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The official newsletter of the British Horse Driving Trials Association |
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May 2004 on-line edition |
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The official newsletter of the British Horse Driving Trials Association |
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May 2004 on-line edition |
| Editor’s Introduction By the time you read this, Brighton and Royal Windsor are over – results at the back – and the first club events are contributing to the general excitement with newly Novice Qualified drivers gleefully preening their ribbons. Between buffing, polishing and training, you might have had time to notice that this issue of Carriage Horse is late: apologies! We held it over until after the AGM at Brighton and also Royal Windsor. Do let us know what you think about any of the issues discussed here – and please let me have your photos and event publicity and reports as soon as possible and I’ll fit them in. Thank you! Fiona Powell, Suffolk 01473 735732, editor@horsedrivingtrials.co.uk Chairman’s Notes – May 2004 It was encouraging that the AGM, held again at the Brighton Event but on this occasion in the marquee, was much better attended than in recent years. Members took the opportunity, following the formal business, for an open discussion with the Council which I believe all present found informative. I trust that the article elsewhere in this issue regarding the Deloitte Modernisation Review and the Stratford Proposal will result in a better understanding of the issues under examination. Be assured that recommendations will be subjected to a cost/benefit analysis and will only be implemented given a positive result. Clearly for the success of our sport and increased participation we should take advantage of beneficial initiatives as currently seen in “Coaching” and “Breeding” and other areas and act in parallel with other equestrian disciplines. Some day we may even receive funding proportionate to that allocated to the Olympic Equestrian Disciplines, but don’t hold your breath! Whilst we can benefit from co-operation with other disciplines we must understand that international success for teams and individuals will only be achieved by increased co-operation within our own sport, as currently being displayed by the Pony Drivers looking towards 2005 World Championships, and by employing procedures to ensure that the best available teams compete at World Championships. We have an excellent programme ahead – enjoy the summer. Tom Pettifer, Chairman Craghoppers Sponsor National Championships Craghoppers, innovators in outdoor clothing, are proud to be the sponsor of the Royal Windsor Horse Driving Championships for the second year - and are again delighted to be part of this fun, fast action-packed event in September 2004. Not traditionally associated with the equestrian market, Craghoppers has clothing ranges that more than fit the bill. We offer an extensive range of outdoor clothing for anyone who loves being outdoors. Protective, hardwearing and practical – make our garments ideal for the adrenalin pumping, mud-flying action of horse driving. From fleeces to trousers to shirts, socks and hats we offer of full range ideal for those of you who enjoy a relaxing horse-trek to splashing through the marathon – or simply watching from a safe distance and soaking up the atmosphere. Comfort and protection are things we pride ourselves on at Craghoppers. >From keeping you cool and comfortable in our lightweight fast drying tops – ideal for walking the course - to protecting you from the suns harmful UV rays during long days in the outdoors. Not only that but Craghoppers donate a percentage of sales from their SolarDry sun protective range to Cancer Research UK. Our Nosquito insect repellent clothing means that you can say NO to not only mosquitoes but also to our horsefly friends who always seem to want to join in fun! From hats, to tops, trousers and even socks Nosquito keeps you protected from head to foot. Our clothes are just as changeable as the weather – our simple zip-on, zip-off collection means that when the sun shines - you can choose how much or how little of our clothing as you want. Our convertible trousers (left) mean you can change into shorts in seconds – and we didn’t stop there, we have convertible shirts too! Craghoppers know that protecting children from the sun is vital. We offer a full range of durable, practical, sun-protective and insect repellent fun styles for kids: girl’s ‘skort’, right. But we all know that the British summer doesn’t last very long so with our expertise in high quality outdoor adventure wear, our autumn winter collection is full of practical features, great design and wonderful colours meaning that you can enjoy wearing Craghoppers, wherever you are, whatever you do… From comfortable waterproof trousers that you can wear all day to waterproof jackets to keep you warm and protected from the elements. Craghoppers develop technical high quality clothes especially for outdoor sports and adventure - and after witnessing last years marathon it certainly is a sport for the adventurous! You can support our sponsors – see www.craghoppers.co.uk or contact them for a Mail Order Catalogue on 0845 11 333 88, or write to Customer Services Dept., Craghoppers Ltd, Risol House, Mercury Way, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7RR. There are stockists of their clothing and equipment around the country. Enter for Craghoppers’ Competition Prize: “Contact us today and you will receive our mail order catalogue and automatically enter our web site competition. This month we have two signed copies of Tony Hawks "Round Ireland with a Fridge" book to give away, personally signed at the opening of our new Cambridge store.” Office News BHS EQUINE SPECIFIC FIRST AID COURSES In response to industry demands the BHS are providing Equine Specific First Aid Courses, which provide a basic overview of first aid procedures, but with a focus on the injuries that are most likely to be sustained whilst handling, riding or driving horses. This course is appropriate for anyone who is involved in the horse industry, and will provide the basic information on what to do if you are ‘first on the scene’ of an accident. As with all such training, the emphasis will be on providing appropriate first aid help while professional help is sought. Full Red Cross type cover is prohibitively high for the smaller Club events/training days. To help with this problem we believe it would be of great assistance if each Club had a BHS qualified First Aid person on hand at such an event. To this end we have negotiated a special rate with the BHS for two members from each of our Affiliated Clubs to take up this training. If you would like to take up this offer, please contact the BHDTA office for details. SELECTION EVENT – changes Horse Teams - One of the three 2004 selection events was lost with the cancellation of the Newnham Park event. In consultation with the Horse Teams Class, Council agreed that the selection event would be reallocated to Sandringham. Drivers are required to complete three of the four selection events (Catton 2003, Brighton, Hopetoun, Sandringham 2004) to be eligible for a Team place. PART-TIME & SEASONAL MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY In an effort to streamline and speed the handling and processing of members subscriptions the decision has been taken to move the BHDTA membership ‘in-house’ to the office at Stoneleigh. This is due to take place on 30 June. We are looking to take on a part-time and seasonal Membership Secretary. Applicants need to be computer literate but full training will be given. Applications in writing, enclosing a full CV please to the BHDTA Office for the attention of Amanda Hill, Executive Officer. Knowledge of driving or indeed horses is not essential for this post. NEW BHDTA SCORING SYSTEM The system is now in place and used for the first time at Escrick Park Novice Qualifier event where our Trainees all reported that it worked without major hitch. This system will now be used at most National Events (Royal Windsor used a Canadian version of the ‘old’ scoring system and Hopetoun