Midlands Carriagedriving News

 Midlands Carriagedriving and Bennington Carriages came together in a new venture that resulted in a highly successful training day on Friday 16 May. Midlands chairman, Paul Hart, said: ‘There were eight sessions, with drivers and equines all at various stages of their training. This was the first collaboration between Midlands and Bennington Carriages, with everyone taking advantage of the host’s excellent facilities near Newark, Nottinghamshire, including afternoon tea in Bennington’s spacious showroom. ‘The day consisted of drivers working on any, or all three phases of competition. Some, like open driver Lesley Tilbury, driving twice with different animals or a different set up. Another trainee, novice pony driver Jocelyn Smith, really challenged herself by driving the cones at ever decreasing widths, with her final attempt being 5cm under the open class allowance and still making the time! ‘Whatever the reason for attending, everyone went away with some positive things to work...

 It was sunshine all the way at Anslow for Midlands Carriagedriving’s first ODE of the season on 11 May. From small ponies to horse pairs, all categories were catered for at this lovely venue with its panoramic views across the Derbyshire countryside. During the winter organiser Paul Hart had been hard at work, revamping and building new obstacles, which were well received. Twelve competitors took advantage of the opportunity to have a go at their first event, buff up some training or just get back into the swing of things. It was good to see Maryjane and Frank Campbell taking part with their pony and horse pair respectively and persuading them that the water splash really wasn’t as scary as they thought – though Frank’s pair did manage a hasty exit up the bank at the first attempt. Newcomers Matt Rees and Aaron Kelly both had good rounds in Novice Pony with Matt overtaking Aaron after dressage to take the class. Megan Wheeldon (Open Pony) and Jon White (Novice Horse) were the only...