Chatsworth Country Fair
Horse Driving
In the Horse Driving Ring, north of the Trade Stands
Organised by Caroline Dale-Leech.
Rosettes sponsored by Cock of the North Poultry Ltd.
The Horse Driving Show, organised by Caroline Dale-Leech from Red House Stables Carriage Museum in Darley Dale, commences each day at 9.30 am in the carriage driving ring to the north of the main attractions. The 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 collected over the 2 days, with special prizes for highest scores.
Once again there is a BDS-Trec on Friday; this includes a rally drive, and obstacles/ cones/ skills course. Judged on presentation, cleanliness, fit and suitability of turnout.
Class Number 4 on Saturday and Classes 8, 9 & 10 on Sunday are Qualifiers for the OSBORNE REFRIGERATORS BDS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008 - The highest placed turnout owned and driven by a member of the British Driving Society and eligible for the following Type-Sections, disregarding those already qualified, down to 6th place in the class will qualify for the 2008 Semi-Finals. The final of the Championships will take place on Oct 4th & 5th at Unex Towerlands Arena, Braintree Essex.
d - Single country turnout. j - Two wheel light trade. k - Four wheel light trade.
o - Single turnout driven to a traditional type vehicle by a young driver aged 10-14 years. p - Single turnout driven to a traditional type vehicle by a young driver aged 15-17 years. q - Single turnout driven to an exercise type vehicle by a young driver aged 10-14 years. r - Single turnout driven to an exercise type vehicle by a young driver aged 10-14 years
New this year is a Donkey Driving Class on Saturday at 2.45 pm. We also have demonstrations over the two days of how donkeys are used to provide therapy to children with special needs and disabilities with Sue Brennan, Principal of the Birmingham Centre of The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys.
The Concourse D’Elegance class on Sunday is always very popular with spectators and is designed to establish the most elegant turnout. The essence of the competition is the word ELEGANCE and the winner will be the turnout, which, in the opinion of the Judge, presents the most elegant effect. This will obviously include vehicle, horse driving, passengers etc., but above all the general impression. It is judged from a distance and vehicles are not closely inspected as in ordinary show classes. It is usual for an equine artist to judge this class.
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 5,000. 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, organises Proficiency Tests for various levels of skills, including the professional qualification of Driving Instructor for those wishing to teach.
Anyone wanting information on driving instruction is welcome to come along the the Secretary’s Tent at the Horse Driving ring where we shall be pleased to talk to you.
For The British Driving Society, please click here.