National keeps the manual scoring system). CHANGES TO THE 2004 RULE BOOK CHANGES! A mistake has been made on the ‘new’ page 107, Article 965, 16.1 should read 20 penalties and not Elimination. FEI DRESSAGE TEST No. 8 (2005) The recent meeting of the FEI General Assembly gave its approval to bring in Test No. 8 from 1 January 2005. There is a version of the test on the BHDTA website but we have NOT to date (17/5/04) received confirmation that this is the FINAL version. Please remember to put the correct postage on letters and packets and on your SAEs for the return of items sent to the BHDTA office – thank you. BHDTA COUNCIL We can now confirm that the Annual General Meeting ratified the result of the ballot: 1 Miss Sydney Smith, 2 Miss Amanda Saville, 3 Mr Ian Gilbert, 4 Mr Adrian Puddy, 5 Mr Geoffrey Woods. Miss Smith, Miss Saville and Mr Gilbert are therefore elected to serve the full term of 3 years and Mr Puddy to serve a twelve month term. The following people stand on the BHDTA sub-committees: FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES MARKETING & PUBLICITY RULES SAFETY COMPETITIONS DRIVERS WITH DISABILITIES JUDGES TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT CLUB LIAISON & INDOOR DRIVING CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER SUPPORTERS DRIVERS' LIAISON GROUP Passport reminder Every horse and pony must have a passport by 30 June 2004. Many bodies issue horse passports. Call the Office or see the BHDTA website, www.horsedrivingtrials.co.uk, www.bef.co.uk and www.defra.gov.uk for more details. The Golden Hippo Award At Brighton Horse Driving Trials H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh presented the Golden Hippo award to John Pickford (above). The award is given to the competitor who endures the most bad luck during the previous season, in John’s case however his misfortunes seem to continue into this year as recently during coursebuilding at Farleigh he badly injured his hand and is likely to be unable to compete for the early part of the season. Prince Philip enjoyed competing at Brighton at the first National event of the year and succeeded in taking the honours in the Pony Team Class driving Her Majesty’s team of Fell ponies. Royal Windsor Horse Show A highlight on the calendar of International driving competitors around the world, Royal Windsor Horse Show 13-16 May 2004, justifiably lays claim to providing the most famous driving venue in the UK. Held in the stunning public and private grounds of Windsor Castle, Berkshire, the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix not only boasted a palatial course but also enjoyed royal participation in the form of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with HM The Queen’s talented team of Fell ponies. The first ever running of the prestigious World Cup Qualifier attracted 31 of the best horse teams in the world to Royal Windsor this year. A total of 91 competitors from 18 countries competed in the eight separate classes of the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix. Most of the Private Driving classes, including the Hackney, RDA Driving for the Disabled and Heavy Horse classes, were held exclusively in Home Park Private for the first time this year, in the new Home Park Ring. Another first was the unveiling of two new obstacles in Section E of Saturday’s Marathon course. There was free transport from the Town Gate at main Royal Windsor Horse Show site to Home Park Private during every day of the show. News snippets The new-look BHDTA car sticker Inside this copy of Carriage Horse you will find your free BHDTA windscreen sticker. Please display this on your car, caravan or horsebox. If you require more, they are available from the Office or at the Supporters’ Tent at the cost of £1.50 WE ALL NEED TO HELP PROMOTE OUR ASSOCIATION – SO PLEASE DISPLAY THE NEW LOOK STICKER NOW! Sponsorship from Carriage Company The BHDTA are very pleased to welcome sponsorship from Mr Steve Jarman and his company Carriagesales.com for the 2004 season. Carriagesales.com will help support the GB singles horse team that will travel to the World Championships at Astorp in Sweden later this year,the company will also sponsor an obstacle at our National Championships in September. They have the largest range of carriages in the UK: to view the product range visit www.carriagesales.com. Saddle-Up Gallops On! Over the past three and a half years, Spinal Research and the equestrian community have been working together to fight paralysis. Thanks to everyone involved, the Saddle-Up Campaign has raised over £165,000, since its launch in 2000, to help pioneer the repair of injuries to the spinal cord. We would like to give a special thanks to the BHDTA and you, its members, for backing the Saddle-Up campaign over a number of years. Your ongoing support has made a real difference, helping us to continue our essential work. Karen Tierney, Campaigns Fundraiser at Spinal Research says: “Support from the equestrian world for our Saddle-Up Campaign has been fantastic. Lots of fun has been had at many different events. Money raised and donated by our supporters has provided vital income for Spinal Research and helped to publicize our work to fight paralysis”. As horse enthusiasts you know how devastating a serious fall can be. You may even know someone who has been paralysed – or more than likely someone who has had a lucky escape. It’s a very scary thought, but spinal cord injury could happen to any one of us. More than 40,000 people in the UK are paralysed as a result of damage to the spinal cord, usually victims of road accidents, sporting accidents or falls, and hundreds join them every year. But there is hope. Until recently, repairing a spinal cord injury was thought impossible - a view that Spinal Research was determined to change. For over 20 years Spinal Research has been raising money for groundbreaking projects at scientific and medical institutions around the world, in order to make the repair of spinal cord injuries a reality. Successes in the laboratory point the way to treatments that could generate re-growth in the spinal column. This re-growth in the spinal cord of a paralysed person, could allow them to regain vital sensation and movement. Spinal Research are now working towards the launch of clinical trials, in which paralysed volunteers will test pioneering treatments. We are asking for all you horse enthusiasts to become part of our Saddle-Up Campaign to help raise money to launch clinical trials. To be able to set up clinical trials on spinally injured volunteers, it will cost several millions of pounds and this is where you can help. There are many ways that you can get involved. You can take part in an organised carriage drive as a participant and raise money through sponsorship. Alternatively you can hold your own fundraising event - previous activities have included: Photo Competitions, Race Nights; Equestrian Bric-A-Brac; Stables Open Days; or good old Quiz Nights. Events packs to help with your fundraising are available by contacting Karen on 01483 898786 or by emailing saddle-up@spinal-research.org or visit www.spinal-research.org to find out more. Zena reins supreme! Railway conductor Zena Pashley took the reins while her driver partner turned passenger in a carriage contest to raise money for people with disabilities. The couple, who are both based at Leeds, negotiated a series of obstacles in the one-day competition staged at Escrick Park, near York. Zena and her partner Philip Cheesebrough together raised more than £525 in sponsorship by taking part in the event. The money is going to help people with disabilities take part in an international carriage driving contest to be staged later this year in Scotland. “They just ignore the physical difficulties they face, it’s just not a problem, said Zena. “What they do is amazing. “Competitors include people with severe dis-abilities. It makes you feel humble – and I just wanted to do something to help.” Zena, who worked as a groom before joining the railway, took up carriage driving just a couple of years ago. The course tackled by the couple stretched over 16 kilometres of countryside and included six obstacles - all of which they negotiated successfully. BHDTA Stewards Training