REMINDER: Training at Ashfieds:- 5th to 6th June
If you wish to take part in the training at Ashfields please contact Martin Yemm. He will be delighted to hear from you and will be able to provide you with further information.
Martin Yemm: Tel. 01234 376027 / 07836 501695
Application form can be downloaded by clicking here.
The closing date for enroling is April 30th so if you are interested please contact him as soon as possible. Ashfields have an indoor school, dressage arena, brilliant national type obstacles and also stables and padocks available.
The training at the Unicorn Trust at the beginning of April proved to be very succesful with a record number of 21 drivers taking part. Many thanks to Margaret Brockie for organising such an enjoyable weekend. Photos from the weekend will be available for download shortly on the photos page.
BETA Innovation Award Winner supports
Para-Equestrian Driver
International Para driver Lindsey Tyas is delighted to be supporting Ride-Alert; a major new innovation in horse and rider/driver safety launched by local entrepreneur Andy Keates and his business partner Adrian Soskin.
The new range of innovative personal identification products, for both horse and rider/driver, provides a direct link to the Incident Response Centre 24-hours a day. Ride-Alert was recently awarded the highly regarded British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Innovation Award at the UK's leading equine industry Trade Fair BETA International.
To find out more about the Ride-Alert support network please visit
www.ride-alert.co.uk more .......
GB in Wheelchair curling at Paralympic Winter Games
Aileen Neilson, a member of the British squad who competed at the 2004 World Championships for drivers with disabilities now has her sights firmly set on Gold having just been selected to represent Great Britain in the sport of Curling at the Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
Having curled from the age of 12 to 17, it was only in November 2004, that Aileen took up wheelchair curling. After joining Braehead Wheelchair Curling Club, she progressed to the Development Squad and was then selected to play for Scotland/GB at the end of 2006. During this time she also competed at international events in Prague, Norway, Germany, USA, Canada and Switzerland.
A Primary School teacher from Strathaven, Aileen has competed at the last three World Wheelchair Curling Championships, picking up a Bronze medal in Sweden at the 2007.
The CDSG-dd wish Aileen and the rest of the GB Team the very best of luck at the games and hope they bring back the Gold.
The competition will take place in the Vancouver Paralympic Centre between March 13-20. Read the full report on Aileen's selection.
Minister for Sport visits Riding Centre in Derbyshire
The newly-appointed East Midlands Champion for Community Sport, Manjula Sood, yesterday joined Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe at a riding centre in Derbyshire to see how they are getting hundreds of disabled young people into equestrian sports.
They visited Scropton Riding and Driving Centre and saw a paraplegic carriage driving display by Terry Kirby, recipient of the senior Disabled Sports Award for South Derbyshire. Kirby also invited the minister to join in him in the carriage to demonstrate first hand the skills required.
This was followed by an impressive display of para-equestrian dressage by 15 year old Matthew Dalley, a member of the East Midlands Regional Foundation Squad. The Sport England-funded squads, which are coordinated by the British Equestrian Federation, have been set up across five regions with the aim of producing regional talent pools of riders to support their ambition to progress to World Class level. More
Team GBR in search forPara Equestrian Driving Stars
Cones Training Clinic
So much has changed over the years regarding driving cones courses at Driving Trials . This phase now has a significant influence on your scores. There is a science in setting a cones course and much more to course design than placing cones.
The BHDTA have invited Richard Papens, an experienced international course designer from Belgium to help you understand what to look for when walking cones, looking at the angle, seeing the rein changes, noticing circles etc etc.
Book your place now by contacting the BHDTA.
Easton College welcomes Para Equestrian Disciplines
to new Equestrian Centre.
Keen to promote Para Equestrian disciplines in East Anglia, Easton College near Norwich (Norfolk) is holding a Para Equestrian day on 13th February. Open to all three Para Equestrian disciplines - dressage, driving and show-jumping, the day is organised by Hilary Francois, Equestrian Centre Manager at Easton College. The day will consist of workshops and talks by Performance Psychologist, Nikki Heath and Equine and Human Sports Physio, Pippa Windle-Baker. As well as working closely with UK athletics, Nikki has worked extensively with event rider Pippa Funnell to help her prepare herself mentally and help her to reach the peak of her performance for competition. Pippa Windle-Baker is also heavily involved in equestrian sports, working with the Endurance Teams as well as treating numerous equines and humans in East Anglia.
Running from 10.00-2.00 the day costs £20.00. Spaces are limited but priority will be given to Para Equestrian Athletes from all disciplines.
For further information and to book your place please contact Hilary Francois. Tel: 01603 731577hfrancois@easton-college.ac.uk 
Treasure found at the end of the course, after Radio Norfolk has a go at Carriage Driving!
The new Equestrian Centre at Easton College was officially opened by Pippa Funnell on 24 October. An array of Para Equestrian athletes from Dressage, Driving and Show-jumping gave an exciting display to an invited audience of over 500.
The following morning, local presenter Becky Betts from BBC Radio Norfolk began another intense Treasure Quest with no idea of where this would lead her.
