An action packed two days with horses, drivers, backsteppers and coaches all enjoying their time together was had by all those that attended the recent CDSG-dd Traing at the Unicorn Trust, Stow on the Wold earlier this month.

With an array of drivers and turnouts in attendance many travelled from various locations nationwide to come together at the fabulously well equipped Unicorn Centre to work with UKCC Coaches Sarah Howe and Rachel Belliere-Wilson and learn from each other.

There was also opportinity to discuss and enhance drivers seating.whilst in the carriage.

16 August 2018
DATES RELEASED FOR OCTOBER TRAINING AT THE UNICORN

The CDSG-dd is again running two days of training at the Unicorn Centre, Stow on the Wold. Running on the 11-12 October, the training is an opportunity for both groups and individuals to receive training from World Class coaches.  The training is open to drivers challenged by disability and also AB whips who assist with either RDA groups or groups for disabled drivers.

As well as improving your own driving skills it is also an idelal opportunity to watch training and also view the many carriage, seat and rein adaptions that are used by drivers.

The training at the Unicorn Trust is organised by Margaret Brockie.  If you think this is something that may be of interest to you and you would like to know more, please contact Margaret Brockie in the first instance as spaces are limited.

Following fierce competition with eight para drivers vying for a coveted spot on the team, selection for the 2018 FEI Para Equestrian Driving Championships in Kronenburg has now been made for the team and individual places.

After a scorcher of a weekend at the last selection event at Blandings the pressure was on for all athletes and their equine counterparts to perform, and that they did. It was not only the weather that was hot but also the competition.

With selectors basing their decision around an agreed selection criterion which had been set out earlier in the year; selection was tough, and it was evident that each driver had to drive hard to secure their place on the team.  Selection was not only based on results from competition and selection events but also on how athletes worked together with each other and their support teams both at competition and during squad training.

With strong performances across the board, the team is as follows:

How does anyone start to sum up this amazing person - a small physical pocket rocket who exploded into our lives with love, laughter, courage and carefree abandon. Clarky, as she was known to many, was loved by all whose lives she touched.

She took up driving in her 30’s having been introduced to it via the RDA. She had spent her early years riding and had always built very special attachments and relationships with her equine partners, providing her with enormous freedom and independence from her physical challenges.

In 1995 she purchased her forever friend, Barney, a 5 year old coloured cob, with whom she competed for the rest of her career so successfully at club, national and international level.

Her attitude was ‘anything’s possible’. She believed and trusted completely in Barney - as he did her - and together they were selected for and competed for Great Britain in numerous Para World Championships including Hellendoorn, Hopetoun and Greven.

Her courage and attitude always kept her pushing herself to the maximum. Anyone watching would see her putting every last effort into every turn - in the absence of any arms, she used the maximum range of her body and shoulders, and if she ran out of room, she’d take a loop of rein with her teeth, never losing Barney’s rhythm of momentum.

And she’d always be prepared to try something new - with breaking news that a foreign competitor had been seen driving with crossed reins to avoid him having to take loops when turning, Heather gave it a go.. and it went brilliantly, right up to the point where she momentarily forgot her reins were crossed. Pulling the right rein, Barney obliged by turning left up, vertically up the bank, exiting the water in a rather unconventional and dramatic manner. “I think I might have pulled the wrong rein” Heather concluded.

But Heather was more than just a pioneering competitor, she was a personality. As popular abroad as she was at home, the Orange Army following her from obstacle to obstacle certainly rivalled the sea of Red, White and Blue flags flying for her.

She was always at the centre of a party and, as unbelievable as it sounds, even climbed the party marquee pole one night in Hellendoorn, aided by the Dutch supporters who had adopted her as their own.

Clarky loved to laugh, with others and even at the irony of her own situation. On arriving at an event after a Foot and Mouth outbreak, a dutiful steward stopped her lorry at the gate and asked all in the cab to get out and dip their feet in the disinfectant trough. Heather chucked her false legs out of the window and with a mischievous twinkle in here eye, asked the steward to kindly dip them himself.

Heather was a true inspiration and taught us all many lessons in how to live life to the full. Her quick wit was something to behold. She was a dear friend to many and - with little regard to her own challenges - would always be there for others through their own highs and lows, with encouragement, love and support. She touched many people’s lives and she will remain in our hearts always.

by Rachel Belliere-Wilson

4 June 2018

PARAS ON A ROLL TO BE THE BEST

Rhythm is the dancer may have been a huge success in 1992 but this time it was certainly one of the hot areas that Team GBR was working on with all athletes during the two days of intense Para training at Ashfields last week.

Organised by Julie Camm with Team Trainer Sara Howe and Chef d”Equipe Rachel Belliere Wilson; the two days of training provided drivers with the opportunity to work with all members of the support team prior to the first selection event at Cricklands next week. Driven exercises were carried out across all three disciplines to help athletes enhance their performances during competition and develop up and coming athletes aspiring to compete in the future.  Coaches also discussed the importance of a strong support team and how vital communication was in fulfilling this.

It was a fun filled two days of training and all drivers in attendance raised a special toast to remember fellow para driver and friend; Heather Clark who sadly passed away last week but played such an inspirational and instrumental role in the sport. Special thanks must also go to everyone at Ashfields who always go out of their way to accommodate the paras both during training and competition.

With the FEI Para Driving World Championships now almost upon us, 2018 will be the first of its kind to run alongside another FEI Driving World Championships. This year the world’s leading Para drivers will be joining the FEI Single Horses from 28 August to 2 September in Kronenburg, Netherlands. The venue promises to be a fabulous event for both drivers and spectators alike and Team GBR are delighted to be looking to field a strong team.