day An informative and successful training day was held at the Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold on Sunday, 28 March. Nineteen people from north and south of the country took part, their expertise ranging from complete novice to long-standing BHDTA stewards. Philip Bateman and Ian Douglas organised the day with Philip opening proceedings with a talk on the many duties of a steward. This encompassed what is expected of ring stewards, in order to control an arena on both dressage and cone driving days, and also the variety of jobs required for the smooth running of an event during a marathon. Rule changes for this year were also explained. Following a break for coffee, Pauline Jones, who is one of our very experienced writers, gave a short talk on dressage writing. Pauline ran through what is generally required by a judge from their writer and also gave tips on dressage shorthand. Over the years the art of dressage shorthand has become a necessity if a writer wishes to avoid finger and wrist cramp at the end of a long day. After lunch the proceedings moved on to an explanation on the responsibilities of Obstacle Stewards, before everyone divided up into teams and moved down into the arena for a practical session. An obstacle, constructed by Ian Douglas, presented stewards with a number of problems, of which one was whether the competitor had gone through gate C without incurring penalties or elimination (remember Obstacle 8 at Henbury?). This was driven by Anna Grayston with her pair of ponies and a single turnout/driver provided by Unicorn Trust. No concession was made for the inexperience of stewards and the obstacle was driven at a fast pace and in numerous directions. All teams agreed that they had learnt a lot from seeing an obstacle driven at first hand. It was then back upstairs for a final run down on the day’s events. If you are interested in helping at any BHDTA National events please contact Philip Bateman who is compiling a register of stewards and volunteers - 07802 551457 - or Sheila Hawking - 01977 682298 TD’s Corner “Thoughts on the coming season” by Philip Bateman Well, here we are again, (as I write) the last weekend before the start of the 2004 season, which was going to be the year to cut down on the amount of involvement with driving, but, as always, it’s busier than ever. It all began last year, back in September, the day after returning from Jardy, after completing seven events in nine weeks in four countries and two Gary Power is a keen National HDT competitor, seen here warming up at Brighton, Helen Power grooming. continents. A meeting at Windsor to decide on the format for the coming World Cup Qualifier in May; this has now produced a total of 33 horse four-in-hands and 27 horse pairs plus all the other classes: too many to handle and the judges can only judge 40 in a day, so some will have to be balloted out. We decide to build two new obstacles, especially as Land Rover are sponsoring again for the coming year. The end of the 2003 Season saw the “Annual Bash” followed by the Organisers Conference, with the finalising of the calendar for the New Year. Lowther were unhappy that the Four-in-Hand World Championships, in Hungary, are on the same date and will lose out on numbers in horse classes, but neither can change the dates. Then there is the problem with Hopetoun, Farleigh and Newnham all running one weekend after each other. This puts pressure on competitors, officials and stewards alike, as no-one can be at all three, nor can the BHDTA scoreboard and equipment. But all is agreed, then the Novice Qualifiers dates were put into place, followed by those clubs that wish to avoid clashing with the National Events, for their own entries and use of judges and stewards The next couple of months go quiet, apart from the introduction of a new scoring and administration system found in Austria. A clinic is organised and participants alerted and it all takes place, with promise of new scorers as well as the programme, which must all be translated from German to English and adapted for our own National use. This should and does arrive the first week in February with usual German efficiency. Next week brings the Course Designers Clinic, both FEI and National, but collect the course director from the airport and take him to look at Catton Park on the way, so he can look at the site for the World Pony Championships for 2005. Four days of clinic are followed by a day in the office and away for the second meeting at Sandringham. The whole format is changing, the Driving and Country Show are to be split, with changes on the ground to take place. The course designer is told we are moving two obstacles and the track will also have to altered. A new builder is to be employed rather than the estate staff who have built the obstacles since Sandringham began, so this will require two more site visits in the next couple of months and hopefully one at Windsor can be combined to save on time and fuel. Newnham sadly bows out for this year, making the calendar a little less crowded,. If only all events would not try to squeeze themselves into one or two months, leaving large gaps at other times. But landowners have their own time scales, which includes farming and the shooting season to look at, we are so lucky to have such huge Estates and helpful owners who let us have the use of these great parks. This space is not available when you go abroad. The end of March brought a training day at the Unicorn, well attended by those people that give so freely of their time and effort to make all the events run. This is followed by the last visit to Windsor before the event to make sure the new obstacles are all in place and correctly constructed. The first event, of which there are eight others at home and abroad, is at Escrick Park, a Novice Qualifier, bringing 73 entries including five four-in-hands. All is checked: obstacle drawings, maps, dressage and marathon times, so all was ready for that weekend. Along with organising the second scorers clinic here, there is all the usual work to do. It is a lot of hard work and time, but also great fun and gives much enjoyment; let’s hope everyone else gets the same enjoyment that I do from the coming driving season. South of England Carriage Driving Fair On Sunday, 21 March, hundreds of driving enthusiasts and newcomers flocked to the eighth South of England Carriage Fair at Ardingly, West Sussex. Britain’s largest indoor carriage driving show, organised by Brockham Harness Club (www.brockhamharnessclub.co.uk), was another great success combining sporting action with all the entertainment of top quality attractions. Seven times Dutch National Pony Team Champion, Aart van de Kamp, presented the prize to Phillipa Howe, Baileys Junior Challenge winner, at the Brockham Harness Club’s Carriage Driving Fair, Ardingly, 21 March. The thrilling Baileys Junior Challenge, with the North taking on the South around cones & hazards, saw a victory for the home team, while Bradbourne Driving Club’s Philippa Howe & Priceless retained their individual title. Seven times Dutch pony team champion Aart van de Kamp presented the prizes to the deserving Junior winners. As expected with his international experience, Boyd Exell won the International Horse Teams competition, although Dick Lane and Adrian Puddy pressured him the whole way. In the fast & furious Hartland Carriages Scurry competition, Chris Orchard with Touch & Go, and Sally Mower with Topaz & Caddy flew round neck & neck. Punters were given instructional guidance by Karen Bassett and Boyd Exell, and some entertaining tips from leading whip Gary Docking on the Do’s & Don’ts of Private Driving – such as Over-Dress code!! And in between there was plenty of pure entertainment such as Heavy Horse Power, Single Horse Pas de Deux, and all dramatically climaxed by a mesmerising finale leaping through fire from Amanda Saville of Chariots of Fire. Wandering around the numerous trade stands gathering information and meeting friends gave people a chance to delve in their pockets for the funds to help this year’s British Teams for the World Singles, World Four-In-Hand and the IPEC World Championships. The winner in the Grand Draw of the fantastic new Bellcrown carriage kindly