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Issue 2/05 |
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Issue 2/05 |
| Chairman’s Notes –
May 2005 I have been given the great honour
of being made Chairman of your Association. From since I
was a little boy being told by my father of the names of
Mr Jorrocks’ tandem horses, Xerxes and Arterxerxes (‘cos
Arter-xerxes came after Xerxes), I have been attracted to
driving. For the last 20 odd years I have been competing
in either Pony Tandem or Teams and have enjoyed every
moment of it. Lord Michael Onslow, Editor’s Introduction Don’t you notice how the birds sing and the flowers blossom (tra-la) when you are at a horse driving trials – um, even in the drizzle/sleet/mud ? Or is it just the heightened sensations caused by Class A adrenaline flowing through your veins again now the season’s started ? It’s sad to say goodbye to retiring Chairman, Tom Pettifer, whose tireless work on our behalf took him from one committee meeting to another, mostly without us being even slightly aware of all the bureaucracy that needed unravelling and having some carriage-driving sense put back into it. We wish him well and hope he enjoys his new-found, well-deserved free time. Somehow I can’t see him winding down too much. It’s not an easy task for Lord Onslow to step into Tom’s shoes, yet he’ll need our support, too, to continue to grow our sport in the right direction, together with the help of the brave souls rejoining him on the Council (Office News). I’m glad to see that the government’s “Draft Strategy for the horse industry in England and Wales” specifically acknowledges carriage drivers as being part of the “industry”: promising? You can test your own capacity for absorbing official documents (see page 13). Enjoy. When you have a moment between earning an honest crust and exercising equines, please remember that this is your magazine and I want to know your views, what happened at your local events and to see your photographs. So please send them – email’s best but faxes, letters and carrier pigeon post are equally welcome. I can’t wait… Fiona Powell, Suffolk Read this - Office News - No 2, 2005 BHDTA COUNCIL We can now confirm that the Annual General Meeting ratified the result of the ballot: 1st Derrick Mayes, Mr Mayes was therefore duly elected and both Mr Puddy and Mrs Garnett were re-elected to Council. Horse Pairs Class Representative At a meeting held during Brighton HDT, the class agreed that Mark Mills, assisted by Margi Hawkins, would take over as Horse Pairs Class Representative. Danielle Selway, retiring class rep, was thanked by all present for her work on their behalf. The Horse Pairs Championship is at Lowther HDT,5-7 August, those competitors that qualify at the events following the Championship will qualify for the National Championships in 2006. However, the points league will run for all events in the 2005 calendar year. FEI Driving Rule Change – Substitutions Pairs & Tandems The exact FEI wording is as follows :- The BHDTA Council have agreed that this rule change will apply in the selection events for pony pairs and horse pairs only for 2005. The rule will then be integrated into the BHDTA Rule Book from 1 January 2006. Club Training Grants Training grants of £200 are available to all Affiliated Clubs aimed to benefit as many members as possible, and not merely for training elite competitors. Applications need to be made in writing by the organising Club. Please supply details of the type of event, date, venue and an outline of what is planned and trainers involved. Please note that payment will not be granted retrospectively, applications must be made and approved prior to the planned event. BHS Equine Specific First Aid Courses The BHS has again confirmed that they are willing to offer BHDTA Members a reduced rate for attendance at these courses. Details and venues/dates can be found on the BHS website www.bhs.org.uk Send your application together with a copy of your BHDTA membership card to Ellie Layton, BHS Training Department, British Horse Society, Stoneleigh Deer Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CB8 2XZ. Cheques to be made payable to The British Horse Society. Annual Members Conference & Dinner
Dance The Conference will be held on Saturday 29 October at the Hilton Coventry, Paradise Way, Walsgrave Triangle, Coventry. The Conference will begin at 2.30 pm. Dinner Dance – Saturday 29 October at 7.30pm. at the Hilton Coventry. Tickets are available at a cost of £35.00 from the BHDTA office. Accommodation can be booked direct with the hotel on 02476 603000 (please quote BHDTA for discount rates). Do please support this event. The venue is centrally located (Junction 2 on M6) which is easily accessible to both the North (M1-M69/M6) and South (M5-M6). We look forward to seeing you there. World Championship Selection Events Combined Ponies, Catton Hall, Derbyshire, 14-17 July
2005
www.catton-hall.com, Horse Pairs, Salzburg, Austria, 8-11 September 2005,
www.wdc-pairs-05.at,
Single Horse, Rome, Italy, 21-24 September 2006, (web
site not yet available), YOUR AREA REPRESENTATIVES SOUTH EAST: Rob Sims, Briars, Station Road, Heathfield,
