What is a Combined Driving Event (CDE)?

Combined Driving is a versatility test made up of three phases, each having its own objective. Competitors compete against themselves, the courses, and a standard of driving as well as (perhaps rather than) against the other turnouts. To compete in American Driving Society (ADS) approved events, competitors should be familiar with the ADS rulebook. The “blue pages” are the General Rules for all ADS competitions, and are superseded at a CDE only by specific rules in “the yellow pages” which are the Combined Driving Rules.

To compete in an ADS approved CDE, you need a sound equine(s) at least four years old that is physically and mentally conditioned for competition. Depending on the event and level entered, the equine(s) will trot a marathon of 5-15 kilometers (km). The speed at which the equine(s) travels the course is determined by its type (miniature, pony, horse, or draft) and level. Competitors enter Training, Preliminary, Intermediate or Advanced level. Evaluating the equine(s) ability to perform what is asked at the different levels of dressage is a major factor in deciding what level of competition is appropriate.

The purpose of the training level test is to establish that the correct foundation is being laid requiring the green horse to move freely forward in a free walk on a long rein and the working trot, in rhythm while accepting the bit with relaxation, through transitions and 40 meter (m) circles. Training level is meant to encourage the inexperienced driver.

The Preliminary Level test is to establish that the horse has acquired a degree of balance and suppleness in addition to the rhythmical, free forward motion expected at the Training level. While consistently accepting the bit, the horse is to exhibit more activity in the haunches in the working trot and lengthened walk. The horse is to demonstrate in 30 m circles, 20 m half circles, serpentines, in lengthened trot and stretching the frame.

The Intermediate level test is to establish that the horse has become more freely forward, with greater use of the haunches, while remaining light in hand without resistance. It will be demonstrated in the working walk and trot, the lengthened trot, the collected trot, the 5-second halt, the rein back, and the serpentine.

The Advanced level test is to establish that the horse has acquired a greater degree of suppleness, balance and lightness in hand while remaining reliably on the bit. The horse is to produce more impulsion through further strength in the haunches and relaxation of the back and poll enabling the driver to collect and extend the trot. It is demonstrated in the collected and extended trot, the rein back, and the 10-second halt.

A CDE can be done in a two-day format or a three-day format. If done in two days, Dressage and Cones are usually done on the first day with Marathon on the second day. In the full three-day format, Dressage is done on the first day, Marathon on the second, and Cones (Obstacles) is done on the third. This format puts a lot of interest back into the Cones as standings can change “right before your eyes”.

A Driving Trial (DT) is a condensed version of a CDE. It is designed so that it can be completed in one day, with all three phases being run one right after the other. For the Driving Trial the Marathon is shortened to be only the last section (Section E) that contains the Hazards (Obstacles). Driving Trial competition is not as physically demanding due to its shorter Marathon, so in addition to being a lot of fun, it is a good place for a young or green equine to gain some experience. It also works well for the horse that is not quite in shape to handle the full three-section Marathon.

Yet one more variation of the CDE is the Arena Driving Trial (ADT). The ADT is also a condensed version of a CDE. The ADT is a good way to keep equine(s) active through winter months when many people tend to let their equine(s) go soft. It also is a chance to keep training progressing rather than halting training and then later trying to pick up where you and the equine(s) left off. The ADT uses minimal ground so many people who do not have the property or resources to host a CDE or even a DT can host an ADT. Done in one day, the ADT consists of Dressage, a shortened Cones course and Hazards without the Marathon and its distance. The entire event can be held inside an arena using specially designed Dressage tests that will fit the smaller area, a scaled down Cones course and temporary Hazards.