donated by Martin Johnson of Bellcrown Carriages was an amazed and very grateful Pip Holgate and the winner of the Super Tedex harness, kindly donated by Fiona Bonney of Zilco Europe was Clare Andrews. Brockham Harness Club’s next major date is the Two-Day Driving Trials at Borde Hill near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, 21-22 August. This year’s event promises to be even more spectacular, being held in conjunction with Borde Hill’s new Country Show and Angling Fair. Farleigh National HDT latest news Phil Nadin of Equifor is commentating on the National HDT, 4 – 6 June, near Basingstoke. He’s threatening to do some real-time interviewing of competitors. Better polish those v-o-w-e-l-s, too. The No.1 Challenge! Brockham Harness Club, organisers of the successful South of England Carriage Driving Fair have once again organised their “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 2004. In the event of a tie the best dressage score decides the winner. The club wishes success to all drivers in the forthcoming season. Details will be available at each event and on www.brockhamharnessclub.co.uk The first winner for 2004 is Sara Howe in Open Pony class at Brighton, 8 May. Juniors at the Indoor HDT Finals: be afraid… Like the daffodils, the Indoor Driving Finals, 3-4 April, harbingers of the changing seasons, are a distant memory – to me, at least. In case you missed it, it’s still worth noting that 78 turnouts and 95 horses and ponies took part. 26 juniors competed, 18 in an invited Junior class and all of them, from a tender ten years and upwards, put on an impressive show, aided and abetted by the Amanda Saville-Sarah Howe-Stephanie Nuttall and Supporters/Fond Parents Club. Yes, juniors took several of the prettiest ribbons: Supreme Champion/Open Pony – Philippa Howe, having been Reserve Champion to Lynne Harrington last year, Novice Horse – Rachel Ball and Novice Pony – Claire Varley. Just because you are an adult Open Horse, pair or tandem driver, don’t breathe easy: I doubt you’re safe from the super-kids for much longer. Read more and see the results on the www.indoordriving.co.uk and www.equifor.com. Cones Clinic Training Notes David Taylor, Chairman of the East Anglian Carriage Driving Group Ltd, delivered a cones training clinic as part of the Group’s training day at Wix Equestrian Centre, 27 March. He has kindly allowed the publication of his useful notes and diagrams which accompanied the clinic. David began the clinic with an explanation of the traditional configurations of cones and how they can be driven. His daughter Claire illustrated the talk by driving the cones in different ways. Changes mooted for the future In the past the speeds have been set at around 220 metres per minute, but in reality most competitors had to drive the courses at a greater speed in order to complete within the time allowed. This was because the courses were walked, that means measured, unrealistically tightly driven. The new concept is to have faster speeds but to ensure that TDs and course designers measure the courses realistically. There are also plans to reduce the penalty for each cone dislodged to three to reduce the relative impact of the cones on the overall outcome of the competition which should give priority to the marathon scores. Courses are going to become more technical and better designed. They will generally include similar elements such as: 20 metre left and right circles – not necessarily with
four gates on the circle. Courses should never-the-less be flowing and not restrictive. They will include more difficult sections requiring careful accurate driving, and faster, more spread out sections, allowing time to be made up. Walking the cones course. This should always be walked as you plan to drive it. That means accurately lining up squarely with each gate and holding that straight line through the gate and on until your carriage rear wheels have cleared the gate. Only then do you start your next turn. Many people drive a gate accurately only to turn too soon and knock a ball down by turning before they are clear of the gate. Walk the turns at the diameter you will drive it – do not cut the corners. Boxes need to be driven on the outside of each bend and walked in that manner. Look for the traps, the places where a horse may fall-in away from a fence or ‘decoration’, where you need to aim past the gate allowing you to turn-in and be lined up. David Taylor, Chairman, East Anglian Carriage Driving Group Ltd. www.eacdg.org.uk New DrivingHorse website is launched Because it took two years of trying to find the right horse to take over from her beloved National-level horse, Misfit, Bev Huntington and husband Malcolm decided there was an opening for competitively priced online advertising specialising in the requirements of the carriage driver. “I suppose it’s like waiting for a bus”, Bev told me, “you wait for hours and several come at once!” The site has a wide range of horses and carriages, ranging from 40” Shetlands to 17.3 hand Shires, plus carriages and harness in all shapes and sizes. “I could buy a new horse every week if I wanted to now”, said Bev. The response from driving trials, private driving and pleasure drivers has been brilliant. The site is easy to use and there is always helpful advice at the end of the phone if you can’t find exactly what you want. The website also offers a free ‘Wanted’ advert to prospective buyers wishing to use the service. The site is updated daily with new horses, carriages and harness for sale and it’s a hit with drivers who regularly log on to check what’s new. DrivingHorse website has recently included a ‘What’s on Diary’ and a links page. “It’s a really user-friendly site, give it a try!”, says Bev, enthusiastically. If your club or society would like a link to DrivingHorse or have any dates included on the ‘What’s on Diary’, call 0845 004 7887 or email info@drivinghorse.co.uk Single Pony Training Clinic Report The Unicorn Centre, 4 – 5 March Practise, practise, practise is how they say you will improve at any sport. Knowing the right things to practise is another matter. Julie Camm very efficiently organised the first 2004 training camp for single ponies and cleverly filled the gaps with Karen Everett’s horse pair and the pony pairs of Rachel Stevens and Chrissie Nash. Boyd Exell and Robert Buck, normally a ridden dressage trainer, gave us a very illuminating couple of days, explaining lots of (to me, previously opaque) dressage and judging terms, plus things like hind quarter engagement and what else the judges look for, while encouraging the audience to express their views, complimentary and “improvement points”. Far too much went on for me to give you the full flavour of the clinic. Janice Parker, a keen and proficient Novice driver at club events, summed it up, saying that she got a lot out of the training – her first clinic ever – with her Welsh cob, Ginger, and she was pleased that she’d been instructed to push him on instead of holding him back, for once. Robert Buck’s introductory comments were to the point: that carriage driving is the only equestrian sport where the horse is turned away for the winter and is then expected to perform at a high level all season. “Training for carriage driving is not as structured as dressage or show-jumping.” Novice horses compete against experienced Open horses, too. Rosemary Neale observed that dressage tests don’t test the progressive training of the horse, in her view. Boyd commented that people should plan events according to the horse’s training schedule and not by the yearbook. Robert stressed that patience with the horse’s training was important – it’s a long-term process: that is, over years not months. Sarah Howe brought a relatively inexperienced pony and was putting it through its paces while our debate continued. Robert and Boyd encouraged the audience to analyse certain criteria, which Julie had thoughtfully prepared on score sheets to remind us. Give a mark out of ten for the horse’s way of going: Forward/Straight/Calm, Balance/Rhythm, Contact/Outline – on the bit, Paces/Impulsion, Sup-pleness, Collection, plus Driver Influence and Working to Potential. We all worked to our potential whether we were driving or not as it was demanding, watching