East Sussex - 01435 863624 Horse Pair competitors will be aware that, because of the timing of the World Championships in Austria, their National Championships are to be held at Lowther at the beginning of August. But there will be an Open National class for Horse Pair drivers in conjunction with the SsangYong National Championships at Windsor (16-18 September 2005) and a schedule for this class is available from the BHDTA Office. 2005 CLINIC DATES Venue: The Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold Why join the BHDTA? Joining the British Horse Driving Trials Association. Gives you Members' Personal Liability insurance cover – now £30,000,000, eligibility to drive or groom at National driving trials, an information-packed yearbook, regular magazine, clinics with the country's top driving experts and help, advice and information from the BHDTA driving committees. See our website for more information or contact Amanda and Gaynor at the Office - 02476 293760 CAI-A 4 Rolleston Event cancelled Show Secretary Cindy Velstra reports, this event was scheduled for 20 – 22 May this year but was cancelled owing to pressure from the organisers of National events who were concerned about their own entries. Office News Reminders The following item was published in a previous issue of Carriage Horse. Here it is again to jog your memory or to inform new members. The text of back issues of the magazine can be read on the website. IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BHDTA MEMBERS, AFFILIATED EVENTS, AFFILIATED CLUBS AND CLUB MEMBERS From 1 July 2004 a third party property damage excess of £500 has been introduced under our Public, Products and Personal Liability Policy which means that the member, event or club is responsible to pay up to this amount themselves before a claim can be settled. This is to help keep down the cost of the insurance. However, even if a claim appears to be below £500, it should still be reported to British Equestrian Insurance Brokers at the outset: BEIB, Hildenbrook House, The Slade, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1HR – 01732 771719, fax 01732 359982 APOLOGIES from the editor Julie Tomasik seemed remarkably pleased that I’d called her a “young driver”, but I still promised her an apology for her being unnamed on the cover of the last issue. My cats ate half of Jackie Pillinger’s name, too: sorry, Jackie! FP
NEW FOR 2005 -The Victoria Enclosure
Why not enjoy this year’s championships in style and become a Victoria Enclosure Member? This is a new idea for 2005 with limited availability. The prestigious SsangYong National Carriage Driving Championships take place this year on Queen Victoria’s Review Ground, Windsor Great Park. Take advantage of our membership offer. The Victoria Enclosure faces the main arena, giving the best view of the exciting competition and entertainment. Its location and privileged parking make it a comfortable base from which to enjoy the whole show. As well as the large marquee, members have the use of a private lawn area with tables and chairs overlooking the main arena. A licensed bar will also available. On Saturday, the Victoria Enclosure will be sited on the marathon course adjacent to the obstacles, giving members the chance to soak up all the action . Limited numbers of members, from £20 per day, will enjoy: Entry to Championships Please print the application form from the BHDTA website or call the Office - 02476 293760 - for more information. Applications for tickets must be received by 1 September. Coming to a cinema near you… Get ready for the blockbuster of the year. A wholly British cast (well, almost) will keep you on the edge of your seats. Previews will be showing at Newnham (20-22 May) and Farleigh (3–5 June), but anyone who’s anyone will want to be at the Premier itself, at the Catton Film – sorry, that should read Food – Festival from 14–17 July. Some of the key roles are still being auditioned, whilst many of the principle positions are already in place: Jill Holah (Hell’s Kitchen) is back in the role she is just so comfortable and brilliant in – Chef – having fought off tough opposition from Gordon Ramsey. Buck, having been secured as one of the cast coaches, has been working hard to bring all his experience to bear. Always accustomed to planning for the future (Flash Gordon, Saviour of the Universe), Buck feels this team is heading for big success. Exell (Speed, Speed II and probably Speed III), renowned for his technical skills and fine tuning for the main performance, has been urging the hopefuls to work on the small detail. Julie Camm (To the Alveston Manor Born), executive producer of this fine production, is not only producing, but is also considering herself as a serious contender for one of the premier roles. Filming is already under way. A recent scene was shot at Ardingley, where Rita (McGregor’s Girl), took a lead role, along with others including Rosemary Neale (Hyacinth – Keeping up Appearances), Rachel Stevens (Skippy) and Chrissy Nash (Driving Miss Daisy). Meanwhile, the final rehearsals have been taking place at Stow on the Wold and Catton Park, where those up for a lead role will be fine-tuning their performance. The short-listed hopefuls are many and varied – all having performed high profile roles in the past. For example, Sarah (Howe!) is renowned for her expressive hand movements as well as vocabulary, whilst Sarah Jane (Cook Reports) likes to grasp more spirited character roles – none of us will forget her outstanding performance in Carry on Camping. Others also worthy of note are Anna Grayston (Pretty in Pink), Jo Rennison (Return of the Cone Heads), Emma Burge (Turkmenbashi or Die), Tom McGregor (Night Mare on Elm Street), Sue Corlett (Notes from a Small Island) and many others besides…. See www.catton-hall.com FLY THE FLAG