hand, followed by Holly and
Claire, with new member, Jill Williams, fourth.
Forthcoming events:
31 May & 1 June - Doggetts, Rochford, near
Southend-on-Sea (only about 20 miles from the M25’s J29
or J30). Novice Qualifier at Keysoe, 14/15 June.
“Sandringham Club” and Team Challenge”, 5/6 July, with
the chance to drive the National course in a much more
relaxed, informal atmosphere. Details and entry forms
from www.eacdg.org.uk or call Fiona Powell, 01473 735732
for fax or postal forms. Late entries accepted: please
call first.
BHDTA Club Incentive Schemes
The BHDTA Council has announced that the membership
"commission" scheme is to be continued. Any club
introducing a new member to the BHDTA (as an Associate
member or above) will receive a "commission" payment of
£20 per new member, provided the application is made on a
special form.
The opportunity to apply for an interest-free loan is
also to continue. Clubs with over 50 BHDTA members on
their register may apply for a grant of up to £500 from
the HDT Special Development Fund towards specific capital
expenditure. The loan is repayable over a four-year
period.
Clubs can also apply for a grant of up to £200 for
training purposes. Further details from Sydney Smith,
Chairman of the Training Committee, Tel. 01451 831052.
Chester Horse Driving Trials Group
- June 7-8 Mostyn Estate, Mostyn, Nr Holywell,
Flintshire
- June 21-22 Porth Y Post Riding School, Anglesey.
- July 5-6 Yew Tree Farm, Poulton, Chester, Cheshire
(NOVICE QUALIFIER)
- July 19-20 Broad Oak Farm, Broughton, Nr Chester,
Cheshire
- Aug 2-3 Swinford Farm, Barrow, Nr Chester, Cheshire
- Aug 16-17 Frankton Grange, English Frankton.
Shropshire
- Aug 30-31 Leverhulme Estate, Thornton Hough, Wirral
- Sept 6-7 Henbury Hall, Macclesfield, Cheshire
For further information please contact: Membership
Secretary/general enquires -Julie Fergusson on 01490
450205 (e-mail juliefergusson@bryneglwys.fslife.co.uk) or
Entries Secretary: Heather Hulme on 0161 4273328.
White Horse Harness Club
The two-day event to be held at Manor Farm West
Overton, Nr Marlborough will also be a Southern Area
Championship qualifier and host National novice qualifier
classes on 26th & 27th July which are open to everybody.
Schedules are available now from WHHC Secretary and
further details via the web site at:
www.whitehorseharness.co.uk.
Scottish Outdoor Season Under Way
The Scottish Carriage Driving Association’s outdoor
points league began with Anne and Ian Gilbert’s event at
Eglinton Country Park, Ayrshire on 3rd and 4th May. Diana
Brownlie had given a stewards clinic on the Saturday
morning ( which included an entertaining in-obstacle
"staged" domestic between the guinea pig turnout driven
by SCDA Chairman Andrew Smith and wife Carole on the back
step!) and she then stayed on to judge.
There was an excellent turnout of competitors and
helpers, and following the dressage and cones on the
Saturday, the evening saw a lovely buffet followed by an
entertaining evening of dancing and matchmaking à la
‘Blind Date’. The results of the date of the mystery
couple thrown together as a result (and their identity)
will be reported on following the Falkland event in June!
The three-section marathon on Sunday was over mostly
woodland/parkland tracks with a little roadwork and six
testing obstacles put together by Hopetoun coursebuilder
Ian Gilbert and his team. As to the weather - don’t ask !
The following weekend saw the circuit move to Ian
Bertram’s event at Dalmeny Estate on the shores of the
Forth Estuary, Edinburgh, a stones throw from the
Hopetoun National venue. An even larger entry enjoyed the
somewhat challenging dressage arena, and the beautiful
setting for the cones on a lawn right beside the beach
adjacent to the Forth. Marathon Sunday was warm and
bright and saw the competitors driving across Lord
Roseberry’s beautiful Estate, with the walk over the road
through the golf course and Section E including six
difficult obstacles.