Competition for a place on the British team will be fierce with seven drivers vying for a place on the team. Selection events will take place at the at the Para National Championships at Cricklands (15-17 June) and Blandings (14-15 July) with the team being announced after the event at Blandings.

The following drivers are up for selection:

Lucy Barclay - Macho
Sarah Baverstock - Kelly
Joyce Carrick - Tickle
Deborah Daniels - Sam
Joanne McNicol - Texas
Mick Ward - Douglas
Jamie Williams - Elmo
 

The team will consist of three members, (one of which must be a Grade 1), with the possibility of further individual places. Confirmation of the final number of individuals however will be confirmed closer to the event.

Selectors are looking to get the best team and therefore selection will not be based on a first past the post selection but instead will allow selectors to consider individuals' other results, support team as well as other observations during training and competitions.

4 June 2018

RIP CLARKY
1961 - 2018

AN INSPIRATION TO ALL 

It is with great sadness I write to share the news that Heather Clark (Clarky) passed away on June 2nd 2018

Heather was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer in January 2017 and she fought the disease with great gusto in true Clarky fashion and whilst doing so worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the disease. Heather touched so many hearts and I am sure that there are not many people in the driving world that didn't come across her .

Together with her trusty steed Barney, Heather competed at Club and Nationals against able bodied drivers for nearly twenty years. Heather represented team GB four times in the para driving trials.

30 April 2018
CLASSIFICATION OPPORTUNITY FOR ATHLETES WITH

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT - Para Equestrian

The FEI, in cooperation with the Organising Committee of the CPEDI3* in Hartpury (GBR) and the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA), is pleased to inform you that Para-Equestrian Athletes (both Dressage and Driving) with Visual Impairments will have the opportunity to be internationally classified in Hartpury on 3 July 2018.

No fee will be charged to athletes attending this particular IBSA Classification.

National Federations are kindly requested to submit the VI Classification requests to Chloe Harty by Monday 21 May 2018 with the following documents:

• The FEI Classification Request Form
• The FEI Consent for Classification Form
• The IBSA Medical Diagnostics Form, completed by a registered ophthalmologist

All of the above forms can be found on the FEI Para-Equestrian Classification page and must be completed in full, legibly and in English or with a signed translation in copy.

30 April 2018
FEI CLASSIFICATION RESEARCH REFERENCE GROUP

The FEI Classification Research project has been launched with a research partnership, run by Dr Sarah Jane Hobbs, between the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) and Hartpury University Centre, both located in Great Britain. This project, which will have a duration of three years, will evaluate the FEI Classification system and will provide evidence-based research to the system, in compliance with the IPC Classification Code.
 
The FEI is seeking candidates, from the Para-Equestrian community, for the Classification Research Reference Group which will be an advisory group to the researchers. This is open to people who have an interest in the development of Para-Equestrian Athlete Classification. We are seeking members with technical knowledge or experience from within the sport of Para-Equestrian (Dressage and/or Driving) who are able to actively contribute to the research project in an advisory capacity. The invitation for candidates is open to Para-Equestrian Athletes, Classifiers, Coaches and Officials.
 
The Classification Research Reference Group will be a point of reference for the FEI Classification Research Project’s team from the University of Central Lancashire and Hartpury University Centre. It is anticipated that the group will have a global representation and therefore conference calls will occur at several times per year. There will also be the need for additional liaison via email as required with the possibility of smaller group meetings in person if necessary.
 
The group will play a key role in receiving and reviewing project updates and providing advice on the following aspects of the project:

• technical aspects of the sport (Dressage and Driving) as it applies to Classification of Athletes
• suggestions or actions that may need to be taken as the project advances
• dissemination of information in easy to read language
• interpretation of results achieved

 
In addition, the Project Reference Group will:

• assist the research team in ensuring that the research questions, methods and interpretations are appropriate, acceptable and achievable
• advise the research team with regards to the production of information and consent materials and processes, as well as practicalities of recruitment.

As the Project has commenced, there is a need for the group to be convened within the coming months so we ask for nominations to be made to the FEI, using the attached candidature form, by 18 May. Please send any queries to Chloe Harty.

1 April 2018
DANIELS & SAM PREPARE FOR FORTHCOMING WORLDS, COMPETING AT EXLOO (NED)

In preperation for the FEI Para Equestrian World Championships taking place in Kronenburg (NED) later this year, Deborah Daniel and her new equine partner Sam joined five international drivers to compete on the international stage in the Para Drivers Class at the CAI 2* at Exloo (NED)..

In a competitive class with several members of the 2016 Gold Medal winning team from the 2016 Worlds competing, Debbie put in a solid performance in the dressage; scoring 55.06 to come 4th with 2016 Grade 2 Gold Medalist Ingmar Veneman winning the dressage (45.52). With everyone going for the marathon, a strong performance by Debbie moved her up to 3rd place behind marathon winner Jacques Poppen who had moved up to 2nd place. However on the day of the Cones he had to withdraw from the competition. With a tight and twisty cones course Debbie and Sam completed a clear round with only a few time fauts leaving them in 2nd place.Debbie was accomanied by groom Holly Dormer and together travelled with Robert Buck who was also competing with Julie Camms pony on the International stage.

