normally runs over a three day period with four distinct events that
horse and driver must participate in for an overall final score. In the
miniature horse combined driving events, the trials have been condensed
into two days.
It is here that all drivers and horses are
groomed to look their best and all harness
and fittings polished and shined. Participants
are judged on fit and condition of horse and harness
and suitability to vehicle. Driver attire is also
judged - hat, gloves and lap apron are a requirement.
A spares kit is also a requirement and contains
essential tools and spares in case of harness
breakage or emergency situations. The final judging
of the "Presentation" phase is on general impression
and overall appearance of the entire turnout.
At the training level of competition, Easy Entry
carts are allowed.
driven dressage test. Each participant
must drive their horse through a
pre-determined dressage pattern in the
dressage arena. Judging is on quality of
trot and turns, quality of transition and
halts, rhythm and obedience and use of
driver aids.
participant must maneuver their horse through a series of cones at the trot and be able
to do so without knocking tennis balls off the top of the cones.
Marathon. Run in two parts, the first of
which is a basic endurance test with each
horse being vet checked before proceeding
to the next phase of the marathon. The
second part is usually a twenty to thirty
minute go at the trot with spooky obstacles
that must be negotiated along the course of an average of seven to ten kilometers. Each participant has a two minute window in
which to finish the course and each horse
must then pass a final vet check before
qualifying for a score in the marathon.
The contestant with the lowest final overall
score wins the competition.
So come and join us!