AND SUPPORT BRITISH TALENT – CATTON PARK 14 – 17 JULY 2005 Catton goodies Support the GB team, look smart and keep warm. Yvonne and Bob Johnston are selling navy caps, polo shirts and lightweight jackets emblazoned with the stylish pink Catton logo at major events this summer. Prices are keen and business is brisk, so get in there and treat yourself. Yet more on Horse Registration & Vaccination A reminder for people whose memories are as bad as mine and useful information for new National competitors and Novice Qualifiers. FP. If you are planning to compete your horse or pony at any of this year’s National horse driving trials, remember that it must be registered with the BHDTA and must comply with the FEI’s six-months-plus-or-minus-three-weeks vaccination regime introduced on 1 January 2005. If your horse were vaccinated on 31 December 2004, he should be vaccinated again on or before 21 July 2005. If you’ve already missed what should have been your horse’s six-monthly booster, check with your vet in case you need to start the course again… Philip Bateman has indicated that some leniency will be applied this year, but that National competitors must get their horses’ vaccinations sorted out before 2006. You have to be a paid-up Full, Young or Company member of the BHDTA to register a horse and this is the only way to get your National event entry forms. If you are a Novice driver, you can enter your first Novice Qualifier class at a National event, provided you are at least an Associate member of the BHDTA, without registering your horse and without becoming a Full, Young or Company member. You must complete a competence card and forward that, with the three sets of results to the Office for ratification and you will then receive a concessionary entry form which you will use to enter your first National event. You must be a Full member and register your horse if you wish to compete in more than one Novice Qualifier class at a National event, however, and to take part in the Championships. Be nice to yourself and to Amanda and Gaynor in the Office and get your horse’s registration forms, passport and cheque to them well before your first event. If the horse has not been registered before, you can get an initial registration form from the website or Office, fill it in and send it to the Office along with his passport with the vaccination document (if the documents are separate) and a cheque, and the passport will be stamped for this year and returned to you. If it is a re-registration, please send a photocopy of the horse’s identification page from his passport or vaccination certificate with a cheque. It costs £35 per animal for the first five horses
registered (plus VAT if the animals are registered by a
Company Member). If more than five are registered, the
cost for each additional horse/pony is £30. FP Letters Page From Julia Crockford, competitor I am sure that I am one among many who will be concerned about the new rules regarding obstacle cone driving. It was my firm belief that the fundaments of ‘cones’ was to show the horses obedience and lightness after a long marathon round and the whips judgement and skill in navigating a technical course of shapes within a set time, which has always been achieved at a good working trot. The new rules, namely 964.9.5 Revised Speeds, mean that now the time has been greatly reduced it forces competitors to ‘scurry’ the course to make the time. Quite often at last weekend’s competition at Brighton we found competitors knocking over cones at speed and still getting a better score than those who drove a ‘once correct’ clear course, but with time penalties as you now need to be at extended trot or canter to make the new time allowed. With the emphasis all now on speed those competitors with presentation vehicles are at a distinct disadvantage as these vehicles are too high off the ground and not meant to be driven at a scurry pace, therefore people will stop using them in competitions preferring to use a ‘combination’ three-phase vehicle which will then be detrimental to the presentation and dressage phase of the competition (not to mention the carriage manufacturers) and these elegant and beautiful vehicles will become yet another relic of the past. I appreciate that the obstacle cones driving competition had to change in some respect but I really do not think that this is the answer. At Sweden Single Horse World Championships there was a tip up in the cones. Is this going to be the next headache for event organisers? It is a well-known fact that speed is the one most underlying causes of all accidents and many sports are making efforts to reduce speed, which in the present climate of Health & Safety and with insurance premiums soaring year after year, are we not courting more accidents by pushing the speed? Julia Crockford Dressage test gobble-de-gook? Dressage tests – re-written by Leno Thenino? I am practising my dressage test (BHDTA No 1) and am having some problems which your readers may share. Could you possibly get an expert to give advice? I'm trying to do the version in the new rule book, page 157. I'm having trouble finding anyone to teach movement 3, the WorkinQtrot. I imagine the Q refers to lining up behind other turnouts, but can't quite figure out the movement. I believe it follows on from the BendinQ judged in movement 2, after the BX' (I can't find the ' anywhere in the arena, but may have simply trodden on it). The workina trot judged in movement 4 is going well, but the elusive