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 | Victorian Carriage Driving Society | |
| Carriage Driving – A Sport For All The Family |
 When someone mentions carriage driving many people think of burly Clydesdales pulling tradesmen’s vehicles or the Queen in her Stately Coach ... but there is more for the whole family to get involved in.
Carriage driving in Australia ranges from the elegance of drivers, their gleaming horses and ponies and traditional vehicles in the show ring to all the action of combined driving and a lot more in between.
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Carriage drivers, also know as “whips”, range in age from 10 years old to 80 +, some have been, or still are, riders whilst others have not had anything to do with horses but want to get into the action after seeing the sport. You can start out in a basic jogger on motorbike wheels and progress to purpose made combined driving vehicles (2 or 4 wheeled), show vehicles, such as viceroys, or a restored jinker or sulky.
The type of horse or pony which can enjoy driving is vast: miniatures, Welsh Ponies & Cobs, Hackney, Australian Ponies, Shetlands, Friesians, crossbreds; as long as they have the right temperament any breed can do well. Classes/competitions are separated by height, type of vehicle, overall turnout and various others. Any colour is welcome; the only restriction is age for combined driving where the horse or pony must be 4 years old before competing. The life of many a family pony or horse has been extended by taking up carriage driving as they can also enjoy the new challenges driving provides.
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 And what can you do ??
You can participate in Park or Private drives which give you the opportunity to dress up and enjoy wonderful venues around Victoria at a social outing. These can be described as a “Show on the move”. Usually held in scenic surrounds such as Botanical Gardens or historical parks and gardens, a Private drive was originally devised as a gentle competition for “private” vehicles (ie. Non-tradesman). Events may cater for several classes which always include at least one Period Turnout class. Vehicles may vary greatly from original through to the modern and any type of horse from the miniature to Clydesdale may be entered. The event is judged at the halt as a turnout and then entrants set off on a leisurely trot around the grounds for several kilometres. Whilst out on the course more judging takes place, this time including the manners of the horse and the skill of the driver.
A Pleasure drive can be simply a drive down a country lane, rail trails, a picnic or campfire shared with like minded company held on one day, a weekend or even for a week in public reserves or private property. A great way to see the countryside
Pleasure Driving is one of the more popular forms of Carriage Driving for it is done, as the name implies, purely for pleasure rather than competition. Pleasure drives are held regularly in all states in many different locations. Almost all clubs hold pleasure drives. Usually they are picnic drives in a picturesque location or even a 2-day or week camp-over.
Pleasure Driving vehicles do not have to be flash or robust. They are sometimes original vehicles which have undergone minor changes to make them roadworthy, or simply a basic frame on motor bike wheels. So long as they are safe, roadworthy and practical, then the drivers can enjoy their outings. Navigation Drives can be incorporated into pleasure driving to add a bit of interest.
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 Park Driving is a more splendid version of Pleasure Driving. As its name suggests, it usually happens in a park with show and combined driving vehicles presented by people in period costume. This activity gives show drivers a chance to enjoy their sport in a more relaxed environment.
Most people would have seen the harness events at their local show; Show driving is where the beautifully turned out horses wearing their meticulously cleaned harness pull their immaculate vehicles. Just as there are many different saddle classes so too are there many different harness classes. The classes are divided according to either Horse/ Pony Height, Breed, Vehicle, Combination - single or multiple, Open or Novice status and Driver. Vehicles frequently seen in the show ring include Viceroys, Buggies and Landaus (4 wheeled), Jinkers or Gigs (2 wheeled). Many are original vehicles painstakingly researched and restored. The Delivery or Tradesman’s classes are becoming increasingly popular. Beautifully restored vehicles, pulled by stately Clydesdales, Percherons or Friesians, or derivatives, with bells jangling often generate the most interest, especially amongst the old timers. In a world of virtual reality these are living reminders of our history as it is easy to imagine the streets filled with such vehicles and horses at their work.
Show Driving is the most glamorous type of Carriage Driving with hundreds of beautifully restored original vehicles enjoying new life in show rings all over Australia. Hundreds of thousands of show-goers have marveled at the splendid sight of high-stepping hackney horses and ponies glistening in gilt and patent leather harness, pulling polished late 19thC early 20thC vehicles at Royal Shows. Show Driving has a beauty and splendour of its own. It brings to life a past era and presents it for new generations to see and understand.
Also in Show Driving the dignity of the Heavy Harness can be seen. Those Gentle Giants (Clydesdales) pull restored wagons, lorries and even hearses, with the drivers and their helpers suitably attired with whichever trade they are representing.Show Driving is usually done at the Agricultural Shows, and these qualify entrants into the Royal Shows.
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 For those looking for a bit more speed and action, Scurry or Speed Cone driving would be of interest. This involves driving against the clock around a course marked out by cones (witch’s hats) on top of which are weighted balls that if knocked off incur penalties. Ponies and horses in singles, pairs, tandems and teams compete in this fast paced competition and are often seen at shows and animal expos.
Combined driving is carriage driving’s answer to eventing. It is comprised of three sections: dressage, the marathon (including roads and tracks and obstacles (in lieu of jumps!)) and cones (the equivalent of showjumping). It can take place over 1, 2 or 3 days and can be outdoors or indoors.
