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What is Combined Driving and what does it entail?
Combined Driving is the ultimate challenge of horse and driver. It
requires
skill, endurance, and precision, which are tested in three different
phases
of competition. The horse is required to be obedient and tough, and very
responsive to the driver- who's only cues to the horse are through the
reins, whip and voice. The competition is separated into three phases
which
occur over two or three days, depending on the level of competition.
Phase 1: Dressage
Dressage is the first phase of combined driving. The turnouts of horses
and
drivers complete a specific pattern on which they are judged. The horse
is
judged on his responsiveness, his gaits, his cadence and transitions.
The
best tests show good communication between horse and driver, energetic
gaits, brilliant cadence, an even rhythm, good transitions and back up.
This
is the most elegant of the three phases and a small part of the score is
based on the style and suitability of the harness and carriage.
Phase 2: Marathon
The marathon is the second and most well liked phase by most
competitors.
The marathon tests the horse's endurance and responsiveness. The fancy
carriage and harness are replaced by modern marathon carriages and a
sturdy
harness. The course is set from 10-20 km, which must be followed by
competitors. There is a trot section, in which drivers aim for the
optimum
time, aided by the navigator, who rides on the back step of the
carriage.
His job is to keep time, and keep the carriage upright during the fast
paced
and exciting course. Secondly, there is a walk section and a vet stop,
where
the horses are checked by vets, to evaluate whether the horses are fit
to
continue. The last section is the most important part. It contains the
obstacles or hazards, which must be negotiated at speed. This is where
the
true partnership between horse and driver are evident.
Horses must be fit,
tough and experienced horses know and love the game.
Phase 3: Cones
The final phase in the competition is the cones. In this phase the horse
is
again tested on fitness, as the cones takes place the day after the
marathon. The cones are set a prescribed distance, according to the
width of
the carriage and the level of the driver. At the highest level,
advanced,
only 10 inches clearance is given. Horse and driver must negotiate a
course
of twenty sets without knocking any tennis balls down. The slightest
misjudgment on the driver's part, is a 5-point penalty. The course has a
time allowed, so all of this must be done at a forward trot. Some of the
cones courses are tight and tricky, so the horse must recover mentally
from
the fast paced marathon, to do the tight turns.
Final placings are determined in penalty points, with the lowest score
winning. Dressage scores are factored to turn from points to penalties.
Marathon penalties can be accumulated in a number of ways, but mostly in
the
hazards, where the time is converted into penalties, and by exceeding
the
optimum time or finishing under the optimum time for the overall
marathon
course. Cones penalties are gained by knocking cones down, and going
over
the time allowed.
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All
About Sport Ponies
Pony Buying Tips & Care Afterwards
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