Initiated in 1972 by H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, the sport of Horse Driving Trials has come along way over the years.

Today there are around 20 National three-day events held across the country with the Brighton event being the opening event to the season.

Divided into three phases, the competition is a test of skill, stamina and pure commitment from both the horses and their drivers.

Both male, female and disabled competitors battle aganist each other and with ages ranging from 14 to 70 this is a sport for all to comepete on an equal footing.

Dressage

Competitors in their finery reflecting traditions of their ancestors, perform the Dressage Test - a series of movements, attempting to display obedience, suppleness and balance of their horses, creating a picture of elegance, forward momentum and charisma. Competitors accrue penalty points from the judges depending on their performance.

Marathon

Man and Horse against time and the elements. Upwards of twenty miles, covering the most testing terrain, divided into three or five sections. The Driver and their navigator, map in hand, follow a course: trot and walk sections in specific times, culminating with the hazards - a series of man-made and natural elements to be driven as fast as nerve will allow.

Failure to achieve correct times and every second spent negotiating the hazards accrue penalty points. Error on the course can lead to elimination.  

Obstacles

The final nail-biting section - often the decider of a closely fought contest. Against the clock the the Driver tests his skills and his horses obedience and suppleness against the course designer’s challenging twisting obstacle course, incorporating bridges, zebra crossings, water etc. A small ball perches precariously on top of each cone - which if knocked down accrue five more penalty points.

At the end of an exhausting but exciting competition, the competitor with the lowest penalty points is declared the Winner. 

Want to have a go?

Why not book a starter lesson with a  qualified carriage driving instructor, a Sussex based instructor is Minta Winn:

If you would like to find out more about the sport of Horse Driving Trials why not join a local driving club where you can get involved in activities without even owning your own horse.

There will be a local driving club in your area.  Visit the British Horse Driving Trial Association's website for a full list.