Combined Driving is similar in concept to One or Three-day Eventing in that it consists of three phases. The first is Presentation & Dressage, the second is the Marathon (or cross-country), and the third is the Precision Cone Driving (in place of the jumping).
The ponies are split into height sections, 91cm & u121cm, 121cm & ne 149cm. Then come the horses o149cm.
Each section is then divided into single Novice or Open. To qualify to go into Open, the horse/pony has to attain 13 points.
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 Multiples are classed as Open. These are horses/ponies which are driven as pair, tandem or team (4). The tandem uses a single horse/pony vehicle, but has another horse/pony in front. The wheeler (in the shafts) does most of the work, with occasional help from the one in front. The story goes that when the gentlemen in England wanted to go into the country for a while, then this was a way they could take their hunter, by putting it in front of their vehicle. As can be imagined, it requires some skill to keep the front horse/pony in control with only reins to guide it.
Competition A — Presentation (A1) and Dressage (A2)
In Presentation the whole turnout, horse, vehicle, harness, driver and groom, is judged. Driven Dressage, is similar to ridden dressage, with specific movements performed in an arena. Tests require the driver to display control through voice, whip and reins, and the horses must display obedience, impulsion and correct paces.
Dressage is the newest separate discipline amongst carriage drivers with Dressage event and Dressage & Cones events being held more often all over Australia. The training principles are the same as Dressage riding except that the whip must replace the leg. Carriage drivers use their voice more than riders, partly to compensate for the absence of the seat and leg. Voice, hands and whip are adequate however as most of the training is done on the ground in long reins. Like ridden dressage, the more work you put in the better the result. Dressage judges may be appointed after examination, as are ridden judges, and many of the latter have qualified to judge driven Dressage.
Competition B — The Marathon or Cross Country
Many consider this is the most exciting phase of the overall competition. Horses need to be fit to cover the distance of up to 22km in the required time. The course is divided into five timed sections A - E, and includes two walks (Secs. B & D) of approx. 1km and a fast trot section (C). Each height class has different times for each section and time penalties may be incurred. Section E includes up to 8 man-made or natural obstacles (including water) which are gated using letters from A-F and can be driven in various ways, within a set time, as long as the gates are passed through in order.
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 Endurance Driving could be described as long distance Pleasure Driving with increased emphasis on the fitness of the horse. Endurance drives, by definition, are 80km or more. While that might sound like a long way, the horses don’t gallop furiously but alternate between trotting & walking with co-drivers often getting out to lighten the load up steep hills. Endurance drives of 200km or more are often held with horses covering 40-80km per day. Daily vet inspections ensure the well-being of the horses, as the health of the horse is the prime consideration of the event.
One endurance drive a couple of years ago was from near Melbourne to near Sydney, covering approximately 80km each day for 14 days to tally around 1100km with a couple of rest days scheduled. Most of the route was on unsealed surfaces.
Competition C — Cone Driving
The Cone Driving is designed to test the fitness, obedience and suppleness of the horse or pony after the rigours of the Marathon along with the skill of the driver.
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 Restoration
The restoration of old vehicles is an important part of the development of the sport of Carriage Driving, particularly Show Driving. As more people are attracted to this elegant pastime, more original vehicles are required. Carriage builders and wheelwrights still earn a reasonable living as they practice their craft. The wedding coach industry also plays an important role in the support of these craftsmen. Many a vehicle has been found in a forlorn corner of a country shed, fully and lovingly restored from rotting timber and rusting iron.
Australia has been represented at International events such as the World Equestrian Games since its inception in 1990, at World Championships and in other International events: Mike Thill and Rod Ryan drove under the Australian flag at the inaugural World Equestrian Games held in Stockholm in 1990. Boyd Exell has been based in the UK for over ten years and is enjoying increasing success as a driver and trainer on the international driving circuit.
In Australia the Australian Carriage Driving Society has conducted FEI Driving events at Equitana 1999, two FEI classes were run at the 1999 Victorian Carriage Driving Championships, in 2002 ACDS organising committees ran two successful CAI-Bs at Braidwood and Young, both in NSW.
Other activities which you can enjoy are navigation drives, endurance driving and good old fashioned fun days where club members get together for a great social event.
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 Where to go to join or for more information.
The Australian Carriage Driving Society (ACDS) was formed in 1971 and there are currently 61 clubs around Australia with the majority in Victoria and New South Wales. Upon joining a club, your membership includes insurance, the ACDS Journal (published quarterly), Club newsletter and access to schools, seminars, clinics, competitions and a wealth of knowledge and friendships. The Society has fully accredited judges and officials, with a number of ACDS members holding FEI judge or official qualifications and two members who hold Light Harness Horse Instructor certificates (UK) while several others have completed part of this course.
Carriage driving is a great family sport where you can be involved as a driver, groom, owner, all round helper or cheer squad! So for more information, log on to our websites at:
Australian Carriage Driving Society – Victorian Branch
Or contact the ACDS Federal Secretary:
Australian Carriage Driving Society
PO Box 181, Nyah West, 3595
Ph/Fax: (03) 5030 2593
©ACDS2005
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