Driving Horses Round The Bend
Published 18th Mar 2003 by Anne Grigg

The Yeoman?s Toyota Brighton Horse Driving Trials takes place during the Brighton Festival 2-4th May at Stanmer Park, Brighton. The sport of Horse Driving Trials is most widely known due to royal connections when HRH Prince Phillip brought it to England after watching it at Aachen International Horse Show in Germany in 1969. Since then the Duke has been competing in the sport with the Queen?s Fell ponies and is one of the entries for this year?s event.

The event takes place over 3 days and is a grueling test for horse and driver. The first day is dressage, which tests the harmony and style of horse and driver, followed by a 21Km marathon with 8 timed hazards to stretch the horses fitness and stamina. The finale is the obstacle course, which tests responsiveness and accuracy of both horse and driver. This is a spectacular event to watch and when talking to a competitor you will be amazed by the time and commitment they put in throughout the year ensuring their horses are in tiptop condition for the events.

In addition to the competition there will also be many displays and demonstrations including a show of Old fashioned Trade Vehicles such as Horse Drawn Milk Floats and Brewery Drays, ?From Carriages Came Cars? display which will be highlighting similarities between early cars and horse drawn carriages, a Craft Fair, Pony Club Games, and demonstrations from a Harness Maker, Farrier, Horse Dentist and Body Alignment Specialist.

Tickets are ?10 per car Saturday and Sunday, tickets for the weekend are ?15 per car, Friday entry is free. To pre book your tickets please call 01273 594302.

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