WorkinQtrot is also judged in movement 6 as well as the straiQhtness in movement 8. While I think I'm getting the immediatlev of movement 11 (am I right that it's a kind of passage?), I'm finding the 120m circle presents practical difficulties. Am I allowed to steer round judges' cars and is it OK to pass through neighbouring arenas, hedges, etc., or should I skirt round them with some loss of circularity? Finally, perhaps my greatest trepidation is in the mark I may expect under 16, for Accuracv of fiQures. I feel it is very challenging to ask novices to attempt these unusual WorkinQ and BendinQ movements and then to propose to judge their fiQures leaves me at a loss for words. Mike Watts, Suffolk PS I look forward to trying the lenothened strides and especially the lenothenino in Test number 5 (page 154, movement 5), but I think the standi no straioht on the bit (movement 1) may put my pony off balance for this and he may not recover his reoularitv in time for the workino trot of movement 6. Oh dear, I think the dressage tests must have been read into the text of the new rule book using an optical character reading (OCR) program and these bug-a-boos crept in unnoticed. The correct text for the tests can be found in previous editions of the rule book and from our website’s reference section. I understand that Ian Douglas has offered lucky Mike the honorary position of Cheef Teknikle Prufe Reeder for the next revision of the Rool Book. FP Members’ News Help at Farleigh? If you read this in time, you might still be able to join the team of volunteers running (or clearing up after) the Farleigh House event, near Basingstoke. “No previous experience is required.” If you would like to help in any way, please contact Angie Pickford on 07803 959470 or angiep@waitrose.com or John Pickford 07802 366645 Auction of Promises Remember the auction of promises in the gloom at Sandringham? We had a great night and raised much needed funds. We are doing a repeat performance this year with the addition of lights in the marquee. The money raised will be put towards the organisation of entertainment at Catton to make the first World event in Great Britain since 1986 a success. It is our intention to advertise on the website so that foreign competitors could join in. Please send your promises as soon as possible to: Yvonne Johnston, Poplars Barn, Evenlode, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos, GL56 ONN 01608 650816, bobandyvonne@onetel.net Lynne Harrington, a tribute to a great competitor Never again will I see any turnout in orange and black without being reminded of Lynne Harrington together with her very special cob, Ace, and Sammy Page, her groom. They were very definitely Lynne's colours (see back page). Lynne had her Novice year in 1999 and quickly realised Ace was not up to the five-section marathons (not the only Welsh Cob to think like this). She bought another pony for the National Outdoor circuit, leaving the 'Ace Team' to concentrate on the indoor driving circuit. I've competed against Lynne many times and she was the consummate competitor; always focused to win, yet being the first to congratulate anyone lucky enough to beat her. At the end of the 2003 Indoor season when 'the team' won both the Open Pony and Supreme Champion accolades, Lynn already knew she had a bigger battle still to fight. Once already she had beaten cancer but the disease came back to haunt her. She wanted to fight it again and her closest friends were sworn to secrecy. Typically of Lynne, she wouldn't let anyone sympathise but simply wanted to get on with what was left of her life; she quietly found new homes for her beloved Ace and her outdoor pony, Vik. No matter how ill she became she always wanted to know how everyone had fared at the various indoor events and in her last days with us she seemed to make a brief recovery, sufficient at least to hear all about this year's competition and National Finals. She may have left the scene but she will certainly not be forgotten and I for one have lost a great competitor and a great mate. Barbara Nadin SsangYong sponsor National Championships This year's SsangYong National Carriage Driving Championships at Windsor will be bigger and better than ever, with SsangYong as their new title sponsor. As usual there will be a busy programme for the three days, with an enlarged classic car show running in the arena area on Marathon day (Saturday, 17 September). The main arena will host the Voice Products private driving classes, where the highlight is the Voice Products Meet of Champions: see the country's top show champions compete for the £400 first prize. Other classes include the light trade turnouts, sponsored by Carriage Driving Magazine. Trials drivers have the opportunity to compete against the private drivers in the Voice Products Novice Horse/Pony Championship, where performance in the ring is more important than an expensive show gig! The tradestand area has been enlarged with a 'craft tent'. Space in this tent is available to craft stalls, businesses with trade stands and affiliated clubs. This year sees the introduction of a daily membership scheme (£20 for Friday, £25 for Saturday/Sunday) which includes buffet lunch in the Victoria Enclosure (see page 4) alongside the arena on Friday and Sunday and adjacent to the marathon course on Saturday. See the BHDTA website or contact the Office for more details of showing classes and tradestand availability. Remember that your BHDTA membership card gives you