Since the 2016 Worlds Julie has been working closly with new and up and coming drivers and equines keen to join the Para Driving squad and develop a plan to best prepare for this years World Championships.  She was also instramental in organising and running a successful two days of training at the Unicorn Trust where support teams including trainers, physios, pscologists, seat support adapters BES Rehab, and vets. The two days of training was a great success and invaluable to those driving and on foot. The squad is very grateful to the support that they have receieved from the Sanders Watney Trust.

23 March 2018
SOMERSET LEVELS RDA LOOSES ONE OF THEIR LEADING EQUINE STARS

One of Somerset Levels RDA's leading stars; Beryl, has recently passed away after a severe laminitis episode in which she was not able to recover from.

Beryl together with Somerset Levels RDA was one of the first ponies who attended CDSG-dd training and over the years brought an array of drivers keen to improve their skills.

Her love for cone and obstacle driving will always be a lovely memory! Point and go!  Competition Beryl was so different to RDA Beryl!  As well as CDSG-dd fun, she became Reserve Pleasure Driving Champion at the Hand stadium, the first official RDA National Champion at Harpury where driving events were held at the same venue as ridden; went to multiple Windsor horse shows, helped with supermarket collections (some dressed as a reindeer with Santa in her carriage!), she was also a regular equine participant on RDA group holidays

She had been with RDA for about 15 years, showing the new equines that she was in charge and was retired a few years ago at the young age of 23. I am sure most of you will have fond memories of Beryl, and would like to join me in sending Carolyn Drouin our sincere thanks for giving Beryl such a lovely retirement over the last few years. She will be sorely missed..

3 March 2018
AILEEN LOOKING TO EXCELL AS SHE GOES FOR GOLD IN THIRD PARALYMPICS

Past member of the CDSG-dd and Team GBR member at the IPC World Driving Championships at Hopetoun in 2004; Aileen Nielson is to contest in her third Paralympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea next week.

Having initially tried curling at the age of 15, she took up curling competitivly in 2005 and has since gone on to compete and medal at several World Championships and at the Sochi Paralympics in 2014 helped win Bronze.  She is the first woman to skip a wheelchair curling team in either the Paralympic Games (2010) or World Championships (2011).and aspires to bring back Gold.

 “It’s every athletes’ dream to be on the podium with a gold medal around their neck.  We wish Aileen and all members of Team all the best as they go for Gold.

28 February 2018
APPLICATION FORMS RELEASED TO ATTEND APRIL TRAINING

AT UNICORN TRUST

Margaret Brockie is again organising training for RDA groups and individuals at Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire.

Running from 21 to 22 April attendees will recieve training sessions from World Class Coaches,  Each session 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.  If this is something that  you would be interested in finding out more and attending, please contact Margaret Brockie directly.

 Full details can be found on the calendar

28 January 2018
GET READY & BOOK IN FOR APRIL TRAINING
Running on 21 and 22 April at Stow on the Wold this course is for drivers bringing their own turnout. It is open to disabled drivers driving their own or borrowed turnouts, also members of RDA Groups bringing an RDA turnout. RDA Whips or helpers who wish to improve their own skills are also accepted if places are available. RDA Stella Hancock Grants can be used to pay towards the course. 

Anybody who just wishes to come and watch and learn or help is very welcome to do so at no cost other than for meals. 

The course is on a first come first served basis, so if you are interested in attending or even if you are not ready to send in the forms please can you let Margaret Brockie know. 

If you have a pony who is fit enough and you would be happy for another driver to take part please let Margaret know. This could reduce your travel and stabling costs and allow an RDA driver or RDA Whip/Coach to gain valuable experience.

CHAMPIONSHIPS LOGO FOR FEI WORLD SINGLE & PARA DRIVING IN KRONENBURG LAUNCHED

In 298 days, the FEI World Championships for Single and Para Driving will kick off. It is for the first time in the history of the international carriage driving sport, that both World Championships are organised on the same venue. The equestrian site Grandorse in Kronenberg (Horst aan de Maas) will host the World Championships of the Year from 28th August to 2nd September 2018.

16 July 2017

PROMISING START FOR JOANNE AS SHE SWEEPS THE BOARD AT RDA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Following the success of this competition over the past few years we are delighted that Carriage Driving is thriving at the National Championships. Regional Qualifiers were once again held for Novice, Intermediate and Open classes with the competition consisting of dressage and a combined cones and obstacle course

New driver to the sports group and reccent attendee to the Para Training at Ashfiels last month; Joanne McNicol upped her game from her 2nd place last year winning the Open Carriage Driving class at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury at the weekend.  Driving the wondereful Dennis from the Kipling County RDA, who at 27 years young and with a long service award to boot put his heart and soul into it.

By all accounts Joanne had a great time and extends her thanks to all the RDA organisers at Hartpury and to Janet Bettell-higgins, Sue O'Dell Val Eyres and the rest of the team at Kipling County for getting them there. "I loved every second".

15 July 2017

ANOTHER WIN FOR MICK AS HE TAKES THE NATIONAL OPEN PARA CHAMPIONSHIP

Report to follow".

2 July 2017

SARAH HITS THE JACKPOT WINNING THE NATIONAL NOVICE PARA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sarah Gemie won the title as National Novice Para-Champion at the novice championships held recently at Sandringham.  Hosted by the East Anglia Carriage Driving Club and taking place during the national event at Sandringham, this was a great competition and an opportunity for drivers to gain experience in big national obstacles.

Graham Smith won the dressage phase with coloured pony Pepper, but was beaten into reserve spot after Sarah won both cones and obstacles with Strawbs (Truelove Candy Mandy). Both ponies are owned by the charity Sports Driving Unlimited which supports carriage driving activities for those with disabilities and additional needs.

