Para Driving World Championships 

World Championships take place every two years and there are currently 10-15 countries widely practising the sport.

This number is not yet enough to apply for the discipline to be included in Equestrian Paralympic Sport but with encouragement increasing from the FEI carriage driving organisation, it is hoped that it will not be long before many more countries are entering their disabled drivers in both national and international competitions.

What does the Championships consist of ? 
Dressage involves performing a sequence of compulsory figures within a 100 x 40 metres rectangle. Movements include speed and gait transitions, circles of different sizes and halts. The smoothness of the manoeuvres, the obedience of the horses, impulsion and correct positioning are assessed. 

The Marathon, a truly spectacular trial, is a course over a maximum of 15 km, including natural hazards such as sharp turns and water as well as artificial obstacles such as labyrinths. It is aimed to test the fitness and stamina of the horses and the judgement of pace and horse control by the driver. 

The Obstacle Driving or “Cones”, tests the fitness and suppleness of the horses after the Marathon. To successfully negotiate the cones course, drivers must weave cleanly through a narrow track outlined by cones with balls balanced on top.

Where are the 2018 World Championships?

The FEI has as awarded the 2018 Single Horse World Championships and the Para-driving World Championships to the organizers of the international competition Horst aan de Maas. The two championships will be held simultaneously on the grounds of the Peelbergen Equestrian centre in Kronenberg (Horst) August 28th to September 2nd, 2018. 

It is for the first time in the history of combined driving that two World Championships will be held at the same time. “With the ambition demonstrated by this organization, the international championships fit perfectly into our vision of organizing world-class driving events. We are thrilled that both the KNHS and the FEI are entrusting our organization with both of these championships,” tells chairman Nico Rijnbende.

At this moment with the support of the Region of Horst and the Province of Limburg, the first preparations are being made to the grounds. On April 20-23rd the annual edition of the CAI3* Horst will be for the first time be held at its new home at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre.

Tentative program World Championship 2018:

• Monday August 27 Competitors arrive
• Tuesday August 28 Opening ceremony and Nations night
• Wednesday August 29 Vet check PE & H1 Dressage PE
• Thursday August 30 Dressage H1 Part 1
• Friday August 31 Dressage H1 Part 2
• Saturday September 1 Marathon
• Sunday September 2 Cones