Many thanks to the organisers and all the stewards and
helpers at both events . Roll on Hopetoun! All results,
photos, SCDA news on www.scda.co.uk.
South Downs Harness Club’s 25 Years
This year, 2003 marks the South Downs Harness Club’s
25th Anniversary. Keith and Grace Randall recall how the
Club was started.
Driving was beginning to increase in popularity and a
number of like-minded enthusiasts felt there was a need
for a local Carriage Driving Club. An informal meeting
was held at the Gordon Rooms, Goodwood on 1st February
1978, attended by approx 100 people. A steering Committee
founded and organised the club until July 1978 when the
constitution, rules, finances etc. were formalised and a
full Committee elected (of which three are still active
members today – Michael Camp, Keith Randall and Peter
Linfield). On 19th March 1979 20 turnouts enjoyed the
first social drive around Goodwood Estate.
In 1979 the Club had 200 members and the first Open
Show was held on 19th August 1979 at the Weald and
Downland Open Air Museum, which was then in its infancy
with Chris Zeuner as Director. Sixty-five turnouts
entered the 11 classes with 24 on the Concours
d’Elegance.
Goodwood Estate hosted One Day Events for several
years, the then Lady March being a keen whip. The Lisa
Joyce Event, named after Colin Darby’s groom who was
tragically killed when she fell from a horse, started at
Stansted Park Estate and is now held at Dounhurst Farm
Carriage Driving Centre. In addition we still hold the
Open Show at The Weald and Downland Museum, and have
added a very successful Horse Driving Trial with Novice
Qualifier at Downlands, a popular Members Only Show, a
series of Dressage and Cones competitions, and an Annual
Sponsored Drive at Cowdray Park. We also have Social
Drives around the West Sussex and Hants area most weeks
through the year.
Our membership currently stands at around 180, with
whips from all disciplines of carriage driving. We are
very proud of our club and the work it does in promoting
our sport.
US Morgan Horse Society Visit
A group of American carriage driving enthusiasts from
the Morgan Horse Society enjoyed the company of members
from Brockham Harness Club following their visit to Royal
Windsor Horse Show.
The club hosted a small champagne reception at Denis
Williams’ stables in Wexham, followed by dinner at a
local old English pub in Eton.
During the reception guests enjoyed a ridden Dressage
display with Lisa Weller riding Clever Clogs a dutch
warmblood Grand Prix horse.
Before they left, Brockham Chairman Nigel Dipple
presented the visitors with an information pack about the
club and the BHDTA, and other useful facts about carriage
driving in the UK.
BHDTA 2003 AGM
The 2003 AGM was held on Thursday 1st May at Sussex
University and attended by some 30 members. Appointments
to the Council were ratified as follows:
Ian Douglas, Edmund Goodwin were re-elected for a
further three years, Sydney Smith for 12 months. Tom
Pettifer was elected to Council for a full three-year
term having previously been a co-opted member.
Geoff Woods retired from Council, and a presentation
was made to him in recognition of his efforts and time
spent working as a member of Council and for the past
four years as the Association's Treasurer.
At the Council meeting immediately following the AGM
Derrick Mayes was co-opted to Council and elected by
Council as the Association's Treasurer. Council elected
Ian Douglas as the new Vice-Chairman.
Council Meeting Dates
The dates for future Council meetings in 2003 are:
11th June, 20th August, 6th October
If any members have any points for discussion by the
Council, they must advise the office at least two weeks
before the meeting date.
Committee Changes
The make up of the various Committees, usually decided
at the Council meeting immediately following the AGM,
will be announced in the next newsletter. Council agreed
that this subject was of such importance that it should
be left to the next meeting when sufficient time could be
given to discuss it in detail.
DEFRA Passport Legislation
Members will have heard or read in the equine press
that EU legislation is being drawn up requiring every
equine to have an EU approved passport by 1st January
2004. The BHDTA has been lobbying for the absolute
minimum information to be included in these passports in
order to keep the cost down for our members. The
passports are required as the horse is regarded as an
agricultural animal on the continent, ie primarily a food
producing animal. Each passport will contain medical
records, for example if your Vet administers a Class 4
drug or one that has not had the necessary (and extremely
costly) drug testing, then the passport will be endorsed
with 'not for human consumption'. One such drug is
Phenylbutazone - commonly known as 'bute'.