29 June 2017

NATIONAL NOVICE PARA CHAMPIONSHIPS AT SANDRINGHAM

This weekend sees the National Championship take place at Sandringham. Organised by the East Anglian Carriage Driving Group the Championships is a fantasic opportunity for Novice drivers to drive at a prestigious venue around fantastic obstacles with national recognition.

Drivers come from as far a field as Scotland and we are deligted again to be joined by drivers Sports Driving Unlimited who are based in Dunfieshire.

Several of the CDSG-dd drivers who have also progressed through the group will also be competing in the National event which is also being run alongside the Championships.

31 May 2017

PARA EQUESTRIAN FORUM

More than 70 delegates from 24 countries gathered in Stow on the World for the second edition of the Para Equestrian Forum following the success met in Essen (GER) in 2015. The Forum, organised by the FEI and hosted by British Dressage, was held immediately after the two-day FEI Classifier meeting which united 18 classifiers from around the world, and was then followed by the FEI Para-Equestrian Committee Meeting.  

Over the two-day Forum - led by the Para Equestrian Technical Committee - presentations, discussions and working groups covered the following topics:

• Development of the sport (statistics and development pathways)
• Competition formats and the use of music in team tests
• Coaching
• Classification
• Facilities/arrangements for FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018
• Rio2016
• There was also a demonstration of the new tests for Grades I to V with interactive feedback and scoring from the judges to each of the riders and delegates on site.

For more information/presentations, please click here.

23 March 2017

NEW FEI CLASSIFICATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PARA EQUESTRIANS

To see the full classification management system for Para Equestrians, please go to the classification page.

Dear National Federations, We would like to remind you the following principle in term of Classification:

1. New Athletes requiring FEI Classification for the first time -  must apply through their NF to the FEI by completing the FEI Classification Request Form
2. Athletes who are FEI Classified and listed on the FEI Classification Master List with a status of Review (R) 
3. Athletes listed on the FEI Classification Master List with a status of Confirmed or Review with a fixed review date requesting a Review because their impairment and activity limitations are no longer consistent with their current Grade must apply through their NF to the FEI by completing a Medical Review Request form.

All necessary information and relevant forms can be found published under the following link FEI Website and all request must be sent to the FEI HQ.

.

28 February 2017
APPLICATION FORMS RELEASED TO ATTEND APRIL TRAINING AT STOW 
Margaret Brockie is again organising training for RDA groups and individuals at Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire.

Running from Wednesday 5th to Thursday 6th April attendees will recieve training sessions from World Class Coaches,  Each session 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.  If this is something that  you would be interested in finding out more and attending, please contact Margaret Brockie directly.  Full details can be found on the calendar.

The CDSG-dd will also be holding their AGM during the lunch break on Wednesday 5th April.  If you require further detailsplease contact the secretary Lindsey Tyas Paice.

16 February 2017
2018 SINGLE HORSE & PARA-EQUESTRIAN WORLDS TO BE HELD IN HORST AN DE MAAS (NED)

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

14 July 2016

PARA-EQUESTRIAN DRIVERS SELECTED FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Following a final selection event (8-10 July) and intensive training (11- 13 July) held at Ashfields Carriage and Polo Centre, Essex, two members of the Para-Equestrian team have so far been named to represent Great Britain at the Para-Equestrian World Championships to be held in Beesd, Holland, from 3rd to 6th August 2016.

Experienced World Championship competitor Debbie Daniels and her grey pony Valeside Galaxy (Sparky), along with newcomer Jamie Williams and his chestnut gelding Glenside Chosen One (Glen), will be on the team, with the third member to be declared in Beesd.

Accompanying Debbie and Jamie to Beesd will be Sarah Baverstock (Kelly), Lucy Barclay (Bishop Blue) and Emily Ham (Alfie).

One of these will be selected to join Debbie and Jamie in the team, the other two will compete as individuals.

Chef d’Equipe is Rachel Belliere-Wilson; she said: “With the venue and date of the World Championships being announced late, selectors have had to analyse performance across mainstream competition and para-driver classes as well as assessing everyone during training.

We have selected Debbie and Jamie based on their consistent progress and competitive success; at Ashfields Debbie won the Para-Driver Open Championship while Jamie, who is showing great talent, was very close behind to finish Reserve Champion.

“With a few considerations to keep in mind and with the significant improvements made over the past three days of training by all turnouts, we have, with full consultation of the squad, agreed that we will hold off making the decision about the third team member until we have to declare the team on-site. It was unanimously agreed that this was in the best interests of the team.

“We are indebted to Ashfields and in particular to Zoe Morgan for making this all happen. She makes it look so easy when we know it isn't, and she is totally accommodating; always with time for you to ask a question or add in another request! The wonderful training facilities at Ashfields have prepared the team as well as it possibly can be for the World Championships ahead.”

The squad will be arriving at Beesd on Monday 1st August and, following final team and individual declaration, will compete on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in dressage, marathon and cones respectively.

Rachel will be assisted by Julie Camm with Sarah Howe continuing in her role as team coach.

14 June 2016
PARA-EQUESTRIANS AIM FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Britain’s para-equestrian carriage drivers are setting their sights on team selection for the 2016 World Championships. Announced only recently, the prestigious event will take place in Beesd, Holland, from 3 to 6 August. 

