The Indoor Carriage Driving Co. Ltd.

About The Sport

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THE INDOOR EVENT - the grace of Precision and Paces - the precision of the cones competition - the speed and thrills of marathon obstacles.

THE SPORT - already exceeding expectations - true testimony to how much competitors and viewers enjoy this new sport. Based on horse driving trials, enjoy the grace, skills and excitement of a full event in a few hours in the comfort and convenience of an indoor arena. Generous sponsorship from Strongid 'P', and the full backing of the British Horse Driving Trials Association, have enabled the Indoor Carriage Driving Company to create this thrilling new sport and its' keenly contested National Championship.

20 + events, 500+ competitors and 2000+ safely driven obstacles plus a superb two day final in the first full season.

It unfolds in front of you - the commentator and timing displays ensure you are totally involved in what's going on . And it is all happening, the arena is never empty for more than a few seconds at a time. Being inside the conveniences of modern life, plus food and drink are near to hand.

The climax - four Marathon Obstacles, all with several 'gates' and knockdowns to negotiate. Each turnout chooses their own route, every second counts, they equate to penalty points which added to those incurred earlier in the competition to produce the final result. The class leaders go last, so that the excitement builds and builds as first one driver and then the next responds to the challenges thrown down.

Events run throughout the winter, when traditionally there has been little to interest the horse driver but now animals and drivers can be kept alert all year round. The events are demanding, but with no arduous marathon are excellent for animals during their layoff and for older, perhaps retired horses. It's also excellent for bringing on younger animals too.

It has something for everybody at what ever level. Novices and juniors vying with established drivers, sometimes beating them !

Events are arranged in every area of the UK including Scotland and Northern Ireland by the Indoor Carriage Driving Company which was formed to promote the sport, encourage young drivers and course building excellence. The events are made possible by the dedicated band of supporters who set up events and then ensure they run without a hitch.

Many local driving clubs are involved, organising qualifiers for the regional finals. As always there is room for additional helpers in all areas -

Would you like to join in the FUN as a helper or an organiser of a local event. Perhaps you just want to come along and cheer for your favourite. You are guaranteed a warm welcome and a thrilling spectacle.

Membership to the INDOOR HORSE DRIVING TRIALS CLUB keeps you in the picture with NEWSLETTERS - venues and dates of coming events, who's winning - what's happening. Plus FREE ENTRY to watch any of the events - a bargain at just £10 !

THE ESSENTIALS OF INDOOR DRIVING TRIALS.

THREE PHASES - ONE DAY

Precision and Paces

New tests have been developed for the coming season and are featured in all the schedules.

During the competition the judges indicate their marks for each movement, immediately it has been completed, by holding up a board indicating the number scored. One judge marks the precision of the movement the other judges the pace of its execution. The scorer then notes the marks given. The judge has no written work to do. This allows tests to start at 5 minute intervals, therefore an entry of 25-30 complete this section in 2 1/2 hours.

The Precision and Paces arena is 50 metres by 20 metres with its markers being evenly spaced along its long sides. The judges are positioned at C and B/E .Both judges marks are averaged and then taken from the perfect score to achieve the penalty score

OBSTACLES ( CONES )

A course is set, using not more than ten gates made from cones or other approved components and may include one multiple obstacle.

The cones competition is also run in the 50 metre by 20 metre arena and is scored as follows; 5 marks for a knockdown, and a mark for each second over or below the bogey time which is set on a speed of 220 metres per minute.

MARATHON OBSTACLES

Two obstacles are built in the ring with a common entry/exit gate between them in the centre of the ring and these are then driven by all the competitors. The gates of the obstacles are then altered and redriven by all the competitors giving four obstacles in all.

This section is scored one mark per second that the competitor is in the obstacle zone. Their is no limit to the number of knockdowns used and they are scored at five marks each. All other penalties are as per the B.H.D.T.A. rules. All penalty marks are then added to the times taken for the obstacle to produce the final score for this section. The first two obstacles are driven by the competitors in reverse order of their positions after the first two phases after which the positions are recalculated. The final two obstacles being driving in reverse order of the standing at that time.

Last update . Please check back regularly for up-to-date information on Indoor Carriage Driving.