Horse Driving
The Horse Driving Ring is to the north of the Trade Stands
Organised by Caroline Dale-Leech
of the Red House Stables Carriage Museum in Darley Dale
The Results for 2012's classes can be found by clicking here
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The full timetable for each day will be printed in the Show Programme on sale at the Country Fair.
The Horse Driving Show is one of the major “shows within the show” at the Country Fair and a big weekend in the national horse driving calendar. There are numerous classes and displays every day, some of which are qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show. Full details are available in the Show Programme which is on sale at the Fair.
The British Driving Society is the main governing body behind all driving enthusiasts and was formed in 1957 at a time when driving of harness horses had almost died out and now has a membership of over 6,000. Carriages could then be bought for �5 to �15. The same vehicles, now restored, are worth �500 to �10,000. Many ponies started driving when they were outgrown as children’s riding ponies. Such ponies are often ideal for taking two adults for a drive. The BDS provides instruction and training for drivers and grooms, and organises Proficiency Tests for various levels of skills, including the professional qualification of Driving Instructor for those wishing to teach.
The Class Judge is looking for the best horse/pony, irrespective of size, correctly and smartly harnessed to a sound, suitable and well maintained traditional type vehicle, suitable for a competent person to drive on the road. When the selection is made, the Judge will place them in his order of preference and give special consideration to carriage, harness and general turnout to divide those which seem to him to be of equal merit. Junior competitors are identified by a RED armband, Derbyshire members WHITE and Staffordshire members GREEN armbands. Points are accumulated over the weekend, with special prizes for highest scores.
The BDS-Trec on Friday includes a rally drive, obstacles/cones/skills course, and is judged on presentation, cleanliness, fit and suitability of turnout. This ‘cross-country’ event enables you to see a great variety of turnouts travelling through the park between 11.00am and 2.00pm.
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