The BHDTA are part of this consultation process and we
will report further as soon as we are able. In the
interim our considered opinion is to advise our members
to do nothing at this stage. The BHDTA is not currently
and has no plans to become an approved passport issuing
authority; there are however 53 such organisations. The
British Horse Society (BHS), The British Driving Society
(BDS) and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) will
all be able to supply these passports. We will keep you
updated as information comes to hand. For further
information please see our own web site and those of the
BHS, BEF and DEFRA.
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) paralytic disease
At present there are no official restrictions imposed
by DEFRA as a result of the reported cases of EHV
paralytic disease and there are no restrictions on the
movement of horses.
The BEF's Director of Sports Science and Medicine, John
McEwen, advises individuals, yards and show organisers to
continue their normal activities but to take sensible
precautions regarding infected yards or yards in close
proximity to an outbreak.
Isolation of infected yards is essential but fortunately
the virus does not travel long distances through the air
and infection is mainly by contact with infected horses.
Information about the disease and the regions where
infected cases have been identified can be found on the
AHT web site (www.aht.org.uk) which is regularly updated.
IMPORTANT COMPETITOR INFORMATION
SELECTION INFORMATION FOR 2004
World Single Horse Championship 2004
The venue for this championship is now Åstorp (Sweden)
21st-27th July (two weeks earlier than previously
notified). There will now be two selection events in 2003
(Alnwick and Catton Park) and two in early 2004 (to be
notified when the 2004 calendar is confirmed).
World Horse Teams Championship 2004
This Championship has now moved to Kecskemet (Hungary)
on 4th-8th August. There will therefore be one selection
event in 2003 at Catton Park, and three early in 2004 (to
be notified when the 2004 calendar is confirmed).
CHAIRMAN’S NOTEBOOK
The 2003 season is under way, although we have had a
mixed start. Brighton, re-branded with a new sponsor,
main arena removed to the top of the park and new
well-constructed obstacles, was well received, but Royal
Windsor suffered the vagaries of our early season's
weather.
Anneke Wallace and her organising committee at
Hopetoun are to be congratulated, a beautifully sited and
constructed new arena, first class marathon course and
obstacles, produced an event of the highest quality. New
hard accesses in the showground and hundreds of tons of
stone in soft areas along the marathon course provided an
insurance for the future this event so richly deserves.
What a pity that the event was not better supported by
competitors. Those who did not travel north to this
excellent event on this occasion should make the effort
next year. It is an easy journey - dual carriageway all
the way from Devon!
The disappointing attendance at the AGM and following
Members' Open Meeting gives concern. Whilst there were no
contentious matters to be decided, one feels that the
opportunity for Members to interact with the Council and
express their opinions was missed. Practicality requires
this meeting to be held in early season, although as
Company Secretary Peter Bridson advised, changes to
Company law may omit the requirement for an AGM in the
future, nevertheless constructive members' meetings are
of value.
Please continue to support fundraising for this year's
World Championships, there is still a long way to go.
TEAM NEWS
Single Pony Training Clinic, Keysoe by Rosemary Neale
March at the College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe, is
normally like the North Pole but this year the sun shone
on the nine hardy and hopeful single pony drivers and
their grooms who braved the elements to take part in the
first clinic to be organised by the drivers themselves.
The clinic was the brainchild of a group of drivers who
got together at the BHDTA Conference to make some plans
for the Combined Pony World Championships this year. The
group decided on some fund raising ideas (please buy our
T-shirts and notelets!!) and also felt that we needed to
start our competition preparation early. The College
Equestrian Centre was decided as the venue because we
were able to get it cheaply, thanks to the efforts of Sue
Squirrel and Rosemary Neale who live locally. The College
offer a free one hour hire of their indoor school for
people who volunteer to write for their dressage judges,
little thinking of the deviousness of carriage drivers!
