British Carriagedriving has continued to upgrade and expand their resources and learning experiences for officials and potential international stewards.  To support this, a weekend of learning was held at Ashfields Carriage and Polo Club in Essex and the hosts were generous with their time, venue and resources.

With the imminent launch of an exciting new website and the recent publication of a handy rule book for BC, the organisation is making significant strides. A concise, quick-reference rule book is also in development. Judges, technical delegates (TDs) and stewards gathered at Ashfields for a series of educational days, ensuring everyone stays up to date with the latest developments.

BC greatly benefits from the leadership of 4* international judge Andrew Counsell who serves as chair. He was joined by Phillip Bateman, the most experienced technical delegate in driving, whose wealth of knowledge is unparalleled. Also present was 4* TD Jeanie Lane who has extensive experience at national and international events, and Marissa Pinnock, the lead for stewards, who is not only an accomplished competitor but is also developing her profile as an international steward. Marissa’s experience is invaluable to national or club stewards and the volunteers.

The event was further enriched by the presence of Leen Devaere, FEI Course Director from Belgium, who generously travelled to the UK to assist in guiding the new international stewards. Her support marks the beginning of their journey towards passing exams and officiating at international events. This collaboration will ultimately benefit both stewards and volunteers, offering guidance for the future.

Dressage Day & Judge Training

The driving judges’ dressage session was held on that Saturday.  The numbers in attendance may have been small but a great deal was covered in comprehensive content. Three volunteer drivers benefitted from direct feedback, gaining insight into what judges are seeking. They were fortunate to receive expert pointers from Andrew, who delivered a masterclass on improving the way of going. It is sometimes overlooked that senior judges have extensive experience, not just in judging but also in driving in various levels and disciplines. Their ability to convey the fundamentals in a calm and informative manner reinforces that there are no quick fixes— success is achieved by taking time to embed the basics, allowing progress to follow naturally.

International stewards, who participated in their own workshop, joined the judges for the noseband checking and bit checking demonstrations, and in the use of new cone lifters. The introduction of cone lifters is aimed at preventing situations where a ball remains in place despite contact with the cone, an issue that has become more common with the increasing use of all-weather surfaces instead of grass.

Rules and scenarios were discussed in detail, alongside the expectations of a judge. The event was pleased to welcome newcomers embarking on their journey as probationary judges for BC.

As cones and marathon judging have been covered online over several evenings throughout the winter and spring, opportunities for coaches and competitors to join in have increased. This approach is likely to continue for dressage learning as well, broadening access for members and interested parties.

Progressive Steps Forward

BC has taken significant steps forward, rolling out more online information, webinars and learning opportunities, with further resources in development. Club judges are encouraged to join both online sessions and in-person learning days. Sandra Fisher, as the lead for dressage judges, welcomes aspiring judges to join the now-improved probationary scheme, which is easier to enter and provides valuable experience. Whether you are a club judge, indoor judge, Pony Club, British Dressage or British Eventing judge, all are welcome to participate.

While new ideas and programmes require time to develop and become established, progress is evident thanks to the dedication of many individuals working behind the scenes. Those with positive suggestions are encouraged to contact the office — Sarah and Rachel are available by phone or email and are proactive in providing guidance and support.

With more training scheduled for both judges and technical delegates, further details can be found on the BC website or by contacting the office. Congratulations to all at BC for their hard work and sincere thanks to those who have contributed their time to deliver these courses. There is much more to look forward to.

For more information, please visit British Carriagedriving