free admission to the Championships. Junior Drivers News Young Drivers’ Clinic Report – 23 – 25 March at The Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold A total of 29 young drivers, ranging from 7 to 17, made the trip to the Unicorn Equestrian Centre in Stow-on-the-Wold for this year’s Easter Clinic. With the wide age range of drivers also came a wide variety of ponies, varying from a large Shetland contingent to significantly larger horses. Some of the older juniors were in the midst of final preparations for the Indoor Finals, and much of the time was dedicated to perfecting the dressage test for the big event (perhaps the reason why juniors did so well at the Finals). The format was tweaked slightly from previous years, in that the first day was more theory orientated, with young drivers studying the necessary material for BDS Level 1. At least something was learnt by all present and, although it may not have been enjoyed as much as the hands-on driving element, everyone seemed to find it a beneficial experience. Thursday morning had in store the first driving lessons of the clinics, with young drivers ably instructed by Georgina Frith, Anna Grayston, Sarah Howe and Susan Skeggs. No matter what age of driver or type of turnout, principles and basics naturally remained the same for everyone. Everybody enjoyed two 45-minute individual lessons, and this was intertwined with a talk on feeding by the sponsors, Baileys Horse Feeds. In the evening, after a satisfying meal, young drivers were split into four groups for some team building competition! For the next hour or so, the indoor school was taken up with races and exercises (some even involving carriages) designed to improve teamwork. Instructors and parents watched the whole exercise with much amusement from the balcony above. Friday morning saw an early start for some, but most made it out of bed in time to walk the cones course and indoor obstacle. This year, obstacle practice was focused more on set-piece turns, rather than an entire obstacle and I, for one, found it really helpful to break an obstacle down into simple, but still challenging, turns and boxes. Cones practice was run on a similar idea with the group practising set-piece boxes before tackling a complete course against the clock. With some having a long way to travel home, proceedings were brought to a close as soon as possible on the Friday with a short presentation. Awards were made, amongst others, for best dressage, best cones, best effort and even best Shetland! A big thank you was also given to all the instructors and Sydney Smith, who put so much work into organising and running the Clinic. According to the instructors, the most exciting thing to see was "the proof of the pudding": that so many young drivers that have been coming to the clinic on a regular basis have shown real improvement. I know for myself that my horse is virtually unrecognisable from two years ago when I took him as a four year old to his first Junior Clinic. Without doubt, his improvement and mine, and that of many other drivers, ponies and horses, is largely due to these Clinics. Andy Pilkington BHDTA Young Drivers Summer Camp Sunday, 24 July – Tuesday, 26 July If you plan on coming to this year's Summer Camp please let us know soon so that we can work out instructor-to-student ratios and all the other logistics (like food & loos!) Remember it is open to all young drivers or potential
drivers, with or without experience or 'turnouts'.
Membership of the BHDTA, BDS or any other organisation is
not necessary, and the £100 fee includes two lessons a
day with Britain’s top trainers as well as camping and
use of all the facilities. Information packs and booking forms from Forest Farm, Barnes Lane, Milford-on-Sea, Hants, SO41 0RR 01590 644365, email: driving@ffarm.fsnet.co.uk Club News Ken Splashes Out at Ripley Castle A report from the North Eastern Driving Trials Group event – 7-8 May They say a good day’s carriage driving is one when you get back safely with your harness dry. Carriage drivers from the north of England showed they are a hardy lot last weekend (7-8 May) at Ripley Castle when the elements threw everything at them, from rain and hail to sun and strong winds. Drivers in the dressage on Saturday afternoon suffered especially, adding endurance, fortitude and controlling wet reins with frozen hands to the skills under examination. In her debut season talented Novice horse driver Amy Woodward of Clitheroe managed to post a dressage score of 54, in spite of the conditions. Her score was better than all but one of the Open horse competitors, the exception being National driver Carol Johnson of Morpeth with an outstanding 43.2 points who must now be pressing for international honours. The Pre-novice class, an important class for newcomers to the sport and introduced by the forward-looking North Eastern Group, saw eight entries and excellent dressage performances from Steve Kirby, Zena Pashley and Wendy Ellis, all names to look for in the future. Brian Anderson designed and masterminded a typically testing 650 metre cones course overlooking the castle and lake, so testing that only Jackie Herd of Brough, Cheryl Buckley and Dougie Strachan of North Ferriby managed to run double-clear. The new shorter time allowed for the distance covered has certainly made this element of FEI competitions much more demanding of horse and driver, only eight out of twenty nine open drivers achieving the time allocated! Bad weather and heavy going lead to a shortened marathon, but careful route planning and obstacle design left plenty of opportunities for excellence and enjoyment, and praise from all. Carol Johnson put in the best marathon performance in the entire competition, and local boy Ken Walmsley put in the fastest time of all competitors through the water obstacle with his pony pair; his time of 64 seconds was two and a half minutes faster than the slowest! Steve Kerry