Those putting their names forward competed at the recent British Carriagedriving (BC) Windsor Park Regional event with final selection being made after the BC National at Ashfields, Essex, which takes place from 8 to 10 July. This event will also host the British Para-Equestrian National Open title. 

Among the team hopefuls of established drivers such as Debbie Daniel, Lucy Barclay, Sarah Baverstock and Judi Ralls will be newcomers Jamie Williams, who won the Para class at Windsor, and Emily Ham. Debbie, Lucy and Sarah were among the British representatives at the last World Championships held on home turf at Sandringham in 2014 where Lucy finished individual fourth. Individual Bronze medallist at Sandringham, Mick Ward, is unavailable for Beesd.

Chef d’Equipe will be Rachel Belliere-Wilson assisted by Julie Camm with Sarah Howe continuing in her role as team coach.

8 March 2016
GET READY & BOOK IN FOR APRIL TRAINING
Running on 23 and 24 April at Stow on the Wold this course is for drivers bringing their own turnout. It is open to disabled drivers driving their own or borrowed turnouts, also members of RDA Groups bringing an RDA turnout. RDA Whips or helpers who wish to improve their own skills are also accepted if places are available. RDA Stella Hancock Grants can be used to pay towards the course. 

Anybody who just wishes to come and watch and learn or help is very welcome to do so at no cost other than for meals.

The course is on a first come first served basis, so if you are interested in attending or even if you are not ready to send in the forms please can you let Margaret Brockie know. 

If you have a pony who is fit enough and you would be happy for another driver to take part please let Margaret know. This could reduce your travel and stabling costs and allow an RDA driver or RDA Whip/Coach to gain valuable experience.

Click here to download the application form.

3 February 2016
AMANDA SAVILLE - A true inspiration 
"there's no such word as can't"
It is with immense sadness that we received the news that Amanda Saville had died peacefully, still smiling, in the arms of her husband John, on Friday 12 February. There can be few people who touched the lives of so many. Her enthusiasm and dedication to helping others was legendary.

Amanda's enthusiasm for the sport extended far and wide. She would arrive at events in a truly massive lorry, out of which spilled numerous kids, ponies and carriages. Amanda’s own competition record was excellent. Her speciality was the marathon where she flew round obstacles and was the one everyone had to beat. She was Single Pony National Champion in 2002. Despite battling through her cancer treatment, Amanda competed in National events and the National Championships with her pony four in 2013. She won the Open Pony Pairs National Championships in 2014 and competed again in 2015 where she finished 4th overall (but had the fasted marathon of course!)

Her Chariots of Fire Display Team travelled around the country bringing driving, in many forms, to crowds at large agricultural shows. She had a pair, put to a magic carriage, which split into 2 single turnouts. She launched her carriages over jumps, flew through burning hoops and even proved you could safely drive a cow!

Amanda's inspiration & belief that anyone could, should push through their boundaries to a more exciting and fulfilled life led to the establishment of Sports Driving Unlimited. For 8 years she led a team of coaches who trained disabled people to develop carriage driving skills with enormous life changing success. People of all ages with a wide range of disabilities were introduced to the pleasure of carriage driving and inevitably, encouraged to enjoy driving trials, proving that even blindness is no barrier if you want to do something. Together with the Sports Driving Unlimited team, Amanda and husband John Nisbett were an invincible force to be reckoned with and together would travel with teams of young and disabled drivers to compete at driving events both indoors and outdoors and for the past six years travelled with individuals to compete in the National Novice Para Championships at Escrick, Henbury and more recently, Sandringham. 

In 2015 Amanda was awarded the accolade of Disability Coach of the Year by sportscotland at their Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards ceremony. She was recognised for the outstanding contribution she makes to the lives of the people she works with. Amanda will be remembered with great affection and admiration by so many people. She’ll never stop smiling! 

21 November 2015 
STEPPING FORWARD INTO 2016 - TRAINING DATES ANNOUNCED
Are you already planning your activities for next year's diary, then you put the dates in your diary of the 2016 CDSG courses running at the Unicorn Trust, Stow on the Wold

* 23-24th April 2016
* 8-9th October 2016

If you are interested in attending any of these sessions, please contact Margaret Brockie - who will be able to provide you with further information. Application forms will be sent out to those keen to attend 6 weeks beforehand.

4 November 2015

BUDDING ATHLETES UNITE AT PARA SPORTS EVENT TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION OF ATHLETES OFTHE FUTURE
The Para sports event run on 25 October proved to be a great success with a number of different sports uniting to inspire future athletes to get involved in Para Sports. Medallists from both Para driving and Para dressage were on hand to explain to prospective athletes of the future how they could get involved.

Para Driving Medallists & CDSG-dd members Lucy Barclay, Deborah Daniels, Lindsey Tyas Paice and Mick Ward represented the CDSG-dd at the event and spoke with a number of people keen to know more about the sport, pathway opportunities and how to get involved.

Anglia News video clip from the Para Sports Event

12 June 2015
MARGARET BROCKIE AWARDED MBE 
IN QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS
I am sure you will all join me in congratulating long standing CDSG-dd member Margaret Brockie on being awarded the MBE for services to the community and to Carriage Driving through her work with Riding for the Disabled Association. Margaret is the Chairman of Driving for the Disabled and is heavily involved in introducing disabled people to the sport. 

As many of you will be aware as well as being the RDA Carriage Driving Chairman, an ambassador within RDA driving, she is also a member od the CDSG-dd has been  since its set up in 2002 where she was one of a number of individuals involved in its set up., She now organises the CDSG-dd training at The Unicorn Trust, Stow on the Wold twice a year and is renowned for introducing drivers to the sport with her beloved RDA pony "Sweet Pea". Margaret of Great Lever, Bolton, said: "I feel very honoured to have been given this award."

