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On Saturday 22nd October, a keen group gathered at Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre in Leicestershire for B.C’s final Try Driving of 2022.

We were also joined by David Pagden; Head of Participation at BEF.

Our Try Driving series have been made possible by a grant from Sport England. This together with support from Zilco Harness made it possible for our Coaches around the Country to deliver these days which have been running since May.

On behalf of everyone who has taken part in all the Try Driving sessions, a huge thank you to both Sport England and Zilco Harness.

Our participants were able to learn how to harness correctly and safely, and to practice with several amenable turnouts - large and small.

With expert guidance from several coaches, explaining rein handling, parts of the harness and its purpose, all participants had a chance to long rein different turnouts. This proved to be a great experience for our participants, and provided the opportunity for further discussion on the different driving disciplines, how to source a coach, a local club, someone who could break a horse /pony, having a close look at different carriages and also a variety of collars and sets of harness, and the important role the backstepper plays in our discipline of Driving Trials, making it all great preparation for trying driving later in the day.

Participants were very excited to have a go at both driving and backstepping, all determined to master as much as time allowed.

A huge thank you to our 7 turnouts who behaved impeccably and their coaches did an amazing job too!!

The group of strangers that arrived for 10am went home having made new friends, enthusiastic about the day and all hungry for more, with offers to help at both indoor and outdoor events in 2023, and a promise made to organise further days as soon as possible.

Try Driving Days are held in different locations in the UK and are open to anyone; horse riders or people completely new to equestrian sports.

Each event includes talks and an exciting taster session.

  • Introduction to carriage driving
  • All about carriages and driving harness
  • Safety features
  • Carriage Driving experience - have a go yourself !

No prior experience needed. Come along to see what this sport is all about and each participant will receive a Zilco goody bag!

Check for a venue nearest to you and email the organiser to book a place.

MORE TRY DRIVING DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEW YEAR