World driving qualifiers chosen
The British Horse Driving Trials Association (BHDTA) has released details of the 2004 events, which will be used as selection trials for the four world championships taking place during 2004/5.
Drivers wishing to be considered for a place in the British team must compete in at least three of the four selection events, with points awarded to each driver depending on their placing in each event.
The World Single Horse Championships are taking place at Åstorp, Sweden on 21-27 July 2004. Two selection events, Alnwick and Catton, took place last season and this year’s qualifiers are Brighton (7-9 May 2004) and Farleigh (4-6 June 2004).
Identical top three places for David Mathews, Di Haynes and James Robson at the first two selection events see all three drivers in strong contention for a team place.
The World Horse Team Championships 2004 will be held at Kecskemet, Hungary on 4-8 August 2004. Karen Bassett won the first selection event at Catton last August, ahead of George Bowman, Adrian Puddy and Geoffrey Woods.
The remaining horse team selection events are:
- Brighton (7-9 May 2004)
- Hopetoun (28-30 May 2004)
- Newnham (11-13 June 2004)
The World Combined Pony Championships 2005 are taking place on home turf at
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Catton Park on 14-17 July 2005 and the selection events will be Catton on 2-4 July 2004 and Lowther 6-8 August 2004, plus two events in 2005 to be confirmed.
Pairs drivers aiming for a place in the British team for the World Horse Pairs Championships 2005 in Wals-Salzburg, Austria on 8-11 September 2005 need to turn in impressive performances at Henbury (16-18 July 2004) and Alnwick (13-15 August 2004), as well as two as yet unnamed events in 2005.
For more information visit:www.horsedrivingtrials.co.uk
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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.