The East Anglian Carriage Driving Group (EACDG) Ltd has re-launched its website. “Astounding!”, “Original!” and “Rare?” were initial reactions: wear your sunglasses. See David Taylor’s new take on what could so easily be a dull experience at www.eacdg.org.uk Midlands Driving Trials Group have the great idea of asking competitors to bring something nice for the stewards raffle. As well as bottles of wine, some interesting items turn up and the stewards get a nice “Thank you”. I know other clubs do the same or something similar. If you have a good idea to stimulate your volunteers, please let me know and I’ll print it. STOP PRESS Raising money to cover expenses for Catton, the pony drivers are holding a raffle at Sandringham. It includes a sculpture of a galloping single driving pony in harness by Simon Willis, partner of single pony driver Sue Denney. Isle-of-Man-based Simon has previously produced some impressive pieces featuring motorcycles and military hardware (see his website, www.willisart.co.uk). Tickets will be on sale at the final selection event at Farleigh HDT, where the sculpture will also be on view. JH FEI General Assembly, London, 10 April 2005 A report on the meeting can be seen on the BHDTA website and the reports presented at the assembly can be read on the FEI website, www.horsesport.org Indoor Carriage Driving – yearbook correction After eight years of generous sponsorship right from the start, Pfizer (Strongid-P) ceased funding indoor carriage driving in 2004. Fiona Gordon-Clarke of Carriagehouse Insurance took up the sponsor’s baton for the 2004-2005 season and the events are now known as "The Carriagehouse Insurance Indoor HDT Championships". This new and increasingly popular branch of competitive driving is looking for sponsors for rosettes: please contact Rita Bundock, Secretary, if you would like to be involved, 01227 768769. Shropshire’s Long Mynd Conquered! Wolverley, near Kidderminster in Worcestershire, has been the home of Wolverley and District Driving Club since it was formed in 1977. The format has changed little over the years, but the emphasis these days is more towards trials and driven eventing than rallies and showing as in years gone by. However several members prefer to drive their ponies and carriages for longer distances, over unfamiliar terrain, and in past years have ventured into the Cotswolds, Central Wales and Northumberland for driving in get-away places. Most drives begin and end in the same place, but for some time it has been hoped to organise a drive that progresses along a route. It was discovered that part of the Jack Mytton Way traversed the Long Mynd in Shropshire, and a couple of members soon set about investigating the possibility of taking a carriage along the route. And so the Trans Mynd Drive 2005 was born, and would take place over the May Day weekend. The Long Mynd rises from 160 metres to over 516 metres, and the terrain is very hilly. Members were warned well in advance to get their equines fully fit for what was to be a very challenging drive. Firstly, an ideal place to start the drive was located at Hughley, just off Wenlock Edge. Mill Farm Riding Centre was very accommodating, and readily agreed to stable the majority of the horses. Secondly, various permissions had to be obtained to take wheeled vehicles on bridleways and land not normally available to carriage drivers. Here, the National Trust, Forestry Commission and the Midland Gliding Club were all very obliging. From Hughley, the carriages travelled either singly, or in small groups along the quiet country lanes through Church Preen and Comley, and crossed the A49 to climb The Mynd via Womerton. After a welcome stop for water for the horses and refreshment for the drivers, they went onto National Trust land to Robin Hood’s Butts and over Wild Moor to Shooting Box, descending via Medlicott, a total distance for the day of 16½ miles. Whilst humans were catered for at the ‘Crown’ at Wentnor, the horses were stabled for the night in Wentnor and Prolley Moor. Next day, bright and early, everyone reassembled to climb once more onto the top of The Mynd, and after a brief but steep and rocky climb, was travelling along the tarmac on the ancient Portway. After crossing the Midland Gliding Club airfield, the drive down to Plowden, again on National Trust land, was exquisite: the views from here are breathtaking. Once down in the valley, the level going gave the horses a breather – a visit to the pub in Lydbury North was entirely optional! A short cut through the Byway around Brockton soon brought them to the water stop at Bury Ditches Hill Fort, where everyone enjoyed the traffic free atmosphere of well-managed woodland. Skirting around the back of Clun through the ford brought them briefly onto the A488. Travelling due west with panoramic views to rival the Lake District, they joined Offa’s Dyke Path bringing them to the end of the drive at Llanfair Waterdine. Another hard, but rewarding day of 23 miles. The weather was perfect for driving – cool at the start, and mist clearing as the