Margaret was also recently presented during the 40th celebration of driving for the disabled at the Unicorn Trust with an award from Princess Anne for her long service in helping disabled people get into carriage driving.

04 December 2014
British Dressage Para-Equestrian Coaching Symposium
If you're involved or interested in para dressage this is a not-to-be-missed seminar. Held and Moulton College in Northamptonshire over 7 - 8 February, the 2015 Para Coaching Symposium is open to all and features some top names like Nigel Redman, Nina Venables, Dr Rachel Murray, Russell Guire, Vanessa Fairfax and Deb Criddle
Click here for further details and timetable
Book tickets by clicking here

13 May 2014
“I DIDN'T FEEL DISABLED”- PARA-DRIVERS ENJOY CDSG-dd TRAINING WEEKEND TO THE FULL 
The Carriage Driving Sports Group for drivers with disabilities’ (CDSGdd) training weekend (26 – 27 April) at The Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold, was not only well attended but thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part. One participant, Helen, said: “Do you know, I didn’t feel disabled” after driving organiser Margaret Brockie’s super little pony, Sweet Pea, through the cones course after her first drive. A regular attendee to the annual training sessions commented: “It just gets better and better”.

The mix of drivers comprised beginners, RDA groups, drivers wishing to become Able-Bodied whips and several new recruits as well as more experienced para-competitor drivers.  UKcc Level 3 coach Sara Howe provided outstanding coaching for drivers; each session tailored skilfully to make it relevant to that person and delivered at a level that allowed everyone to take it at their own pace and still improve.

Rachel Belliere-Wilson, chairman of CDSGdd, said of the weekend at Stow: “The event embodied the spirit of what CDSG is all about, which is providing a forum for people with disability to get involved, try out new ways of doing things, increase their independence and core strength and network and share ideas with others.  

15 March 2014 
EX PARA DRIVER AILEEN NEILSON TAKES GREAT BRITAINS' WHEEL CHAIR CURLERS TO WIN BRONZE AT SOCHI!

2004 squad member and driver at the Hopetoun  Para Equestrian Driving World Championships, Aileen Neilson has inspired Great Britain’s wheelchair curling team to a bronze medal at the Winter Paralympics.  

Neilson, the skip, produced her best performance of the competition as Britain rallied from 3-0 down to defeat China 7-3 and return to the podium for the first time since 2006.  Tearful skip Aileen Neilson paid tribute to her rink's never-say-die attitude as Great Britain battled to an unlikely bronze at the Winter Paralympics.

Neilson, a Primary School Teacher originally from East Kilbride and now living in Strathaven,drove and successfully competed with Alec and Maureen Hogg's dun pony at the 2004 World Championships.  In 2005 whilst watching the World Wheelchair Curling Championships in Glasgow she was inspired to take up the sport and has never looked back.
 

She said: "This feels like a gold medal. This bronze medal feels like gold. We worked really hard this week, we dug deep. This is a gold medal for me."
Huge congratulations go to the British Team and their support teams.

12th October 2013

Unique opportunity to support 2014 FEI World Para-Equestrian Driving Championships

THE FEI WORLD PARA–EQUESTRIAN DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR SINGLES
26 – 29 JUNE 2014 
to be held at 
SANDRINGHAM HOUSE, NR KINGS LYNN, NORFOLK 
By gracious permission of Her Majesty The Queen

Organisers are already planning for the FEI World Para-Equestrian Driving Championships for Singles in Britain next year. To be held at Sandringham House, Norfolk, by gracious permission of HM The Queen, the Championships take place from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 June 2014. The event will also incorporate International and National classes for able-bodied drivers. 

British para-equestrians have a good record of success at this event, most recently winning Team Bronze in 2012 at Breda in Holland. Entries for the 2014 World Championships are expected from across the World; America has already indicated its intention to compete with entries from Europe, in particular Belgium, France, Germany and Holland, widely anticipated. Media coverage will correspondingly be worldwide, including print, online, audio and visual outlets. 

Businesses, groups and individuals are invited to help support the event – and the British para-equestrians – with a range of sponsorship opportunities, from title sponsorship to class rosettes (£50 per class). Other opportunities include obstacle sponsorship, banner advertising and para-equestrian competitor facilities such as showers and electric plug-in sockets for buggies. 

Social events during the Championships are also available for sponsorship, namely the Nations Night (Wednesday 25 June), the FEI World Para-Equestrian Championships Opening Ceremony and Pimms Reception (Thursday), cocktail party (Friday) and disco on Saturday. 
In return, organisers offer sponsors a great benefits package including free trade stand space, free advertising in the programme and free tickets on all three days of competition for the sponsor and guests (depending on level of sponsorship). 

Organisers would also like to hear from anyone who speaks German as a translator may be required for the German team and also to read out scores on the PA system. 

Spectators and supporters will be welcome to bring their caravans for all or part of the event at a cost of £10 per night (permits need to be applied for); stewards and officials will be able to stay free of charge while competitors will be allowed two free caravan permits per horsebox (horsebox and caravan permits will be issued at the horsebox park gate on arrival). 

