The Carriage Driving Sports Group for drivers with disabilities (CDSGdd) is small charity run by volunteers.  It is dedicated to providing high quality carriage driving training for drivers with disabilities at all levels and any disability, be it temporary or lifelong.  It also has a very strong focus and ethos regarding the ethical and correct training of horses and ponies, believing in a consistent and methodical approach which benefits the equine athlete as well as the driving athlete.  CDSGdd has a structured ‘driver pathway’ and charity aims which can be found at on their website.

‘CDSGdd Spring 2026 had a blissful synergy. From diligent organisers, inspiring trainers, marvellous hosts and top-class facilities to committed participants and generous, willing ponies: this was a truly exceptional camp.’ – Carolin Gibbs

This is just one of the many appreciative comments about the recent camp held in early May at the Unicorn Trust, organised by Giselle Lockett, the hard-working enthusiastic chair of the CDSGdd.  This year invitations to the clinic were opened to non-members, all of whom were delighted to join in, including a rider with her horse who benefitted enormously from the systematic approach to training.

As usual, the camp was two days packed with positive driving experiences, along with demonstrations and talks, quizzes and socialising. Everything was well organised and fun. Added to which the meals, as always, were superb.  Hard working coaches Sara Howe, Robert Buck and Chris Van Reen were wonderful, always supportive and focussing on just what each driver needed to develop skills and confidence.

Sara’s wide experience from many successful years running her RDA centre at Bradbourne meant her RDA Driving pupils and their RDA coaches and helpers were relaxed and happy in their sessions and came away beaming after every lesson.

For some it was their first time at camp like Joseph, who said, ‘Thank you so much for making us feel so welcome. I had an amazing time and am still beaming from ear to ear. A wonderful day of learning and fun with Sara.’ 

It was full day it was to start camp with over 28 driving sessions with the three coaches. While Sara focussed on RDA Driving groups, Chris and Robert were busy with the non-RDA Driving drivers. Everyone was keen and enthusiastic, making it a very special atmosphere.  It was also great to a have a mix of drivers who were so supportive and encouraging of each other.

As well as having two driving sessions each day, we really learnt a lot from watching others, and of course there were lots of opportunities to chat as well as ask advice on all manner of matters. Many were keen to grab knowledgeable help about aspects such as harness fit from Chris.

In the morning there was a lungeing demonstration with Robert called ‘Lunge for Life’ with simple exercises to aid a pony’s health, ability and training.  The focus was on the comfort, suppleness and well-being of the horse.

During the afternoon, the team from Dengie Horse Feeds weighed horses and there were question and answer sessions with the opportunity for individual advice. In the evening they put on a brilliant interactive talk about feeds and horse digestion – complete with life size scale replica body parts that gave a very effective and fun filled session.  This was followed by a hearty supper and fun quiz, before falling happy but exhausted into our beds.

The second day built on day one, and Joseph, like others, was again beaming with delight at what he had learnt and achieved.

‘Thank you so much for all your help, advice and expertise. It’s been another amazing day! Special thanks to Sara for making fun for Joseph, I think that was only the 8^th or 9^th time he’s driven.’

For drivers like Matthew this is a highlight on their driving and social calendar.

‘Team Matt says ‘thank you’ to all the organisers and support teams. Great to see you all again, and new faces. Can’t wait for the next get together.’

RDA Driving groups brought their established turnouts to use with their drivers but there were also amazing schoolmaster ponies for others without a turnout to use. World champion para ponies ‘H’ and Ranger were lent by Averina Snow, who was also busy throughout camp assisting. Julie Camm brought her experienced pony Blackjack and throughout camp worked with Giselle to keep everything on track and organised.

Para drivers Louise Blanche lent her trusty pony Cheetah and Vicky Nurcombe lent Smurf, who she has on loan from Julie Camm. Both drivers focussed on developing skills with their established pony but then also with new drives. Louise has upsized in power to a Section C and was keen to focus on developing her skills with a new partnership, while Vicky enjoyed sessions with Jack to explore further her development and performance.

RDA Driving group coaches felt the focussed sessions gave them fresh understanding and went back to their groups full of enthusiasm. One of goals of camp is to support RDA coaches and helpers and this was certainly achieved.  There was also a very informative, interactive talk by Zilco Harness on day two, which featured social media, who wrote, ‘Last week we were pleased to present at the camp talking all things harness fitting, measuring, and product options for driving horses and ponies. A great event with plenty of discussion and questions. Thank you to everyone who came along.’

The camp coaches too felt the experience worthwhile and rewarding. Few things are more satisfying than inspiring others to achieve their potential. This applies to the horses as well as humans.  The camp was a resounding success, enjoyed by all and on our calendars for next time.

Some positive testimonies from attendees:

‘Thank you so much Julie, Giselle and all your amazing team. There were wonderful schoolmaster ponies, especially Jack, that we are so privileged to be able to drive. Such a supportive and inspiring group to be a part of.’

‘It was all really excellent, with superb instructors and we learnt so much about many aspects. Very open to all ideas that can be included, plus great to speak with other RDA groups.’

‘It was great seeing an RDA horse being lunged and how to improve their fitness and enable them to be more supple.’

‘Enjoyed talking to other RDA groups and learning about their kit and experiences. A really great session on harness fit by Chris, learnt some top tips.’

‘Really enjoyed the relaxed and welcoming day. The talks have been informative but not too much to understand with a good mix of sessions. The coaching is amazing. Really valuable and a lovely venue, thank you.’

‘I came with my young horse and have had the most fantastic time. All the coaches and helpers were so knowledgeable, helpful, welcoming and hardworking. I learnt so much I am very grateful for this opportunity.’

‘Feel totally energised after the course. I have learnt many things and confirmed I do know something! Robert and Sara were great!’

‘Very informative with lots to take away to help us get up and running.  Thank you for making us feel very welcome.’

‘It was a wonderful couple of days meeting lots of lovely people, amazing food and of course brilliant lessons.’

‘Brilliantly adapted to the very hot conditions as all had plenty of time ensuring our and our animals’ welfare was considered. An amazing achievement – thank you.’

‘I am a complete beginner and learning how to help a person with special needs. Absolutely loved the clinic – thank you!’

The organisers were delighted with the happy atmosphere and enthusiasm –

‘Thank you everyone – trainers, ground team, Unicorn team and of course our drivers (and their wonderful support team(s)) and ponies and horses for getting fully on board with this clinic – it was a joy to be with you all.’

‘A camp where smiles all round were evidence of a fabulous time had by all.’ – Deborah Daniel