So Sue and Rosemary spent winter Saturdays in chilly
judges’ boxes, accumulating hours and donated their
rewards to the clinic – and learnt a lot about dressage
in the process!!
We secured the services of Di Hayes and Karen Bassett
to help with dressage and obstacles and they were both
marvellous role models and so generous in sharing the
immense fund of knowledge and experience they both have.
Mark Winder set up a testing cones course (outside!) and
coached us all through it Evenings were not wasted and we
learned from Di and Karen about their experiences of
international competition, watching a video of Conty
kindly loaned by David Matthews, and hearing a discussion
on Presentation from BDS judges Derek and Sharon Wootton.
The three days were a very intense and enjoyable
learning experience with the added bonus of making some
really good friends into the bargain! Everyone helped
each other wherever possible and also learnt from each
others successes and mistakes and the increase in team
spirit has already been felt in the class. Whoever makes
it on to the team for the Championships will go with the
support and good wishes of all their ‘mates’ in the
single pony class.
Our thanks go to everyone who helped and gave their
time – how about another one next year?
Official Clothing
The official British team supporters clothing is
available for purchase at events. The sales are raising
valuable funds towards the cost of sending the drivers to
the
World Championships later this summer. For instance
approx. £100 was raised as a result of sales at Royal
Windsor Horse Show, so persuade your friends to buy!
Prices: Polo shirts £18, Baseball hats £12
“Name the Teddy” Competition
Edmund and Joan Goodwin would like to thank all those
who supported the fund-raising effort for the ponies
going to the World Championships by entering the “Name
the Teddy” competition.
The selected name was “Tom” (no disrespect to our
Chairman!) and congratulations go to the winner, Mary
Robbins.
World Combined Pony Championships
14 - 17 August
The Chef d’Equipe for the British team is now
confirmed as Bob Johnston, his assistant will be Rosemary
Neale. René Schoop has very kindly offered to act as
‘team interpreter’ for the trip.
Karlstetten is 5 miles from the capital of Lower
Austria, St Polten.
Event Website: www.pony-wm2003.com
Tourist information - Contact:
office@most4tel.com
Website: www.most4tel.com
OUT AND ABOUT
The Golden Hippo Trophy
A magnificent new trophy has been donated to the
BHDTA. The Golden Hippo Trophy was originally presented
to HM The Queen by The President of Liberia, and became a
driving trophy at the Royal International Horse Show
(first for the hackneys, and then for the Driving
Trials). It was recently rediscovered and permission was
given for it to be used as a trophy by the BHDTA.
It was agreed that it should be awarded for
“sportsmanship in adversity” and a small committee was
set up to decide an appropriate recipient - not an easy
task.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh kindly agreed to make the
presentation at the Brighton Driving Trials Reception,
and was surprised to find that he was infact the
recipient. The award was made in recognition of his
unfortunate elimination at Royal Windsor Horse Show in
2002 when the nose of his leader broke the timing beam
mid-obstacle.
BEIB News
British Equestrian Insurance Brokers Limited (BEIB),
the international equestrian Lloyd’s broker, has recently
announced that it is becoming part of Thompson Heath &
Bond, the AIM listed broker. All staff and directors will
continue to work for the company.
BEIB have been extremely successful in developing
group liability and personal accident insurance
programmes, as well as offering the unique “one-stop
insurance solution” for all types of equestrian
activities.
Simon Mackaness London Market Director said, “BEIB
will continue to operate from the Head office in
Tonbridge and have representation in the City. We look
forward to being part of a larger well-respected group
and the benefits that will give us in this difficult
insurance market. To further develop our position as the
leading Lloyd’s equestrian broker we hope to continue to
grow BEIB over the next few years, both organically and
by acquisition”
The No. 1 Challenge!
Brockham Harness Club, organisers of the very
successful South of England Carriage Driving Fair, have
again 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 2003.
The winner at Brighton was Novice Pony driver Fiona
Powell.
At Hopetoun House the award went to Novice Horse
competitor, Andrew Smith.
