Driving world springs into action

Ever wondered what it’s like to compete from a carriage rather than a saddle? Or, perhaps you’re a private driver and fancy finding out about competing in a scurry class. If so, the British Driving Society (BDS) “Spring into Action” event at Hurstbourne EC, Whitchurch, Hampshire on 14 March is the ideal day out for you.

This is the first BDS event of this type, and has been organised by light harness horse instructor Clare Wigmore, who says: “The aim is to enlighten BDS members into all disciplines of driving and non-members into the varied disciplines within the driving word.”

The day will be packed full of information and things to do. Demonstrations and displays will include:

• schooling the driving horse with Caroline Douglas
• traditions of coaching with John Carter
• scurry driving with John Marson
• horse driving trials dressage with Di Hayes
• light trade with the Smith family
• putting a tandem together
• Le Trec
• dress for the show ring
• harness and whip making
• vehicle restoration

The event will also host a showing masterclass where the audience will learn the hows and whys of judging and get involved in judging a class themselves.

Refreshments will be available on site and everything will take place under cover. Tickets cost £5 on the door and a timetable of events is available on the BDS website: www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk

• The second “BDS Spring into Action” event will be held at South View, Wettenhall, Cheshire, on 25 April.

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