and trying to absorb what two trainers were saying to two different turnouts in one arena. If Sonic had not eaten my notes, I’d share with you the points I recorded from Boyd’s lecture after our evening meal on Thursday. Boyd suggested having a basic library of bits to fit your horse and to use at the appropriate points in his training programme: a straight Liverpool, a vulcanite or Happi-mouth mullen Liverpool, an Army Reversible with a small port were three I remember. It’s useful, says Boyd, to try different bits with your horse in different stages of training, as necessary, to see what works best. Boyd also revealed that he and four of the world’s top dressage drivers were closeted in a room and told to come up with a test they’d like to drive: er, yes, that’s the new FEI test 8. To me, this is like getting Formula One drivers to design roads that you and I drive our aging Volvos on: it’s a great idea to aim to drive as well as the world’s best, but… (What do you think? Let us know.) Julie Camm, her mum, and Sara Howe and our patient trainers (and no doubt others in the background) worked hard to produce a successful first single pony training clinic for 2004. Look out for the next dates and come and join us. See Single Pony News for more details. “Thank you.” FP Single Pony News I have been approached by a couple of sources to see if anyone is willing to loan ponies for RDA championships at Catton for the USA team. If anyone would be kind enough to offer or knows anyone else who might have a suitable animal for loan, please contact the BHDTA office. Single Pony Representatives at Novice Qualifiers and Nationals, 2004 Single Pony drivers have offered to represent our class and to hold a meeting open to all drivers in Open and Novice Pony classes at the following events. The plan is to discuss our issues and have a sociable gathering so we can get to know each other better. Novices are welcome, so don’t be shy. Where there is a question mark, feel free to volunteer yourself – contact Sara Howe. 1/2 May, Downlands - Luke Axel-Berg There will typically be an announcement and a notice on the stable manager’s board to let you know the time and place of the meeting. Do take the time to go along and meet some of your fellow competitors. Sara Howe - 01732 459518, mobile 07961 314941, SHowe45951@aol.com Combined Pony Training Clinics BHDTA Approved, with Boyd Exell & Robert Buck We want to have a strong British Team for the Pony World Championships in 2005. We know we have the talent but we need to start preparing now. It is hoped we can build upon the success of the British Team last year in Austria by working together. The first selection event is being held at Catton, 2nd – 4th July 2004. This is the continuation of a series of joint training clinics to provide ongoing consistent productive training throughout the season aimed primarily at those with a desire to learn and improve who are seriously interested in nominating themselves for the long list for the Pony World Championships 2005. Mission Statement This 2004 training scheme will endeavor to produce a clear and progressive structure of training for both the ponies and drivers, which will have its aim to produce British Combinations who are able to accredit themselves with distinction to the highest level of Driving Trials culminating in the World Championships. Method For each driver 1 – Frank Assessment Please contact the BHDTA Office or Julie Camm to register your interest. Julie Camm 01454 415050 Mobile: 07778 931950 Email: julie@alvestonhousehotel.co.uk Team announced for IPEC World Championships The Great Britain team for the International Paralympic Committee World Championships for Drivers with Disabilities to be held at Hopetoun Estate, South Queensferry, 27-29 May, has been announced following the final selection event at Escrick Park near York. The team members, Judi Ralls, Steve Manyweathers and James Marshall will be hoping to improve on the silver medal won by the 2002 GB Team at the last championships held in Germany. As the host nation Great Britain has also selected four drivers to compete as individuals. Following an intensive selection process, Brenda Hodgson, Aileen Neilson, Lyndsay Tyas and Jim McRea will join the team to represent their country. Chef d’Equipe Margaret Brockie and team trainer Rachel Stevens are heading the support group. Anneke Wallace, Chairman of the Organising Committee commented “This year competition will be incredible, I would like to wish the Great British team every success in their quest for gold.” Visit the Hopetoun Driving web site at www.hopetoundriving.co.uk or the IPEC website at www.paralympic.org for more details. World Single Horse Championships – site visit Over the Easter weekend, a small party of single horse drivers, led by Chef d’Equipe Jill Holah, visited Astorp to view the site of the World Championships to be held in July. They report that the event is very easy to get to - they flew by Ryanair to Malmo and then rented a car (it is about 1 hour’s drive from the airport). But it is equally easy to fly to Copenhagen where the airport is about the same distance away. There is an excellent train service from Copenhagen Airport direct to Astorp. The showground is on the outskirts of the town of Astorp. There appeared to be very few amenities in the immediate area, but there are plenty of hotels in Helsingborg, about 25 minutes away. The showground will be very compact and horsebox parking could be a serious problem. There is parking for supporters’ caravans adjacent, separated from the showground by a local railway line (only a couple of trains a day!). The three section marathon is likely to be fairly flat on good woodland tracks (after a climb to the start!), but the obstacles will be undulating - lots of banks, and it looks as though at least two will incorporate water. All the obstacles are close together and viewing will be excellent (rather similar to Karlstetten). The existing obstacles were being used for a CAI-B at the end of April, and then were then to be redesigned by American coursebuilder Richard Nicoll, who was responsible for the course at Ebbs. The organisers were very helpful and it looks as though it is going to be a great event. See www.wdc2004.com for more information. Help at Sandringham Horse Driving Trials? Pick up the phone now to Felecity Muscott if you’d like to help steward or help in any way at glorious Sandringham Estate, near King’s Lynn, Norfolk. You can probably camp or caravan on-site for the duration of your stewarding time, typically, and there are delightful attractions and lovely Norfolk countryside in which to unwind, should you wish to make your stay longer either side of the event, which runs from Friday, 25 June, to Sunday, 27 June. This year, not only is there all the fun of the Country Fair but also the East Anglian Carriage Driving Group Ltd’s own two-day event to enjoy. Felecity would be delighted to hear from you: 07811 231957 World Combined Ponies Championship 2005 Team Trainer wanted The BHDTA is keen to develop a training programme to produce medal-winning teams at World Championship level. To fulfil this initiative, the Council is inviting applications for the position of Team Trainer. Selection of the candidate will be by a panel consisting of the BHDTA Chairman, the Chairman of the Training and Judges Subcommittees, a senior International Judge and the Class Representatives. The Trainer will be recognised as the ‘Official Team Trainer’ for that post by the BHDTA for a minimum of two years. Training will be funded out of monies raised by the Class participants. Trainers’ expenses will be on the same basis as the Chef d’Equipe for attending the World Championship. Applications are invited from interested parties who fulfil the criteria and agree to the principles laid down as follows: a) To follow the guidelines laid down by the BHDTA
Training Policy and the developing Coaching Programme and