For more information and/or a Sponsorship Pack please contact Sally Moreton on 01526 388643 or email: sally.moreton@btconnect.com

3rd July 2013
FEI PARA EQUESTRIAN DRIVING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS COME TO SANDRINGHAM IN 2014
Following the FEI Bureau meeting on 2nd July the FEI has allocated the 2014 World Para Equestrian Driving World Championship to Sandringham (GBR). The event will run from 27-29 June.

2014: FEI World Para-Equestrian Driving Championship for Singles, Sandringham (GBR), 27-29 June

12th June 2013
HORSEBOX & CAMPING RECIPIES URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR FUNDRAISING RECIPIE BOOK 
Team Bronze medalist and 2013 Novice Horse Indoor Champion; Lucy Barclay urgently needs your help.  In a bid to raise funds for the CDSG and support the Sandringham bid for the 2014 Para Equestrian Driving World Championships she is looking to compile a recipie book which we hope will be popular enough throughout all equestrian sports to get us the funding we need.

The main aim of this book is to fill it with simple recipes that can be cooked in a horsebox or caravan. This means with minimum equipment, skill, washing up and time or a meal that has been prepared at home and can be kept in a tiny fridge, then heated in a small oven or on the hob! If you have any general Picnic/BBQ/camping tips or recipes they would also be useful. Best of all would be if you had any amusing camping stories that I could include!  

Lucy would be delighted to hear from you. Recipies can be sent direct to Lucy at lucy.stixwould@btopenworld.com

5th June 2013
PARA-DRIVERS HAVE A BUSY TIME AT ASHFIELDS
Members of the Carriage Driving Sports Group for drivers with disabilities (CDSG) gathered together at Ashfields Carriage and Polo Club at the beginning of June for a busy weekend of training, their AGM and preparation for forthcoming team selection trials. The group is run for all disabled drivers, not just those aiming for international competitions, and the training sessions reflect that aim. This latest weekend was organised by Sara Howe and Martin Yemm who arranged a packed itinery of activities which focused on one-to-one driver training, interaction with other drivers and opportunity to share experiences and achievements. .  

Rachel Belliere-Wilson, para-driver chef d’equipe, chaired the group’s AGM. She said: “Our AGM was held over a working lunch on Saturday; it was a good opportunity to recognise the important work that CDSG does, staying true to its Constitution by continuing to offer great experiences and remedial benefits to disabled drivers who may never wish, or have the means, to compete in driving trials. Margaret Brockie is instrumental in the work she undertakes for CDSG and its liaison with RDA groups. 

“It was also invigorating to be able to recognise the achievements this group has made over the past year and to see how organisers of mainstream competitions have embraced and included para-competition in their schedules. We thank British Carriagedriving and the many club, regional and national event organisers for their support in this

UKcc coach Sara Howe added: “It’s great to see each of the individual drivers progressing; working with their mentors and individual coaches on their development plans and performance gaps. Without exception, everyone has improved since we were last together at Stow-on-the-Wold in April. “The facilities at Ashfields are fantastic and leave CDSG wanting for nothing, with flat, full-sized dressage arenas, a measured cones course and training across the venue’s superb obstacles; we are indebted to Zoe Morgan and Wilf Bowman-Ripley for their generosity”.

24rd April 2013 
PARA DRIVERS START SEASON OFF IN FINE STYLE
The Carriage Driving Sports Group for drivers with disabilities (CDSG) started the 2013 outdoor season in fine style during a training weekend at The Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold. The weekend, attended by 28 para-drivers, able-bodied whips, backsteppers and supporters, incorporated a qualifying competition for the RDA National Championships to be held at Hartpury on Friday 12 July.  Click here to read the report and see photos.

11th December 2012
Mick Ward wins the Loughborough Senior Disabled Sports Personality of the Year Award 

29th November 2012
New training date set for Stow training - 13th - 14th April 2013
Please contact Margaret Brockie if you are interested in attending. Additional information will be published shortly on the calendar.

28th November 2012
International para-drivers show early interest in Sandringham

15 November 2012 
Sandringham to apply to put on a Para Driving International event 
News has been received from the organisers of the Sandringham Horse Driving Trials event to that they are applying to hold an International Para driving event at Sandringham in 2013. The event which will be run in conjunction with the national driving trials will run from 28 to 30 June 2013. The dates will be 28, 29, 30 June. The 2012 Para Drivers National Championships ran with great success alongside the mainstream national event . Sandringham is also aiming to put a bid in for the 2014 Para world championships. The event organisers are keen to gauge responses for support from international para drivers for a Para event at Sandringham particularly if the same showground is able to host the 2014 Para Driving World Championships. Sandringham have indicated that if necessary they would be able to provide stabling within the Sandringham estate (they are not proposing to put up temporary stabling) and they are suggesting that they would not make an entry fee for para drivers at all. We are delighted to hear the news and would be grateful if you could feed back whether this would be something that you would be looking to support so that we can give Sandringham organisers some general feedback. Please send any feedback to CDSG-dd Chairman; Rachel Belliere-Wilson at rachel.belliere-wilson@eu.biworldwide.com

10 July 2012
WORLD PARA-DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM ANNOUNCED
Following a highly successful third selection trial at the BHDTA National competition at Sandringham, the team to represent Great Britain at the World Para-Drivers Championship in Holland (Thursday 30th August – Sunday 2nd September) has been announced. Read more  

It is Deborah Daniel (Grade 1) driving her own Welsh Section C, Valeside Galaxy, Mick Ward (Grade 2) driving Angela Flanagan’s Double Cream and Lucy Barclay (Grade 1) with her own Golly Gosh. Lindsey Paice (Grade 1), who is sponsored by Online Lighting, is first reserve for the team and will represent GB as an individual with her own Welsh Cob London Flash Jack.

