The exciting and beautiful equestrian sport of Combined Driving returns to Galway Downs June 29-30 with the Sweetheart Horse Driving Trials. (So named because it was originally scheduled for February!)

Organized by the American Driving Society-associated Whip’R Snapper Driving Society of Southern California, the event features two types of competition – a Driving Trial and a Combined Test – at various levels.

Combined Driving competition shares format similarities with eventing, on which the sport was modeled.

A Driving Trial (formerly called a Horse Driving Trial) has three phases – dressage, a cones course in the arena and a marathon phase using parts of the cross-country course. The Driving Trial at Galway Downs is a slight step down from a full Combined Driving Event because its marathon phase is shorter.

There are many logistics involved in staging a driving competition. Organizer Marc DeLeo chose the June format to keep things relatively feasible in terms of obstacles and personnel needed.

A Combined Test has a dressage and cones phases, like an eventing Combined Test with dressage and stadium jumping.

A Dressage Foundation

As in eventing, the dressage phase is a foundation for the other phases of the sport. Carriage driver and horse or horses perform a set pattern of movements in the arena. Judges evaluate their skills, obedience and development appropriate to each level.

Agility, speed and endurance are tested in the marathon phase. Teams pass through “obstacles” where they choose their path through “gates” in the specified directions. The driver is assisted by a “navigator” in this phase. Typically, they stand on the back of the cart to provide ballast and balance and, ideally, to help the driver verbally with observations and suggestions.

Galway Downs’ water complexes and clusters of trees serve as the marathon obstacles. A Training Level obstacle will have A, B and C elements to navigate – an FEI level obstacle will have A-F elements.

The third phase is the cones course. Held inside the arena, the cones phase is a timed event rewarding speed, with control through gates that get narrower with each level of competition. The cones have a ball sitting atop them. Knocking the ball off, or knocking the whole cone over, incurs penalties.

At the Sweetheart Driving Trials, dressage and cones phases take place on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday.

Volunteers & Fans Welcome

Volunteers are encouraged and no experience is needed, Marc clarifies. And spectators are welcome all weekend, with no admission charge.

Marc expects a range of breeds to participate – from Minis (called Very Small Equines) and ponies to Hafflingers and other horse breeds. Levels range from Training and an FEI hybrid division.

The organizer is a veteran at staging a lower level of events, called Arena Driving Trials, that are all conducted in the ring. He wanted something closer to the full sport for Galway Downs. “I think Galway Downs deserves more of a higher level, higher rated show. My long term goal is to have a full-fledged Combined Driving Event. I want my drivers and competitors to appreciate the facility and want to come back. I know that it’s a very nice facility with a lot to offer.”

Marc is also Vice President of the Whip’R Snappers, which was formed in 1989 by a group of driving enthusiasts. Their mission is to promote the sport and educate the public about the sport, how to pursue it safely and to include the public in its events.

Here’s the sign-up for Volunteering. For more information on the sport of Combined Driving, visit Whip’R Snappers here.