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What is the Sport of Combined Driving?
It is very much like the ridden sport of Eventing, but with a carriage
behind the horse! There are 3 separate phases, and one is completed
each day, over 3 days of competition. Each phase tests the training and
ability of both horse and driver (the Whip) in different ways.
First day is Dressage: This tests balance, flexibility, and submission of the horse as well
as the drivers knowledge of Driving and memory of the test, and both their skills in executing it. Points are awarded for every movement done properly.The term "Movement" designates a speed (ie: Walk, extended trot, etc.) executed at Letters (ie: TROT "A" through to "C") . The amount and difficulty of Movements increases as the Competitor moves up the Levels. Levels connotates the experience of both the Whip, and the horses experience in competitions.
Second day is Marathon: This tests the horses endurance and stamina over distance, and both horse and drivers ability to use their dressage skills driving through hazards (obstacles) encountered in the last sections of the course.
Third day is Cones: Similar to road cones Combined Driving Cones are used to create "Gates". Accuracy through a course of gates tests the concentration and self control of both horse and driver. After two days of tough competition" Cones " calls for precision driving between sets of Gates layed out in an elaborate course. By not knocking into any cones, thereby accruing demerits, separates who will win, from who will lose.
PICTURES ON THIS SITE:
Pictures by Pics of You, www.picsofyou.com at Oak Hill, Va. 2004 and Gary Knowles Photography at The Laurels 2005 and The Professionals - Photography At Bromont 2005)
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