British drivers tackle Windsor challenge
The 2002 National Carriage Driving Championships will take place this weekend in Windsor Great Park
More than 100 of the UK’s top carriage drivers will be competing at the 2002 National Carriage Driving Championships at Queen Victoria’s Review Ground, Windsor Great Park, Berks, on 13-15 September.
Novice and open single drivers, plus pairs, tandems and pony teams will go head-to-head to find the very best drivers of 2002. The event is being supported by The Duke of Edinburgh, who is patron for the first time.
Similar to a ridden three-day event, competition takes place over three days, with dressage on Friday, the marathon (cross-country) on Saturday and cones, the driven equivalent of show jumping, on Sunday.
Marathon day promises to be an exciting day out for all the family, as the turnouts negotiate eight specially designed obstacles, including the challenging water hazard, in the quickest possible times.
Sunday’s schedule include a private driving display, including many traditional carriages, as well as the excitement of the final day’s cones competition.
Many previous championships have been won and lost in the cones, which require skill and accuracy from the driver to negotiate the narrow cones without dislodging any of the balls. The final day’s activities are designed to check the horses have recovered from the exertions of the previous day.
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The event is open to spectators from 9am to 5pm each day. Admission is £3 per adult, with accompanied children admitted free. Car parking is free and there will be trade stands and catering on site.
For more information visit www.windsordriving.co.uk or contact the British Horse Driving Trials Association (tel: 02476 293760).
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.