18 June 2012
Lindsey continues her winning streak in bid for team place

Aiming for a place on the 2012 Para-Drivers World Championship GB Team, four drivers were back in action at Offchurchbury (organised by Midlands Driving Trials Group) for their second selection competition. The venue was a replacement following the unfortunate cancellation of Tutbury a few weeks ago.

Lindsey Paice (nee Tyas) from Norfolk continued her winning streak despite having taken time out to get married in between selection events and driving a different horse, this time with Angela Flanagan’s Shania. She led throughout, as she had in the first selection event at Ashfields. Dressage results found Lindsey on 47.5 penalties with Lucy Barclay (Lincolnshire) and her own Golly Gosh not far behind on 50.0. Mick Ward (Leicestershire), driving Angela Flanagan’s Double Cream, and Deborah Daniel (Shropshire) with her new pony Valeside Galaxy were a little adrift with 57.0 and 62.0 respectively. 

Mick produced the only double clear of the class in cones, which moved him up to second place after the two phases, just ahead of Lucy.  The four had a solid marathon phase, with Deborah Daniel proving the fastest through the obstacles, finishing just ahead of Lucy, although there were only 5.0 penalties between all of them on this section. 

The final outcome left Lindsey, who is sponsored by Online Lighting, in first overall, just ahead of Mick Ward who in turn finished just 1.6 penalties ahead of Lucy Barclay.

The final selection event will take place at Sandringham, in conjunction with the Para-Driving Championships; Open drivers competing across three days in the BHDTA National competition and Novice drivers competing over two days in the East Anglia Carriage Driving Group’s club event.

14 June 2012
LINDSEY & GORDON TIE THE KNOT
Big celebrations were held on Saturday 26th May when Gordon Paice and International para-equestrian driver Lindsey Tyas finally tied the knot at All Saints Church, Old Buckenham in Norfolk.

Alison Tyas (bride’s sister) was bridesmaid.  Unsurprisingly, transport to and from the church was provided by horse and carriage. Many equestrian and farming friends joined the family to wish the couple well.

Having had pre-wedding photos at home and with her Welsh cob - London Flash Jack, with whom Lindsey competed at the last four Para World Championships - the bride then travelled to the church with her father Paul in a Victoria carriage driven by Chris Van Reen and kindly horsed by two of Mr Allen’s chestnut Welsh cobs. After the wedding Gordon and Lindsey travelled to Banham Community Centre for their wedding reception. Due to the forthcoming Para World Championships and harvest, the couple’s honeymoon plans have been put on hold until the beginning of next year.

23 May 2012 
AGM and two days of training make for a busy weekend
The Carriage Driving Sports Group for Drivers with Disabilities (CDSGdd) recent AGM and training sessions proved a great success and provided a busy weekend for participants and trainers alike.  It was very rewarding to see how much some of our regular drivers have progressed since the first time we started working with them some years back, and energising to see how much new drivers were taking from it. We are very grateful to Margaret Brockie for organising the training sessions.     

Seventeen drivers from across the country took part in the event held at the Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold. CDSGdd chairman Rachel Belliere-Wilson worked alongside UKcc coaches Sara Howe and Angela Flanagan to provide one-to-one training sessions to both new and more experienced drivers, including the first junior para-driver, across dressage, cones and obstacle phases. Rachel commented: “Without exception, everyone progressed with general dressage fundamentals and cones schooling, building to a fun filled Sunday afternoon with some obstacle training.  It was very rewarding to see how much some of our regular drivers have progressed since the first time we started working with them some years back, and energising to see how much new drivers were taking from it. We are very grateful to Margaret Brockie for organising the training sessions.

“The AGM was upbeat and inclusive, with many members getting involved and volunteering to take up roles in fundraising and organisation of training sessions.  We sadly bade a fond farewell to Terry Kirby who has served on the committee as Treasurer and is now turning his focus to his golfing.  Martin Yemm is picking up the reins as Treasurer and Sara Howe is a very welcome new committee member and will add enormous value to our future direction with a focus on training and development,” she added.

Southwell Racecourse hosts charity raceday
Enjoy a great day out with friends and family on Friday 20th April at Southwell Racecourse set in 145 acres of beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside with the ideal combination of National Hunt racing and live entertainment. 

The day will include lurcher racing, a parade of hounds in between races and will feature a Charity Flat Race and a Hunter Chase. The day will be supporting The Hunt Staff Fund, The Hunt Staff Benefit Society and The Carriage Driving Sports Group for Drivers with Disabilities. 

Tickets available for a meal in the Marquee to help support the charities and further details can be obtained by contacting Mrs Lucy Barclay . Please help to raise money for Carriage Driving Sport’s Group for drivers with disabilities and the Hunt Staff Benefit Society by taking a gamble on winning three bottles of Champagne by participating in the Champagne Gamble. If you are interested in taking part in the Champagne Gamble please click here for further details. 

Para Driving Class at Horst aan de Maas

Para drivers from Belgium, Germany and Great Britain have been invited on behalf of the organizing committee to compete at the National Driving Event in Horst aan de Maas (Limburg, south of the Netherlands) from 28 – 30 April 2012. This event is open for entries in the Para Equestrian Class.

More information can be found by contacting the CDSG-dd or visiting the event website: www.menwedstrijdenhorst.nl

Schedule / Entry form

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 

Find out more and book your place please visit the BHDTA website - http://www.horsedrivingtrials.co.uk