day progressed, so that the wonderful views were seen at their best. Tea and cakes at the Lloyney Inn in full sunshine were very welcome after a drive of some 40 miles! The only irksome task was to transfer all the horseboxes and trailers from the start to the finish with enough time to get to the pub. Tribute should be paid to the drivers, grooms and stewards. There were no incidents, accidents, breakdowns or injuries amongst the thirteen participants, which just goes to show that with proper preparation and training, an arduous drive such as this can be very rewarding. W&DDC caters for all sizes, from Shetlands, small ponies, to full size, and even the less fit. Following a busy season of competition and fun-days, there will begin a busy social winter calendar. The aim of Wolverley and District is to provide something for everyone, whether hoping to compete at National Driving Trial Events, attending fun days, bringing on a young horse, or just out to enjoy carriage driving for pleasure, and they are doing just that! For more information on W&DDC and their activities, contact their Hon. Sec. Linda Sprosen on 01562 824350. Tony Gregory Wolverley & District Driving Club …is staging two major one day trials in 2005. There’s
still time to get your entries in, if you are quick. Sunday, 11 September - One Day Trial at Shakenhurst
House, Mamble, West of Kidderminster, Worcs. All enquiries to Linda Sprosen, 01562 824350, email lindasprosen@hotmail.com Indoor Horse Driving Trials Prize Draw The Indoor Horse Driving Trial Club’s March Prize Draw ticket was drawn at the East Anglian event at Wix on 12 March and the lucky winner was Cathy Willis from the Wessex area. Calling all working Dalmations The third Fenix Carriage Dog Trials will take place at Tenantry Farm, Rockbourne, Hants, 11-12 June 2005. The purpose of the trials is to provide a modern competition through which to demonstrate the Dalmation dog's traditional role as a companion to horses and carriages in past times. It is both an endurance and obedience event, and is an enjoyable challenge to all Dalmation owners. It is a spectacular event, providing a wonderful opportunity to see '101' fit, healthy, happy Dalmations in action. For more information visit www.carriagedog.org or phone Alison Burgess on 01435 813267. Forest of Dean Sponsored Drive – 21 August The Forest of Dean Riding for the Disabled Carriage Driving Group incorporating Devauden Group are holding a sponsored drive in the Forest of Dean on 21 August of 10 or 15 miles. All proceeds will go towards the purchase of a much needed specialised four-wheeled carriage that will enable us to take wheelchairs more easily. In 2004 the group gave local adults weekly drives along forest lanes. We developed a regular and enthusiastic group of clients and helpers that we intend to build on this year. We have recently gained a newly qualified R.D.A. driver (AB Whip), and had our second pony Sam qualify in time to start work this year. We have also gained an extra three approved locations including an indoor arena which will extend the season. Another innovation is the introduction of stable management skills for some groups. Most of our drives are accompanied by a physiotherapist and care home assistant. As we now have the ability to offer the drives to a wider audience, we will be able to take private clients. Entry forms and donations: Mrs Sheila Harris, Rosemont, Woolaston Common, Lydney, GL15 6NU or e-mail sheilakharris@hotmail.com For schedules: Mrs M Saunders, Tregenna, Netherend, Woolaston, Glos, GL15 6NS telephone/fax 01594 529392 or e-mail maggie.saunders@ntlworld.com New sponsor for Borde Hill Casalier have become the title sponsors of Brockham Harness Club’s Two-Day Carriage Driving Trials at Borde Hill, 20 – 21 August 2005 Brockham Harness Club is very pleased to welcome barristers Casalier Ltd as the title sponsor of their Two-Day Carriage Driving Trials at Borde Hill, the spectacular Grade II* English Heritage listed garden and parkland near Haywards Heath, West Sussex. Casalier Ltd (www.casalier.com) is an innovative venture, from barristers who are members of Middle Temple, who provide first class dispute resolution and direct access legal services for the equestrian and rural world. They act in all commercial and land property matters. Casalier will also be fence sponsors at the British Eventing Horse Trials at Borde Hill, 30 – 31 May. Once again Brockham is running its Two-Day Event in conjunction with the Borde Hill Country Fair. The three phase competition begins on Saturday with dressage and cones and the exhilarating marathon runs on Sunday, making the most of the natural splendour of the venue, its undulating terrain and glistening lakes set against the elegant 16th century historic house. Designer Andrew Simmons is integrating cross-country fences into some of his testing and educational obstacles presenting new challenges for competitors while the introduction of new classes gives drivers more choice. Other generous supporters include Creaseys Chartered Accountants. The Borde Hill Country Fair offers ‘something for everyone’ with entertainment ranging from the skill & grace of casting demonstrations to dog training & agility classes, falconry and craft displays. The Fair will also feature a variety of family entertainment and over 200 stands exhibiting and selling crafts, food, gardening, clothing, riding, shooting and fishing equipment. Borde Hill is located near Haywards Heath, just a short drive from the