Driving world loses top producer

After 13 years of competing in the highest levels of private driving, Gary Docking Carriage Horses will be closing on 31 December. The closure of the yard comes as a result of Gary losing his main supporter of the past three seasons, Beatrice Potter.

Docking’s yard has been extremely successful during the past three seasons, and qualified six turnouts for the Horse of the Year show this year. “This would not have been possible without Beatrice’s support,” says Gary.

The pair met when Beatrice took a horse to Gary for schooling six years ago, and Beatrice began to take an interest in Gary’s carriage driving business, eventually offering him support. Together they established a large professional operation in Hampshire.

Gary is planning to take a year out from the sport to consider his options. Horses and vehicles are being returned to their owners and Gary will put his own carriages and harness into storage for the time being.

He says: “I really do have the best bunch of clients and sponsors in the business. Some of my clients are so loyal they are also suggesting taking a year out as well in the eventuality that I return to the sport.”

Read the full story in today’s issue of Horse & Hound (4 December).

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