The East Anglian area, a strong and well-supported region for driving, has proudly celebrated 25 years of Indoor Carriage Driving. This milestone event took place at Ashfields Carriage and Polo Club, expertly organised by Fiona Powell and Mike Watts. Both have been deeply involved in the sport for many years, inspired by the late Angela Sixsmith whose passion has motivated them to continue hosting these cherished gatherings.

The Indoor Carriage Driving Club, founded in 1998 by Dick Carey and his Brighton Horse Driving Trials Team, set the stage for what has become a vibrant and enduring sport. The dedication of organisers and participants has ensured that the sport continues to thrive, offering opportunities for both new and experienced drivers to develop their skills in a supportive environment.

In 2002, Orwell Arena became the first venue to host an indoor event for East Anglia. Back then, the directors of the Indoor Carriage Driving Club would travel from East Sussex, bringing everything needed for the competition.  They would also build the courses, oversee the event then pack up afterwards. This hands-on approach laid a solid foundation for indoor driving in the region as well as demonstrating remarkable commitment and teamwork. Their efforts have helped establish a culture of excellence and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone involved can enjoy the sport to its fullest.

As the format and competitions grew in popularity, and to accommodate more competitors, additional venues were introduced. Today, East Anglia proudly hosts events at Beechwood, Anvil Park and Easton College. Thanks to the live scoring system set up by Mike Watts, which can be accessed on the internet, competitors and supporters can easily follow progress throughout each event. Scores are broken down into precision and paces, cones and time, and obstacles, with errors clearly displayed. This transparent and informative system empowers competitors to track their improvement, learn from each round and strive for excellence, making the whole experience engaging and educational.

The sense of community at the celebration was evident, with a good gathering of competitors, judges, stewards and volunteers. A fun evening with drinks and buffet allowed everyone to catch up with old friends and share memories without the usual rush of an event day. Tokens of appreciation were presented to those who had supported the club over the years, reinforcing the spirit of gratitude and camaraderie that defines the East Anglian Indoor Carriage Driving community.

Over 30 competitors from the area, ranging from young drivers and small pony classes to Novice, Intermediate and Open, Pony Pairs, Tandems and Veterans (drivers, not equines!), have qualified for the Indoor Finals at Arena UK. This impressive turnout is testament to the dedication of organisers, volunteers and competitors alike. Despite often having to face wet and cold days, everyone’s enthusiasm and commitment shines through, making each event a memorable and enjoyable experience. The East Anglian area continues to foster growth, friendship and skill development in Indoor Carriage Driving, inspiring new generations to join and support this wonderful sport.