M23/A23. The show is open from 10am–5pm each day. Admission, which includes watching the carriage driving, Country Fair, Borde Hill Garden and Adventure Playground, costs adults £6, concessions £5, Children (3-15 years) £3.50, with Group rates also available. ND Championship sponsoring opportunities The organising committee of the SsangYong National Carriage Driving Championships are very pleased to announce and welcome the following obstacle sponsors to this year’s championships: * Carriagesales.com There’s still time to join in the sponsorship: three obstacles are still available along with several other sponsorship opportunities to suit all budgets. For more information get in touch with Nigel Dipple, BHDTA Marketing Director, 07831 272397, email publicity@horsedrivingtrials.co.uk DEFRA and “horse issues” Of course you know that your horse must have a passport. Strangely, the primary reason for this has transmuted from saving us from being poisoned if we ate a horse that had been given medicine and into the need for a National Equine Database (NED) and improving the breeding and performance of horses in England and Wales. DEFRA’s website announces, “The information (in the NED) will, initially, be used to monitor the issuing of horse passports that are required under European Union legislation. Having details of all horses and their owners on a central database may help towards the prevention of theft or least aid the early recovery of horses. Eventually, it is intended that additional information will be collected that will improve the Government's ability to carry out veterinary surveillance and, if necessary, disease control of horses. The information gathered will also assist in the development of effective economic strategies for the UK horse industry.” “The National Equine Database will also act as a platform for the equine industry to collect information centrally relating to breeding and performance evaluation. This information will be supplied to the database on a voluntary basis by both Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs) and the competition disciplines. It is envisaged that this information will enable an improvement in the overall quality and competitiveness of horses in this country. Information from the database on breeding and performance will be made available to the public for a fee.” We are also being worried by new waste management
regulations, costs and associated fines, which are coming
into force on 1 July 2005, with a three-month period for
the industry to become compliant. If your Neddy hasn’t got a passport yet, you face a fine of up to £5000 or two months at Her Majesty’s pleasure, although DEFRA, on their website, say that they understand that some passport issuing organisations are being very slow in issuing the documents and they might be lenient. The cheapest passports I’ve found were £10 to BDS members, (£7 for a donkey), £20 for non-members. FP Competitors please note: DEFRA says the passport must
accompany your horse in the following circumstances: 200 Club - 2005 More subscribers are wanted for the 200 Club – remember, you’re much more likely to be a winner than if you buy a National Lottery ticket. To join, please send a cheque for £20, payable to “BHDTA 200 Club” to Sheila Hawking, Pollums House Farm, Lumby, South Milford, Leeds, LS25 5LD - 01977 682298. Websites The Indoor Horse Driving Trials Club runs an informative site with three forums for chat, announcements and free For Sale/Wanted items. www.indoordriving.co.uk The FEI website is www.horsesport.org. The latest international rules are on-line plus news and vet issues. DEFRA: www.defra.gov.uk and see the link for horse issues. Read about the latest waste management regulations affecting horse owners and what the government’s draft strategy is for the “horse industry.” International Tandem Event The organisers of the Dutch National Tandem Championships have invited fifteen horse and pony tandem drivers to Exloo, Northern Holland on 11-12 June 2005. Call Pat Cooper 01937 573507 (daytime) mobile 07961 564348 or Rene Schoop 01538 308278 mobile 07850 385499 for more information. New Bennington presentation carriage unveiled Key improved design features of this new carriage are: * Improved stability and seat height Visit their showroom in Long Bennington, open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturdays 9am – 12 noon, other times by arrangement, telephone 01400 281280 or visit www.bennington.co.uk Fax: 01400 282243 Email: carriages@bennington.co.uk Stolen Tom McGregor’s three-year-old Honda quad bike has been stolen from premises near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, along with lots of other equipment from Tom's grassland management business - chainsaw, hedge trimmer, three strimmers, ride-on mower. If you hear of any for sale, please let us know! Tom McGregor 07887 691463 Your news wanted! Please send us your personal news, club newsletters – photos - amusing, informative, opinions, facts. All gratefully received. The next issue of Carriage Horse is planned for early July. Please send articles, letters and items for publication to reach us before 15 June. Please send paper letters and your faxes to the Office
and emails to the Editor, cc: the Office – thanks! All items to be sent to BHDTA Office or preferably e-mailed to: bhdta@horsedrivingtrials.co.uk Carriage Horse Editorial Policy 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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