British Scurry and Trials Driving (BSTD) is the governing body for Scurry and Trials Driving in the United Kingdom, a fast-paced and exciting carriage driving discipline that combines speed, accuracy, horsemanship and teamwork. One of the sport’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Competitors range from experienced carriage drivers to newcomers looking for a welcoming and supportive introduction to driving competition. The sport also showcases an incredible variety of ponies, including veterans taking a step back from traditional competition driving, or young ponies getting out and about seeing the world at the various country shows the BSTD attend.

Scurry and Trials Driving offers a unique spectacle for competitors and spectators alike. Drivers and their backsteps guide ponies and carriages around a timed obstacle course, negotiating usually two obstacles, a slalom, a u-box and up to ten pairs of cones. For every ball that is dislodged, a 5 second penalty is added to their time. With straightforward rules and the fastest clear round taking the win, the sport is easy for both competitors and spectators to understand and enjoy.

British Scurry and Trials Driving is unique in offering classes for singles, pairs, tandems, teams and even unicorn turnouts, welcoming everything from miniature Shetlands to full-sized horses. Each turnout type and height category has its own class, ensuring fair competition for all.

The British Scurry and Trials Driving was formed in 2012 by Ivor Williams, and over the last 14 years the organisation has travelled the length and breadth of the country, introducing thousands of spectators to a sport that combines speed, skill, horsemanship and teamwork. Along the way, BSTD has welcomed competitors from all walks of life, supported countless newcomers into the sport, and created a community that many now consider an extended family. What started as a grassroots group gradually evolved into a recognised national organisation, attending some of the country’s best-known agricultural shows, county shows and driving events. The growth of the competition calendar allowed participants from across the United Kingdom to come together regularly for up to 30 events a season, creating friendships and rivalries that continue to drive the sport forward today.

One of the defining moments in the organisation’s history came in 2014 when British Scurry and Trials Driving hosted the first-ever Scurry and Trials Driving World Championships. The event brought together competitors to showcase the very best of the sport and demonstrate the ambition of the organisation even in its early years. The World Championships remain a landmark achievement and helped establish British Scurry and Trials Driving as a leading force in the development and promotion of the discipline. From 2015 – 2019, the sport gained national exposure through being a prominent arena attraction at the popular event BBC Countryfile Live, held in the wonderful setting of Blenheim Palace. This was broadcast on TV as Matt Baker got to experience the sport first hand with the support and guidance of the brilliant Lucy and Philippa Scott, both well known individuals in the driving world. In 2023, British Scurry and Trials Driving introduced the Novice Class, creating a dedicated pathway for new competitors entering the sport. The class was designed to encourage participation by providing a supportive environment where drivers, backsteps and ponies could gain confidence and experience before progressing into open competition. The introduction of the Novice Class has since played an important role in attracting and developing the next generation of competitors.

As the sport continued to grow, so did the need for a more formal structure to support its future development. In 2026, British Scurry and Trials Driving Ltd. was established, marking an important step in the organisation’s evolution. The move enabled BSTD to strengthen its governance, formalise policies and procedures, enhance welfare and safety standards, and provide greater support for competitors, show organisers and sponsors. While the core values of the organisation remain unchanged, the new structure has helped position BSTD for continued growth and long-term sustainability as the governing body for Scurry and Trials Driving in the United Kingdom. One of BSTD’s key priorities is encouraging and developing the next generation of drivers. Like many equestrian disciplines, the long-term future of the sport relies on attracting young people and providing them with opportunities to learn, compete and progress in a safe and supportive environment.

Junior competitors have always played an important role within British Scurry and Trials Driving, with many young drivers developing their skills alongside experienced competitors and family members. The introduction of the Novice Class in 2023 further strengthened this pathway, providing newcomers with the confidence and experience needed to progress through the sport. By supporting junior drivers, promoting family participation and creating accessible entry routes into competition, BSTD is helping to ensure that the knowledge, skills and traditions of carriage driving continue to be passed on to future generations.

As British Scurry and Trials Driving looks towards the future, the organisation remains committed to preserving the values that have underpinned its success for more than a decade: sportsmanship, horsemanship, inclusivity and community. Whether you are an experienced carriage driver, a complete newcomer, a junior looking to take your first steps into competition, or simply someone with a pony and a sense of adventure, BSTD offers a welcoming and supportive environment in which to get involved. With exciting plans for growth, continued collaboration across the driving community and a passion for introducing new people to the sport, the future of Scurry and Trials Driving has never looked brighter.

For more information about upcoming events, training opportunities, membership and how to get involved, please visit www.scurryandtrials.co.uk or follow British Scurry and Trials Driving on social media.