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.

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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