Participating in Competitive Driving

When you first arrive at the location of the drive, often a state park or a horse farm, you will quickly spot the organizers. They are the ones answering questions, making announcements and handling registration. Find a place to park your trailer and be prepared for lots of activity!

Before the drive, you will present your horse to the veterinarian for inspection. The veterinarians are in essence, the judges of the event. They check the horse's pulse, respiration, gut sounds, and look for problem areas. The vets will ask you to walk your horse in a straight line and then trot him out in a large circle. Any sign of lameness and your horse would be disqualified. Horses are expected to have good manners during the vet check and points are deducted for unruly behavior. All vital signs and other observations are noted on each horse's score sheet. Each horse begins the event with 400 points, and points may be deducted throughout the drive.

Next is the pre-drive meeting. You will listen to a brief orientation about the trails on the drive, which have been laid out by volunteers to be a 10-12  mile loop returning to ride camp.  For a 20-25 mile drive you do the loop a second time.  You will be given your assigned start and finish times and you will strive to reach the finish within a 10 minute window.

After the vet check,you harness your horse and hook up to the carriage.  Make sure you have your helmet, gloves, whip and spares kit. Next is the safety check which is done by an organizer or volunteer experienced in driving. Your harness, vehicle and spares kit are inspected.