employing the Scales of Training. The applicant will be required to submit a plan for development of the Team and detailed training program to the Panel. For further information, applicants may contact the Chairman of the Training. All applications must be in writing and include a CV to the BHDTA Office no later than 12 June. Coming events Bennington Carriages invites all Bennington owners to a “short format” competition at Oasby, near Grantham, Lincolnshire on Saturday and Sunday, 19 and 20 June, 2004. Saturday being dressage and cones day and on Sunday competitors will perform the one section marathon approximately 6 km incorporating five superbly built obstacles, a treat is in store! The event is ideal as a warm up event for Sandringham and young horses or drivers just wanting a fun weekend All levels of drivers are welcome from juniors to seniors with the emphasis on the weekend being “fun” with good competition at a superb location. Michael Mart of Bennington Carriages said, “We were approached by Stuart Buntine with a view to adapt a very popular Horse Trials location for Horse Driving Trials. Once we saw the site we felt it had to be adapted for carriage driving, an opportunity not to be missed! The dressage arenas are superb and the terrain for the marathon and obstacles will certainly make for an exciting phase. Open to all levels of drivers, a warm welcome will certainly await. Putting on this event is a way of thanking our loyal customers and bringing a quality, well run, fun event to Lincolnshire.” Non-Bennington owners are most welcome to compete with any carriage under the “Club Class” section. If you are en route to Sandringham, the event makes for an ideal warm up, and arrangements can be made to stay on site till Wednesday, 23 June. A drinks reception will be held on the Friday night and Saturday a live band and barbecue, all in all a fun weekend planned with a good quality competition too! There will be a Bennington carriages demonstration area and trade stand. Spectators most welcome. For further details and schedules please contact Sue Mart at Bennington Carriages - 01400 281 280 Email: carriages@bennington.co.uk Brockham back at Borde Hill Brockham Harness Club are very pleased to announce that they are returning to Borde Hill Garden near Haywards Heath this summer for the running of the club’s two day event. Quoted as one “of the country’s truly great gardens”, Borde Hill is set in over 200 acres of parkland and lakes and provides a wonderful location for horse driving trials. Course designer Andrew Simmons is currently creating three new obstacles to enhance this year’s competition. The dressage and cones will take place on Saturday with the running of the marathon on Sunday. The event will also be a Novice Qualifier. Over 6000 visitors are expected over the weekend of 21/22 August as the driving trials will run in conjunction with The Borde Hill Angling and Country Fair, which will give the spectators a chance to enjoy the sport of competitive carriage driving close to hand. With a vast range of trade stands, arena activities and catering outlets to suit all tastes it all makes for a great weekend for everybody, competitor and visitors alike. Various sponsorship opportunities are now available to cover all budgets, trade stand bookings are currently being taken and schedules for competitors are available from Event Secretary Sara Simmons on 01903 812885. For more information about this exciting weekend visit www.brockhamharnessclub.co.uk. Club Event Reports North Eastern Driving Trials Group – Ripley Castle Probably the finest venue for carriage driving in equestrian post country, Ripley Castle once again played host to top drivers from across the north of England last weekend. The parkland and lake provided a tranquil backdrop as the competitors were tested to the limit by Brian Anderson’s sinuous cones course; from 38 attempts only one driver – Judith Halstead of Whitworth – managed a double clear round, in stark contrast to Brian Cairns of Durham who scored a half century of penalty points without making the required time! The marathon on Sunday might have been of shorter length than normal, but its clever design ensured that all drivers had to be on their mettle in the obstacles. Scores for the marathon were dominated by Caroline Weiss of Blidworth and Judy Hilditch of Flockton, with other excellent performances coming from David Calvert of Richmond and Glenys Ellis, also from Flockton. Lorraine Swift of Bramley emerged the surprise winner of the novice horse after Alec Jeffery of Easingwold lost his sense of direction, and the lead, in the first obstacle where he was eliminated. The next event will be held at Lindrick’s Farm, near Fountains Abbey on 5 – 6 June, for further details contact Ken Walmsley on 01756 620378. South Downs Harness Club NQ The South Downs Harness Club ran their two day event with National Novice Qualifier over the weekend of 1-2 May 2004 at the home of Mr and Mrs Mellstrom, The Downlands Estate. With some 40 competitors arriving from Friday lunchtime it was hoped that the rain might eventually ease off or stop. After all how many changes of clothing do we have? After getting soaking wet setting up the dressage and cones all I wanted to do was go home and get into a nice hot bath. But wait! What is this that I see? Oh, only the marquee trying for a space flight, so dismantle it until the wind subsides. Oh, joy! I see the sky brightening up, the rain has stopped, competitors are arriving and managing to get through the gate under their own steam: good, no tractors needed there then. The finishing touches going on all around, will we be ready in time (this must be the thought of nearly all organisers or is it just me)? But Saturday dawned dry and clear, dressage and cones today. With some very good scores in dressage, Steve is renowned for building fair but challenging cones courses and he was not displeased to realise that once again he managed to build a course that offered no clear rounds all day, even top National drivers got time penalties. Sunday's marathon was started with the first competitor going off, all the obstacles were designed with several options either nice long flowing routes short twisty routes or a combination of both. One of the obstacles was designed as Olympic rings and decorated with flags from various countries, a quiz sheet was issued to all competitors and stewards to enter the competition to win a prize at the end of the day. The proceeds going towards sending the British team to Hopetoun for the Championships. A total of £50 was raised. A good weekend was had by all and yes it is worthwhile, especially when competitors take the trouble to thank you for all your hard work. Very many thanks to Mr & Mrs Mellstrom, all stewards, helpers and those drafted in at the last moment. Congratulations to all winners. Dounhurst Carriage Driving Centre News Dounhurst Carriage Driving Centre, near Billingshurst in Sussex, is still open and operating as usual. Tom Mursell is selling the farm and has a handover on 1 May 2005. What the new owner decides to do is not yet known. Once the contract is signed and Tom knows more, he will keep everyone in the picture. Although he had not planned to sell up, he was approached with an offer that will give him the opportunity to enjoy other interests and spend more quality time with his wife, Susie. If you want to know the 2004 programme of events and training clinics, see the website at www.carriagedriving.com or contact him at enquiries@promocan.co.uk, or 01403 820209. Send a report of your club’s events and activities, with photos, for publication here. Members Letters No letters from members have been passed to me for publication. Does this mean that all our members are content and delighted with every aspect of our sport…? What do you think about it? How can we get more people to enjoy it? The BHDTA needs more members if it is to continue to thrive. How can we make our sport more enticing? Answers on a postcard or email equivalent, please – and you can see your name in print. Tickhill is tops for training Drivers from Lincolnshire, the North East and the Midlands have got off to a flying start this season. Fortnightly training sessions which started in January have been organised at Tickhill, near Doncaster, (a superb venue) with top trainers Karen Bassett and Stuart Roberts. Sue Mart and Elisabeth Greensmith the joint-organisers said that as soon as people heard of the sessions they were inundated with requests and most days were booked up before Christmas! The