Details will be available at each event and on
www.brockhamharnessclub.co.uk
‘Jack in the Box’ No. 2 Challenge
Following on from the Brockham Harness Club No. 1
Challenge - ‘Jack in a Box’ will make an award to the
fastest Open Pony competitor and groom through obstacle 2
on the marathon, at each National Event. The prize is two
‘Jack in a Box’ Polo Shirts with the emphasis on the fact
that the groom also gets a prize.
‘Jack in the Box’ is run by Open Horse competitors,
Ian and Frances Collings and supplies driving
accessories.
The winner of the prize at both Brighton and Hopetoun
was Amanda Saville and her groom.
Charity Gala Polo Match
Guards Polo Club are hosting a Charity Gala Polo Match
in aid of Riding and Carriage Driving for the Disabled on
Sunday 29th June 2003, Smiths Lawn Windsor. BHDTA members
may purchase tickets in advance at special rates from
Susan Bailey 01344 883355 Email: susan@winkfield.force9.co.uk.
All proceeds from these sales go to RDA.
Windsor Sponsored Drive
Nearly 200 drivers from as far afield as Blackpool,
Leeds and Devon gathered at Smiths Lawn, Windsor Great
Park for this year’s Windsor Sponsored Drive. The grand
rosettes were kindly sponsored by Mrs Gillie Simpson and
the completion certificates by The Hon. Peter Bick.
The participants, who included HRH Prince Philip with
his team of Fell ponies, really appreciated the fine
weather and glorious setting. The course consisted of six
obstacles and a 15 km drive through the Deer Park.
We are indebted to the Crown Estate and to all the
stewards who helped to make this such a memorable
occasion. A total of £18,000 was raised, and at the BDS
Annual Show on 22nd June cheques will be handed over to
the various charities. Winner of the Taffy and Tartan
Trophy was Brian Gates from Leek, Staffordshire, who
raised a staggering £1,513.
Cones
Many thanks to the supporters who have donated the new
set of international cones, balls and numbers to the
Association. These were first used at Royal Windsor and
will be carried in the scoreboard trailer and used at the
events at which the trailer is present.
FEI Scorers’ Clinic
We understand that there may be an FEI Scorers’ Clinic
taken by international scorer Philippe Lienart at Jardy
(France) immediately prior to the World Horse Pairs
Championships in September. Participants may have the
opportunity to assist with the scoring for the
Championships.
More information in due course.
Bouvet
Members will be aware that Bouvet have been supporting
driving for some years. In particular they have very
generously supported the party held at the National
Championships as well as providing prizes - which they
will be doing again in 2003. Ray Baron has very kindly
organised the party on behalf of Bouvet, and has
generated sales which have benefited the BHDTA.
Ray has requested to hand over the job, and his place
is being taken by Derrick Mayes.
If you would like to order the bubbly prior to the
Championships - perhaps you have a wedding or party
coming up - please contact Derrick Mayes on: 0118
9883256.
SADDLE UP Gallops On!
Over the past 2 years equestrians have made a huge
contribution to spinal cord research by raising more than
£120,000 for the Saddle-Up Campaign! Our thanks go out to
everyone who has contributed over that time. 2003 will
see continued support for Saddle-Up from the British
Equestrian Federation and its member bodies and it is
hoped that individual equestrians will continue with
their superb fundraising efforts.
If you want to organise your own Saddle-Up event in
2003, Spinal Research has produced a new Events Pack with
posters and sponsor forms available from:
Spinal Research, Bramley Business Centre, Bramley,
Guildford, Surrey GU5 OAZ. Tel: 01483 898 786.
Email: info@spinal-research.org Charity No:
281325
LETTERS
Dear Editor,
What a lovely surprise I had when I discovered that I
had won the top prize in the 200 Club Draw! I
joined up at the Conference for the first time, so I
should encourage anyone who hasn't done so already, to
contact Sheila Hawking and join the 200 Club; if it
worked for me, it might be your turn next.
Thank you Sheila for all your tireless work for the BHDTA
Yours sincerely
Judi Ralls
OBITUARIES
A tribute to Vivienne Rome from the Pony Pairs and
all her driving friends
It is with sadness that I make this tribute to
Vivienne who had fought her illness with courage and
fortitude.
