BREAKING NEWS -
Subscriptions for 2012 Membership
Membership currently runs from 1st January to 31st December and renewals for 2012 are now due. As discussed at the AGM there will be an increase in Membership to the CDSG-dd for 2012.
Membership for 2012 will be as follows:
- Membership if paid by 28th February: £13.00
- BHDTA members: £10.00
- Membership after 28th February : £15.00
By becoming a member of the CDSG-dd members are covered for insurance by the BHDTA at any event that the CDSG-dd organises, this includes training, competition and social events. All drivers participating in training sessions and competing in events organised by the CDSG-dd must be members.
Click here to download a membership form for 2012.
Outdoor Brabant hosts FEI World Para Equestrian Driving Championships 2012
12-11-2011
The FEI has allocated the FEI World Para Equestrian Driving Championships for singles 2012 to the Netherlands. The World Championship will take place during the international event Outdoor Brabant that will take place from 30 August to 2 September at the Prinsenhoeve Estate in Breda.
International Ambition
It is the second consecutive time that Outdoor Brabant hosts this World Championship. After the successful World Championship in 2010, Outdoor Brabant decided in consultation with the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation to apply for the 2012 World Championship: “We would like to offer the Para Equestrian drivers the opportunity to compete in another World Championship in Breda. The World Championship offers both the competitors and Outdoor Brabant the opportunity to put the spotlight on Para equestrian driving. This is furthermore very much in line with our international ambitions,” says chairman Ton Overeem.
Ambassador
Outdoor Brabant (previously known as Breda Hippique) has successfully hosted the CAIO for horse teams for many years. The FEI World Para Equestrian Driving Championships for singles 2012 will be fully integrated in the driving programme, like it was done in 2010.
2008 World Champion and 2010 bronze medallist Jacques Poppen will be the ambassador of the World Championship in Breda 2012.
www.outdoorbrabant.nl
Hats off to Anne and Yolanda - Somerset Levels RDA Carriage Driving Group drivers & CDSG -dd -members
The Somerset Levels RDA Carriage Driving Group are pleased to announce that Ann Turner and Yolanda Harrison passed their Grade 3 RDA Carriage Driving Test on 9th November 2011. They hope that there are more to follow - what a great achievement for not only Yolanda and Anne but to the groupd of dedicated team of Volunteers that have put many, many hours into helping them get this far.
Training for Trials
British Horse Driving Trials Association together with grant aid from Sport England, through the British Equestrian Federation are pleased to be able to run a series of Two-day training clinics.
This allows grant subsidised training for drivers, back-steppers and stewards and will include - How to prepare for and compete in Horse Driving Trials and starting and progressing in indoor driving competitions
- Ashfields Carriage and Polo Club - Green Street, Great Canfield, Essex CM6 1JU
- Saturday 26th November 2011 - Starting at 9 am and finishing approx 5 pm.
- Sunday 27th November 2011 - Starting at 9 am and finishing approx 5 pm.
Trainers Wilf Bowman-Ripley and Minta Winn.
Each day will be half theory and half day driving. The course will be based around indoor events but open to anyone, please let us know on your entry form as to what level you are at and what you will be driving and wanting to work on, to give us some ideas of lessons.
Lunch will be available at a cost of £10 (pay on the day).
Please advise Ashfields if you require lunch, so that they can get an idea of numbers.
If you would like to book lunch please contact: Wilf Bowman-Ripley
All free spaces for turnouts have now been filled, however, you can still come along if you do not have a turnout
The cost of the two-day clinic is £25 per person
Find out more and book your place please visit the BHDTA website - http://www.horsedrivingtrials.co.uk
Charitable Status
After much hard work by the CDSG-dd's dedicated Treasurer; Terry Kirby, the group has now obtained Charitable Status. The CDSG-dd is now registered as a charity - 1143265.
October Training at the Unicorn Trust
The CDSG is once again arranging a course at the Unicorn Trust in Stow on the Wold, Gloucs for disabled carriage drivers and, if space allows, those who teach disabled drivers. The date is Saturday 1st and 2nd October. Places will be on a first come first served basis when the forms are sent out later but it would be a good idea to send expressions of interest now.
Click here to download the form
Read a full account of Herons Gyll RDA group member Sarah Baverstock on her first experience at the CDSGdd training at Ashfields Carriage Driving and Polo Centre. |  |
Para Equestrian British Driving Championships
27- 28 August 2011
HENBURY HALL, MACCLESFIELD, CHESHIRE SK11 9PJ
By kind permission of Mr Sebastian de Ferranti
PLEASE REMEMBER ENTRIES CLOSE ON 17 AUGUST - PLEASE NOTIFY MARGARET BROCKIE BY 31ST AUGUST IF YOU INTEND TO COMPETE
Clarification of the classes
Class 7 is for drivers competing at Club level up to Novice Qualifiers.
