Driving Back to Sport – Day 4 – Fenix Carriage Driving Centre

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Kathryn Howard reports on the penultimate day of her training.

“The fourth meeting of the Driving Back to Sport series opened with a beautiful spring morning on the top of the picturesque Blackdown Hills at the Fenix Carriage Driving Centre. Day four concentrated on a third discipline, the marathon phase of horse driving trials.

The morning began with David Brown giving a talk about the theory of the marathon phase. Attendees looked at the marathon carriage in detail, considered the marathon groom’s turnout and discussed preparation for this stage of a horse driving trials competition. David was joined by British team vet Anja Walker who offered invaluable advice on preparation of the horse ahead of this phase, the compulsory halt section and provided informative handouts.

The group walked both a permanent driving trials obstacle and an indoor style obstacle set on the arena. All were then given the chance to backstep for 2008 open single horse UK champion Joanna Broadbent and her world-class horse Alex as both drove the Fenix ‘Castle’ obstacle.  This opportunity allowed the drivers to gain an understanding of how an obstacle feels to a back stepper putting the theory learnt into practice.  After a lunch break in the sun; spent walking the indoor HDT style obstacle, Fenix’s trusty lesson pony Topper and helping pony for that day, Charlie, were brought out to give the group a chance to drive. Unbeknown to the group each drive was timed and with all members driving twice everybody could note their best time; a surprise to all. All were very proud of the significant improvement made.

The day finished with the sun still shining as Mark gave the group an enlightening tour of the carriage building workshops and all had a special sneak preview of the nearly finished restoration of an 1880 Park Drag which will not be seen by the public until Windsor 2012. It made a delightful end to what had been a glorious day attended by enthusiastic new additions to the carriage driving world.

“Thanks for another fantastic day! I’m hooked,” Georgina Bartlett

“It has been a pleasure to work with all members of my coaching group, it is great to have inspired and improved  skills and I look forward to continuing the extended training they have requested as a group.” said Mark Broadbent, Fenix Carriages.

The next and final event will be held at Fenix Carriages on 18th April when the Driving Back to Sport group will be able to see a morning demonstration of all disciplines by Mark and his own stunning coaching and driving trials team.  The afternoon will be spent taking requests for what group members would like to go over. Harnessing up a popular option. The evening will bring all attendees together for a celebratory drink and talk from Sport England.

Find out more or register your interest in becoming a ‘Sport Maker’ from Lucy Cooper at Instinctive PR, 01403 712552, lucy@instinctivepr.co.uk

Royal Norfolk Show – 30 June/1 July 2010

The Royal Norfolk Show ordered the right kind of weather for a fabulous two days of entertainment. There was a slightly lower number of entries – despite nine entered for one of the driving classes, only one turned up – however the standard was as high as ever with a good range of vehicles.

The Norfolk Horse Driving Club had a superb view of the Wensum Ring where judge Caroline Douglas was making difficult choices. They are a very friendly group and I recommend you go and meet Ann Melhuish and have a look round their stand. They attracted attention very effectively with a convincing life-size model horse this year.

The Concours d’Elegance classes seem to be especially well attended this season and this was no exception. Jessie Bowling won, looking shiny and immaculate, her mother Kate in full livery.

It was good to see Jean Clayden and Hackney Glenshane Prince in the ring again (although she’s throwing a retirement party for him at the end of the season). In the main ring the Scurry Driving Association were enjoying themselves, flying about as usual, to the great delight of the crowds. Philip Litchfield won the first bout. Photos by me and by kind permission of Andrew Durrell.

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