The programme has a dedicated following of listeners from all over Norfolk and beyond, and with their help Becky follows a series of clues until she finds the treasure. The final clue – “A promising direction, but tweaked a little. Could be a group of religious figures. The new place for the croaky voice sound, takes you round the cones for the treasure."
Eventually this led Becky to Easton College Equestrian Centre where she found her treasure. After rides in helicopters, fast cars and lifeboats, it was time for her to experience some real horse power - Para Equestrian Driver Lindsey Tyas and her horse Jack were duly waiting for her where a cones course was laid out. After an exhilarating round of cones the treasure was found by a thrilled Becky.
Para Drivers on Eggheads - BBC 2
this Friday - 15th January 2010.
The long awaited viewing of the Para drivers taking on the Eggheads will be shown on BBC 2 on 15th January 2010 at 6.00. The team consists of Team Captain Terry Kirby, Heather Clark, Margaret Lupton, Lindsey Tyas and James Marshall. Watch the programe on BBC I-Player. 
Cavewood Productions
Para Equestrian Driving promotional video clip
Team GBR has been fortunate to have the backing and support of Jackie Herd and Tim Maloy of Cavewood Productions since 2008. Cavewood Productions produced the Road to Greven which is shown frequently on Horse and Country TV and most recently produced promotional Para Equestrian material for Britain's bid to host the 2010 World Championships.
Although on this occassion Great Britain will not be hosting the World Championships it is hoped that the video clip will encourage people throughout the world who may be challenged by disability to take up the reins and become involved in Para Equestrian Driving.
If you are interested in either driving, becoming involved or supporting Para Equestrian Driving activities please contact the CDSG-dd Secretary - Lindsey Tyas. The video clip can be seen at http://vimeo.com/7287973
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Ideal Christmas Gifts
With Christmas fast approaching the ideal Christmas present may be closer than you think. The Ashfields calendar featuring National, International and Para drivers is now available from Malcolm Parnell from Bluefoot Donkey. At £10 each plus P&P of £2.50 for up to 4 calendars, profit will go towards raising funds for Team GBR Para Drivers competing at the FEI Para Equestrian Driving World Championships in Breda (Netherlands) in 2010. |  |
2010 Para Equestrian Driving WC in Breda
19-11-2009
The FEI has allocated the World Championships Para Equestrian Driving 2010 to the Netherlands. This was decided today during the FEI General Assembly in Copenhagen, Denmark. The organization of this prestigious event will be in the capable hands of the international equestrian event Breda Hippique at the Prinsenhoeve Estate in Breda.
Breda Hippique successfully organized the Dutch National Para Equestrian Dressage Championships in 2009 and therefore already has a strong connection with the para equestrian sport. Reigning World Champion Jacques Poppen from the Netherlands is thrilled with the allocation.
The World Championship in Breda will be fully integrated in the existing four-in-hand programme. Breda Hippique will take place from 2 to 5 September 2010. http://www.bredahippique.nl/index.php?lang=en
The other candidate for the 2010 bid was Ashfields in Great Britain, who have successfully organised events at the venue for several years and in 2009 hosted the first national combined driving event.
United drivers from Europe showcase Para Equestrian Driving
at International at Conty
4-9 August 2009
The competition at Conty was a huge success. This was the first time that France had held a Para Equestrian Driving event and competitors from Germany, Netherlands and Ireland provided spectators with a real showcase of Para Equestrian driving, demonstrating the drive, skill and real passion that all the athletes have for the sport. The five competitors from four countries not only competed in a top class competition, but showcased the sport and were true ambassadors for both their country and Para Equestrian Driving.
The Para Drivers arrived on Tuesday and Wednesday and were allocated a prime spot next to one of the very picturesque lakes at the Conty site. Everyone prepared for the Vet check which was held on Wednesday afternoon. All the para horses looked fit and well and passed the vet check without any problems. | |
The competition held in the beautiful setting of Valle de Selle, was run in parallel with the International Heavy Horse Championships where drivers came from as far afield as Canada and Sweden. |  |
| More Info | More Info - German |
Results
Dressage Marathon Cones Overall
Download the schedule
Marcin Skrzydlewski - 08 June 2009
It is with great sadness that we have been informed of the untimely death of Angela Flanagan's outstanding groom and backstepper, Marcin Skrzydlewski, who was killed in a Motorbike accident on Tuesday 26th May. He groomed and backstepped for Angela for several years, accompanying her to success all over the UK and also to the World Single Horse Championships in Jarantów, Poland in 2008. In 2006 he also accompanied the British Para Equestrian drivers to Hellendoorn. More Info |  |
Sporting heroes awarded
Apr 1 2009 by Sharon Liptrott, Dumfries Standard
ANNANDALE and Eskdale’s sporting heroes and heroines were rewarded for their achievements on Friday night. It was a celebration for those who had excelled in their chosen sport during the year 2008.
The Sports Personality of the Year, sponsored by Anderson’s Joinery, was awarded to Margaret Lupton from Annan who represented Great Britain in the World Para-Equestrian Championships in Germany, winning the cone driving section. Joint runners-up were Lockerbie’s Alex Dunbar and Michael Scott for their achievements in rugby. Alex played for Scotland in the under-18s’ Six Nations tournament and Michael became a member of Scotland’s under-19 training squad.