trainers have had a variety of turnouts up before them. Novice and open drivers, ponies and horses and two multiples in the form of Colin Allen's' young team of Section B’s and Elisabeth's own tandem of Welsh ponies. Sue herself has taken the opportunity to get her new, young pony going, whilst Angela Flanagan, who has been a great help in feeding and watering the trainers has brought along several of her young novice ponies and horses to give them a workout. The organisers and drivers are extremely grateful to the BHDTA for awarding one of their training grants, which has helped, keep down the costs. The sessions have come to a close with drivers who took part during the winter now reaping the benefits. New event! One-day Event by kind permission of Heather Kinner, at Westerham, Kent, Sunday, 15 August. Please send sae for details to Frances Collings, Yew Tree Cottage, Wheel Lane, Westfield, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 4SJ Members’ News Carriage driver wins ridden dressage In an attempt to keep both himself and his successful driving horse Duke occupied during the winter months, veteran carriage driver, James Robson decided to try ridden dressage. The pair began competing last year and this year were inspired to move up to affiliated competitions. James joined British Dressage (BD) and he and Duke began competing on the northern circuit. Duke now has fifteen BD points and James is a group six rider. They recently had their first win in an Elementary class at Richmond Equestrian Centre, much to James’ surprise. Duke finds it great fun prancing around the arena without a carriage. “The canter work has changed his shape” said James, “I had to alter the straps on the driving harness!” Heather Logsdon is ‘resting’ Heather Logsdon, winner of the Open Horse class at the Indoor Finals, (before she won) told me she was planning to take a year out. She has sold her lorry, but is keeping chestnut Welsh cob Prince, and she and husband Colin are having “a rest”. Before she entered the arena, she told me she doesn’t have anywhere to practise dressage, so she just rehearsed the test for the Finals in her head every night before going to sleep – and then turned in the best score of the day for Precision and Paces, 25.6. Colin Logsdon remains active as the Single Horse Representative on the Drivers Liaison Group. Amanda Wells is recovering… from surgery to her jaw, which has meant that she can’t, while she gets fully better, keep her tandem ponies, Jazz and Rupert. They are being found good homes, fortunately, and Amanda is fit and well after the additional stres of moving her costume hire business to new premises recently. The Deloitte Report: why it matters to you Tom Pettifer, Chairman of the BHDTA is interviewed by the Editor. You’ve probably heard or read about people’s opinions on the findings of the Deloitte and Touche LLP modernisation review of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), commonly called the Deloitte Report, over recent weeks. It’s something that we should all be interested in because the actions taken as a result of the report are likely to affect all riders and drivers taking part in affiliated competitions in the UK in one way or another in the future. Tom Pettifer feels strongly that we should understand what it’s all about and what developments are likely to affect carriage driving in particular. We can’t ignore what’s happened. He and our Executive Officer, Amanda Hill, have spent a lot of time and effort behind the scenes over the past few months, attending meetings, reading reports and researching views and proposals and making effective representations on our behalf: vital yet unseen work. So it’s time to put the record straight and to present the BHDTA’s view about what the Report proposes for the future of equestrian sport in the UK, in brief, and the agreed way forward. Here’s what Tom Pettifer told me in a recent conversation. Although we, the BHDTA, are one of the smaller players in terms of our membership, it’s still important that we contribute to the development of equestrian sport alongside those representing the big boys - Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing. What exactly is the Deloitte Report? Three reports were produced by the Deloitte consultants as a result of their review: an initial diagnostic report, a Final Report with appendices and an Executive Summary, collectively called the Reports and finalised in December 2003. The Deloitte Report is not available in the public domain so you and I can’t read it: it belongs to UK Sport and Deloitte. Yes, the report cost UK Sport £160,000, but it had to be done, and done professionally and thoroughly. Funding was provided by UK Sport, which is leading the government-funded “modernisation programme” for national governing bodies of sport, aiming to help with, “The process of continuing development of governing bodies towards greater effectiveness, efficiency and independence.” The equestrian sports could not avoid coming under scrutiny: there’s nothing to hide and everything to gain from an intelligent analysis like this. Deloitte’s consultants interviewed over 100 people throughout the equestrian world and looked at the sport in Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland and Sweden. They also made comparisons with other sports in the UK. Deloitte’s consultants decided to address the main question, “How can BEF and its member bodies work together more effectively and efficiently for the betterment of equestrian sport?” The BEF acts as a conduit to the FEI on its member bodies’ behalf, on rules and rule changes for example, when an understanding of the intricacies of a specific sport is vital and wording must be clear and unambiguous. The BHDTA pays about £3,500 to belong to the BEF, which relates to the size of our membership. The largest bodies pay about £40,000 each. The BEF and its twelve member bodies are referred to as the Federation. The Federation wants “equestrianism to grow and flourish” and everyone agrees about that. After a report there must be action. If you don’t plan what to do and discuss and agree how to take the right actions and get everyone’s “buy-in”, you won’t have an effective Action Plan and there will be no change. An intensive, two-day development meeting took place at the Stratford Victoria Hotel in January 2004, after the Deloitte Reports had been studied, where the Reports’ proposals were discussed and debated over by key representatives from all the member bodies of the BEF. They all agreed on the way forward, despite what may have been leaked in the press to the contrary. This meeting was chaired by Philip Billington of the BEF. Linda Whetstone of British Dressage is the Chairman of the Development Group committee set up following the Stratford Meeting to take us through the transition period. Tom Pettifer represented the BHDTA’s interests and point of view, supported by Amanda Hill. All the Deloitte Report’s recommendations were discussed, agreements honed and the results have been published as the Stratford Proposal. This defines the agreed proposals for moving forward with the Action Plan and, importantly, it has the support of all seven sporting member bodies (called MBs in the reports). It is not a cut-down version of the reports, it is a proposal for the practical implementation of their recommendations. The Stratford Proposal is a 24-page document which is available for you to read on the BEF’s website. “UK Sport is leading the government-funded modernisation programme towards greater effectiveness, efficiency and independence.” The Federation wants “equestrianism to grow and flourish” and everyone agrees about that. The Stratford Proposal makes the following assumptions, in summary: The BEF will continue to be the single body dealing with the FEI and UK government; Its recommendations must be practicable - that is, any changes are to be subject to a cost/benefit analysis before being adopted; The BEF and its member bodies wish to work together and are in agreement about this proposal; Member bodies’ independence and sovereignty is incorporated in the BEF. The benefits and risks of embracing or rejecting change are examined in the Proposal. If modernisation is not pursued, government funding