Vivienne was a great competitor in the pony pairs; she
had worked hard with her ponies and with Margaret as her
groom they made a great team. Vivienne’s success was
proved by her results. She won a number of national
competitions; she was the Pony Pairs National Champion;
she had driven at Royal Windsor Horse Show; and had
competed abroad. She was a very popular, genuine and
fun-loving competitor, enjoying winning but also always
ready to congratulate whoever else won. We met Vivienne
through the carriage driving and she became a very
special person to Edmund and I.
At one competition Vivienne came back from the
marathon thinking she had gone wrong in an obstacle, but
on looking at the score board it was not recorded.
Vivienne could not rest until she had been and checked it
out, only to find that she had not gone wrong. This just
shows what a genuine competitor Vivienne was. I could go
on – the story of the currant cake and the episode at the
score board all happy memories of Vivienne.
Our thoughts must go to Jock and the family who were
always very supportive of her in her driving and must
feel very proud of her achievements. I hope they will
find great comfort knowing just how much she was
respected and thought of in the driving world. She will
be greatly missed.
Joan and Edmund Goodwin
Walter Lorch - My Friend and Mentor by Karen Bassett
Life is full of surprises, and when I closed the door
on the British Spotted pony team era, I knew what I
wanted to do next - but the big question was how. I heard
through Peter Bennett that a gentleman called Walter
Lorch had a pair of driving horses and that his
groom/driver had left - Why didn’t I have a chat with
him? The only problem was that I was packing for a
six-week trip to America. I thought about it on the plane
over, and a gut feeling made me phone a friend and ask
them if they would approach Walter on my behalf. Walter
liked the proposition and agreed to meet me on my return
in November 1990. A new door opened. Walter agreed to
upgrade his current turnout in to a team. With the full
support of his wife Diana and daughter Janet, the
Muschamp Trakehner Driving Team was formed.
Walter Lorch was enchanted by the history of the
Trakehner horse and how they made an epic escape from
Prussia to safety in West Germany during the war. Only
about 50 horses survived the journey. A strict breeding
programme was enforced to regenerate the breed and Walter
became the first person to import a graded Trakehner
stallion into Britain. The Muschamp Stud was founded
Walter’s interest in driving was inspired by the birth
of twins; ‘Percy’ and ‘Sony’ were an instant matched
pair. Walter competed himself in the early days but
realised that his own shortcomings, usually resulting in
elimination, were holding back the success of the pair of
horses.
One of the many things Walter enjoyed was giving young
people an opportunity in life. There were several grooms
and helpers who were given the chance to compete over the
years. But the biggest opportunity was the chance he gave
me. Walter stood by me through thick and thin. There were
times when I felt like giving up, but even in adversity
Walter would always see the bright side and encourage me
to go on. He had a great sense of humour and rapport with
the young, and we had so many good times together. I
remember one winter in the snow when Black Park was
closed to horses for the winter. Bearing in mind that
Walter was at the time in his late seventies, he decided
we would use the horses to tow him around the park on his
skis. We certainly had fun - and the park wardens knew
exactly whose door to knock on!
Finally our hard work paid off and the successes
started to come. For Walter the point of total job
satisfaction came when I made it on to the British Team
at the World Equestrian Games in The Hague.
Walter’s dream was realised, but for me I wanted to
continue. Yet again he came up trumps, and allowed me to
continue under my own steam. Walter remained very
supportive financially as well as morally, and he was
always giving me ideas on how to improve my team.
I was fortunate to know him for the last twelve years
of his life, but his whole life had been such an
adventure. His inventive mind was respected and renowned
worldwide. He was an ideas man although not all of his
ideas were practical and some were impossible. His depth
of knowledge on a variety of subjects from cooking, water
science, horses and carriages, led to many published
books.
Walter’s philosophy on life was that all things were
possible. And this is what made him the special man that
he was. He told me so many stories from his younger days
and his generosity touched so many.
For me he made a dream came true.
The next issue of CARRIAGE HORSE will be published in
early August 2003
Deadline for articles and contributions - 15 July 2003
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. |