Para-equestrian Drivers Take on the Eggheads
In a program to be televised in June a team from the Para-equestrian Drivers take on the might of the Eggheads in the popular BBC2 program. The team, consisting of Terry Kirby (Capt.), Heather Clarke, James Marshall, Lindsey Tyas, Margaret Lupton and reserve Rowena Coldwell, had to audition in Leeds to be selected to go up against the Eggheads at the BBC television centre in London.
Unfortunately because of the bad weather, Margaret and Lindsey couldn’t make the audition, so had to do a general knowledge quiz with the production team over the phone. After a liquid lunch the 4 that went to Leeds beat a team of lawyers and a pub team in a mock competition. A week later they where told they had made it onto the show. The time spent at the BBC was really good, having to get clothes checked by wardrobe and then being made up in makeup. Sound checks and instructions out of the way, it was time to meet the Eggheads. They were lovely to talk too and really made the team feel at ease. During the show the team were able to explain about Horse Driving Trials and the Carriage Driving Sports Group. Because the program is pre-recorded the team had to sign a confidentiality form preventing them from disclosing the result. So you will have to watch the show in December
Terry Kirby
28 March 2009
Para-equestrian Drivers at South of England Driving Fair
Up and coming para equestrian drivers Sarah Bavistock (Herons Ghyll RDA) and Yolanda Hansford (Burcott & District RDA) featured in the Para Equestrian drivers' demonstration at the South of England driving fair at Ardingly in March.
Also featuring members of Team GBR; trainer Rachel Stevens explained the five principles of training and was assisted by Team GBR drivers from the 2008 World Championships Judi Ralls and Lindsey Tyas.
Para-Equestrian Driving features on Horse and Country TV
Para-Equestrian Carriage Driving will be featured on Horse and Country TV this month. Starting in March at the Unicorn Centre, this programme follows the para drivers through to the World Championships in Greven at the end of June. The programme produced by Jackie Herd and Tim Maloy of Fairview Studios will be transmitted on Sky channel 280 on Friday 10th October at 8pm, Saturday 11th October at 8.30pm and 10pm and again on Sunday 12th at 8pm.
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2008
GB Team Announced for FEI Para-Equestrian World Driving Championships - Greven 2008
Ripley Castle hosted the final team training and selection for the Para-Equestrian World Championship hopefuls from 30 April through to 4 May. |
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Selection for Para Equestrian World Championships Squad
Ashfields 17 - 20 April 2008
The Para Equestrian World Class Squad continued with their training and competition selection programme, this time at Ashfields Carriage and Polo Centre, by kind permission of Terry Chambers.
Outstanding training, competition and social facilities were provided by Zoe Morgan and Wilf Bowman-Ripley, accommodating an intense training programme on the Thursday and Friday, followed by a specially devised class where competitors went head-to-head as part of the selection process.
Lynn Winder, Chris Van Reen and Rachel Stevens headed up the training programme and the team where once again ably supported by sports psychologist Jennie Killilea and team vet Viki Edmondson.
The team will be selected based on inclusion of one Grade 1 and one Grade 2 competitor, the third team member being either a Grade 1 or Grade 2 driver. There will also be two individual places available. The Pairs class is not yet confirmed, which has been agonising for poor Brenda Hodgson, but she is continuing, regardless with the invaluable training programme, this year with a different pony pair from the previous World Championships.
Team hopefuls are:
Terry Kirby Grade 1 Single Pony
Has team experience from Hellendoorn and is very strong and consistent across all three phases.
Judi Ralls Grade 2 Single Pony
One of the most experienced team members; a very reliable driver with an experienced Championship pony.
Elaine Schaschke Grade 2 Single Pony
First attempt at selection, a talented driver showing great potential, with a very smart and well prepared pony.
| Heather Clarke |
Margaret Lupton |
Lindsey Tyas Another extremely accomplished and experienced World Championship competitor, showing consistent improvement year on year with this horse.
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The selection of the team and individuals will be made following Ripley, taking place 1 – 3 May. There will then be two training camps prior to the World Championships which will be held in Greven, Germany, from 26 – 29 June 2008.
The team is self funded and relies wholly on generous donations from individuals and small businesses. Should you like to be involved in supporting this potentially Gold medal winning team of talented drivers, competing at the top of this sport notwithstanding significant disability, please get in touch with
Judi Ralls (01252 850330) or Lindsey Tyas (07721 833730)
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| Yolanda explaining one of the five principles of training | Sarah Bavistock demonstrates the fundamentals of training |
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If you think that you have a potential star of the future, or you know of someone that you know would be willing to lend them to a Para Equestrian driver for the World Championships then the British Team would be delighted to hear from you.
The Para Equestrian driving World Championships are due to take place in Breda, Netherlands from 2-5 September and the British team are looking for horses or ponies to partner British drivers to victory. Drivers are looking to try out animals and would be pleased to hear from people willing to lend.
If you think that your animal has the qualities required to help Britain win Gold, or feel that you are able to help the team in any way please contact the
Team Trainers at: trainers@cdsg-dd.co.uk