Training - CDSG-dd

The group holds a number of training sessions for drivers wishing to improve their driving skills. The CDSGdd would like to encourage drivers from across the UK to their training sessions and welcomes drivers from RDA groups as well as those who are not.

If your RDA group has able bodied whips who they would like to participate in the training, please speak to Margaret Brockie who would be pleased to provide you with more information.

Training sessions will vary from venue to venue using a range of different trainers. Sessions allow all abilities the chance to improve their rein handling of horses, overcome their own obstacles and participate in social activities with other drivers challenged by disability from across the UK.

Training will usually take place at either Ashfields Driving and Polo Centre, Great Dunmow, Essex or The Unicorn Centre, Stow on the Wold, Gloucs.

If you or your group are interested in attending future training please contact Margaret Brockie on 01204 531301 or margaretbrockie@talktalk.net

Subscriptions for 2012 Membership
Membership currently runs from 1st January to 31st December and renewals for 2012 will be sent out in December. As discussed at the AGM there will be an increase in Membership to the CDSG-dd for 2012, membership 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.

Training during 2012
The CDSG is arranging a number of courses during 2012 for disabled carriage drivers and, if space allows, those who teach disabled drivers. Please see calendar for further details. Places will be on a first come first served basis

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CDSG Trainers & Team GBR Officials

Chris Van Reen

Assistant Chef d’Equipe

Chris van Reen is a professional carriage driving yard manager, rider, driver and UKCC level 2 coach.

She has worked with horses throughout her entire working career, heading up small professional yards on both sides of the Atlantic. Chris’ expertise lies in her quiet style of building up the trust, respect and partnership between horse and driver; she is a role model to many in the art of excellent horsemanship and care. Her eye for detail is extraordinary and it is no wonder that she has the distinction of holding both the B.D.S Private Driving Championship and the Concours d’Elegance at Burghley Horse Trials.

A valuable asset to the group, Chris works closly with all drivers attending training session. Her calm and confident manner is particulary beneficial drivers and she is very popular with all ranges of drivers.

Chris is a qualified instructor, having gained her L.H.H.I in 2002 and her level 2 UK Coaching Certificate in 2010. She lives with her husband Han, and her two dogs Charlie and Rosie, in Oxfordshire.

Rachel Stevens

UKCC Level 2 Coach

Rachel has been team trainer for the para equestrian team for the past four world championships and in 2008 took on the role as Chef d'Equipe. She is also a UKCC level 2 Coach.

She has herself competed for the British team in the Combined Pony World Championships 2005 and 2007 with her pony pair and is reigning Pony Pair National Champion.

She was three times national champion, points league champion and Royal Windsor Grand Prix champion with her prolific Dun Connemara pony, Buttons, before moving on to Pony Pairs with her current Bay Welsh Section Cs Glenmead Flashman, Pontadawye Lord Lucan and Westonian Little Joe. Similarly she has been three times national champion, and is the current title holder of the British National Championships and of Royal Windsor, as well as team Bronze medallist at the 2005 Combined Pony World Championships.

Rachel took up driving at 18, after a riding accident when she broke her back. She competes at National, International and World Class level in mainstream BHDTA and FEI competition.

Angela Flanagon

UKCC level 3

Sara Howe

UKCC level 3

Sara Howe (50) is a carriage driving instructor and a UKcc Coach. She has her own driving centre, where she also runs the Bradbourne Carriage Driving Club at Sevenoaks in Kent. She is involved in all aspects of driving, particularly at her club shows, but also with the Young Drivers, and RDA.

Sara was introduced to driving at the age of about 18, when she went to help Michael Gilby at a competition. She then worked for Peter Munt for 7 years and helped him at competitions, stunt work and coaching. He was a very influential person in Sara's driving career. She began driving because both her parents were very high up in the horse riding world - a one day event rider (dad) and dressage rider (mum) and Sara wanted to do something different.

Sara has been British National Champion four times - in the Open Pony class in 2006 and in Advanced Pony in 2007 and in Pony Fours in 2009 and 2010. She represented Britain at the World Pony Championships in Karlstetten (GER)) in 2003, Catton (GBR) in 2005 and Dorthealyst (DEN) in 2007 and Lipica (SLOV) in 2011.

When she's not driving or organising events, Sara enjoys eating out, watching shows and socialising with friends.