Combined Driving Event Comes to Little Everglades Ranch
Written By Katie Carris, General Manager of the Little Everglades Ranch
In January of the year 2010, the Little Everglades International Combined Driving Event will make its debut here at the Little Everglades Ranch. We are so excited to be part of the Driving Community and to be working with such successful people as Chester Weber and Susan Gilliland of Live Oak Combined Driving Institute in Ocala, Florida. We are confident that our having the assistance and expertise of Chester Weber and Susan Gilliland, along with their staff, will ensure that our event will be a success.
A combined Driving Event is modeled after the Three Day Event, which test the overall condition and versatility of the horse in sport. A Combined Driving Event is usually held over three days and consists of four disciplines. The winner is the entry who accumulates the fewest penalty points. Divisions are Single Horse, Pairs, Multiples, and VSE (Various Small Equines). They can show in Training, Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advance Levels. The four disciplines in a Combined Driving Event are:
(1) PRESENTATION: The appearance of the Driver , the Horse, the Vehicle (carriage), the Harness as well as the "General Impression Overall" is judged. The Judges give a very close scrutiny of the turnout. Spectators will be amazed at the "spit and polish" applied to the Driver, the horse and the vehicle. It takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication and energy to reach the end product.
(2) DRESSAGE: This section is feared by many as it is not easy to take a horsethrough a dressage test. The dressage test consists of a prescribed sequence of movements judged against a standard of absolute perfection. The test demonstrates the obedience, freedom, regularity of movement, impulsion and correct position and training of the horses. Driving a single horse or a pair, or two horses in tandem, or a team of four horses through a dressage test is a skill only gained after many long hours of practice and showing. The Participants are very talented and dedicated and an absolute pleasure to watch.
(3) CROSS-COUNTRY MARATHON: This is the most exciting part for most spectators as one can literally forget to breath while watching the participants maneuver the course. The Marathon phase tests the fitness, stamina and obedience of the horses and the judgment and capability of the driver. The marathon consists of various sections which include mandatory walks, trots, as well as a section which includes obstacles (hazards). The horse travels over a timed course with several obstacles (hazards) intertwined in the course. Tremendous skill is required to drive the marathon and it is exciting to watch all divisions take this on--but I have to say the teams of four are always worth the wait to see go!!
(4) CONES: Cone are usually the last day of the event. The object is to drive through narrowly spaced pairs of cones cleanly within the time allowed. This phase also requires considerable skill and is sometime the deciding chapter in who is winning the event. It is always exciting to see the precision this events takes This phase tests the fitness, agility and obedience of the horse and the accuracy and skill of the driver. The cones are set in a pattern and each cone has a ball placed on top. Any miscalculation will dislodge the ball, thus incurring a penalty.
A groom and navigator may accompany the driver in the dressage and cones competitions in those cases where there is a single horse or pony. The groom/navigator is mandatory for two or more horses. During the marathon, the groom is a vital part of the team to help the driver stay on the correct course, to keep track of time and to help direct the route through obstacles. In addition the groom is called on to balance the vehicle by shifting his or her weight around the tight turns or on uneven ground. The grooms may not handle the reins, nor the whip and may give verbal assistance only in the marathon. No verbal communication between the driver and the groom is allowed in the dressage or cones competitions.
Keep January 2010 in mind and watch for further details and information. Plan on joining us and getting involved in this wonderful exciting sport for all ages.