On the grounds of safety 2 sets of reins will be accepted but because these classes are being run under BHDTA rules then rule 917.2.4 will apply. i.e. 20 penalties every time the groom picks up the contact on the reins.
£55 for all Classes (no start fee) including one hog roast ticket
There will be a £10 surcharge on all entries accepted after the closing date
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES : Wednesday 17 August 2011
Entry Fees: £55 for all Classes (no start fee) including one hog roast ticket
There will be a £10 surcharge on all entries accepted after the closing date
Mick heads to Tutbury
Up and coming CDSG member Mick Ward recently competed at his first club event. Having attended several training sessions both with the Midlands Driving Group and with the Carriage Driving Sports Group for Drivers with Disabilities he decided to head to the action, get the wheels in motion and start competing at club level.
Click here for a full account of his first experience.
Training at Ashfields
by kind invitation of Terry Chambers, Ashfields Carriage Driving Centre, Great Canfield, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1LD www.ashfieldscarriageandpoloclub.com
The Carriage Driving Sports Group for Drivers with disabilities holds a number of training sessions with UKCC coaches for drivers wishing to improve their driving skills. The group would like to encourage RDA drivers from across the UK to join them at their next training weekend at Ashfields Carriage Driving Centre on 18-19 June. If your RDA group has drivers and /or able bodied whips who would like to participate in the training, please speak to Martin Yemm who would be pleased to provide you with more information. Sessions allow all abilities the chance to improve their rein handling, overcome their own obstacles and participate in social activities with other drivers challenged by disability from across the UK.
The group will also be holding a meeting to discuss plans for training and selection for the 2012 Para Equestrian Driving World Championships.
Set in 500 acres of beautiful Essex country-side with 80 acres of post and railed grass paddocks, Ashfields offers a wide range of equestrian facilities and has excellent access for wheelchairs. Further details of Ashfields Carriage Driving Centre which is located at Great Canfield, Dunmow, Essex, CM16 1LD can be found on their website www.ashfieldscarriageandpoloclub.com.
If you are interested in obtaining further information regarding these sessions please contact Martin Yemm, Tel: 01234 376027 / 07836 501695 - martin@myemm.fsnet.co.uk who will be delighted to hear from you and will be able to provide you with further information.
Training sessions taking place at the Unicorn Centre, Stow on Wold - 30 April - 1st May 2011.
Click on the Training tab for further information.
RDA riders and drivers encouraged to take up the challege at RDA East Region Supra Conference 2010
CDSG-dd member and active member of the RDA Margaret Lupton was one of the guest speakers invited to speak at the recent RDA East Region Supra Conference held at the Bedford Lodge, Newmarket. Accompanied by Catriona Murray; a lifelong friend groom and backstepper the conference was also atended by HRH Princess Ann.
To read Catriona's account of the conference, click here.
RDA Drivers bring back Team Bronze at FEI Para Equestrian Driving World Championships. - Report to follow
Para Equestrian Team GBR prepares for Breda
14 August 2010
| The Para Equestrian World Championship Team GB is now it its final throes of planning and preparation for the World Championships in Breda in September. The team was selected during July and all members took part recently in their final training session at Ashfields Carriage Driving and Polo Club, by kind permission of Terry Chambers and with great support, as always, from Wilf and Zoe. |  |
Team GB Squad: (clockwise from top left)
• Debs Daniel, driving Maesbrithdir Sparkling Jewel (pony) owned by Margaret Brockie
• Heather Clark, driving her own Barney II (pony)
• Lindsey Tyas driving her own London Flash Jack (horse)
• Margaret Lupton, driving Keelan (horse) owned by Christine Goodliffe
At this training, each horse had to pass the trot up and vetting carried out by Blaircourt Veterinary Clinic, as well as the drivers and their turnouts taking part in a full two day training session incorporating dressage, obstacle training and cones, plus physio sessions and classroom discussions. Thanks to all who made this enjoyable two days possible including Wilf and Zoe, Lyn Winder, Chris Van Reen and Sue Richards as well as each team member’s army of helpers.
More
Training at Ashfields Carriage Driving and Polo Centre 5/6 June proves to be a roaring success - Report to follow.
Further training will take place at Ashfields, however if you are interested in obtaining further information regarding these sessions, 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
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
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
 |
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.
__________________________________________
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. |
|
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.
|  |
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)
 |  |
| Yolanda explaining one of the five principles of training | Sarah Bavistock demonstrates the fundamentals of training |
 |  |
|
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