is likely to be withheld. Although only the Olympic sports are funded directly, indirectly this also supports aspects of equestrian operations, such as breeding and coaching, which are vital to the health of equestrian sports and businesses. The important thing to stress is that the Stratford Proposal has the support of all the member bodies of the BEF: it’s ours and we all want to make it work. It’s got to work for the health and vitality of our sports. Don’t pretend it’s a case of, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”: it’s already broke and we must take action. Doing nothing or just hoping it will go away is not an option. A sport does not stay the same by doing nothing. Our environment, the economy and people’s hopes and expectations change, too. As Tom Pettifer states, it’s important to develop our membership, to promote driving as a competitive sport and to provide what the membership wants, “Our sport cannot afford to stand still. The only way we are going to achieve any support from UK Sport is by being party to these plans.” Even in the short time I’ve been involved with Horse Driving Trials, it’s changed and is continuing to change. We need new people coming into the sport constantly at club level, to fire their competitive spirit, to improve their prospects of competing successfully at Novice Qualifiers and to encourage them to try Nationals, don’t we? Without a constant stream of Novices, there won’t be a sport in a few years’ time. I am just beginning to understand what people on the National circuit have to do and ask (or rather, my bank manager does), “How much do I want to do it?” It takes enormous commitment in training and preparation and there are much cheaper and more relaxed ways to enjoy your horses. National events need about a hundred entries, ideally, but can’t necessarily cope with many more because of the time it takes to get people through the marathon phase of the competition. When entries fall by 10% or more, events become less economically viable. So, we need more people to compete in National Horse Driving Trials. What’s in the Action Plan to sustain us? The Stratford Proposal analyses five key areas for improvement:
The Stratford Proposal has the support of all seven FEI sporting disciplines. Historical problems must be set aside, the Proposal states. “The Federation has a great opportunity to ‘draw a line’ and move on for the benefit of equestrian sport. However, without the required behavioural and attitudinal change, little will be achieved”. Take note: I think we are all responsible for our sport’s future and its success, even if it’s only in tiny ways. Do we want our sport to exist in five, ten years’ time? If so, we’ve all got to become more professional, better trained and better qualified, communicate more effectively and in a friendly, inclusive manner, from club committee members upwards – haven’t we? Competing, for most of us, is a hobby. Although we are amateurs we still need a professional approach as a sport, and the BHDTA wants to support this at all levels. If people enjoy their first one or two events, however they participate, they are likely to come again, and to tell their friends. It’s taken one person I know three years to move from enthusiastic steward to being a groom to competing herself. We are a service ‘industry’: there are more and more other things for people to do. Our events at all levels must provide a consistently encouraging and rewarding experience: people must feel they are contributing as helpers or getting ‘value’ – whatever gives them their buzz – as competitors. I’ll get off my hobby horse now and ask, what do you think about the points raised? Agree – or disagree? How can we get more people to enjoy our sport as active competitors and to participate in other ways? Do write and tell us your views – please, new, ‘would-be’ and ‘old’ competitors. Fiona Powell, May 2004 BACKGROUND If you need reminding about the recent history and relationships of our equestrian sporting bodies, here’s a potted version. In 1997, to meet changes in the law relating to charities and other needs of individual sports, all the equestrian sporting disciplines emerged from the umbrella of the British Horse Society (BHS) and became separate entities. The BHDTA became a company limited by guarantee. The BEF was formed in 1972 as a “senior co-ordinating body” for the BHS and the British Show Jumping Association and it has expanded over time to represent more horse sports and a membership of around 165,000 riders (and drivers). Seven equestrian sporting bodies are members of the BEF, including Horse Driving Trials, Eventing, Dressage, Show Jumping, Endurance Riding, Vaulting and Reining. Other members include the Pony Club and the BHS. In 2002 the Association of British Riding Schools, British Equestrian Trade Association, British Reining Horse Association and Scottish Equestrian Association (SEA) also joined. SEA has double representation to government because it also represents Scottish interests directly via Sport Scotland. The BEF is the international level governing body for horse sports in the UK. The BHDTA has to represent its views through the BEF because otherwise we’d have no say in the matters affecting our sport and its management. The BEF works on policy issues with the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and co-ordinates event calendars and is also involved with doping control, training of judges, stewards, vets and course designers. UK Sport is the BEF’s major (government) funding partner. It was established by Royal Charter in 1996, and is responsible for creating a strategy for developing high-performance sport in the UK. Interestingly, only 187,000 riders (their word), or 7%, of the estimated 2.5m riders in the UK are members of affiliated organisations. This is significantly lower than other countries’ membership of similar bodies. One of the important issues to address is increasing membership – especially for the BHDTA – and ideas for achieving this include encouraging the unaffiliated to join, offering more services, such as insurance products, setting up tiered membership, developing a co-ordinated public relations strategy and finding out what members want… BHDTA Horse Driving Trials competitors include everyone from Novice Pony to Horse Team drivers, like Barry Capstick, warming up at Brighton. Photo:FP MORE INFORMATION You can download the Stratford Proposal from www.bef.co.uk as a PDF document: you need Adobe Acrobat on your PC to display or print the file. The Modernisation Review Diagnostic Report is not available for publication as I write. See www.uksport.gov.uk for more information about UK Sport and to join its free email newsletter. Events Diary 2004 Club secretaries and event organisers, please send details of your competitions and training events for publication to the BHDTA office by fax or letter, or, preferably, go to the website and enter your own club’s event details for all to see. The BHDTA website also shows much more information about the events listed and the clubs’ website and email addresses. Several clubs have links to their sites and downloadable schedules and entry forms to save valuable time (yours and the hard-working Secretary’s). Training Events 2004 Send us details of your driving training events. More Single Pony Training Clinics are planned: please call Julie Camm - 01454 415050 - if you are interested in finding out more about the next clinic. Everyone driving a single pony turnout is welcome to join us – Novices, too. Carriage Horse newsletter All items to be sent to the BHDTA Office or preferably e-mailed to: editor@horsedrivingtrials.co.uk This publication has an independent editorial policy and is intended as an open forum for BHDTA members. All letters and reports from members and clubs of the BHDTA are welcomed and will be published where possible, although some editing may be necessary if space is limited. Letters will have the right to reply in the same issue if considered appropriate. Anonymous, defamatory or objectionable letters will not published. Unless the contrary is shown, the views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the BHDTA or its Council. |
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