What is needed?

What equine(s) you compete is your choice—your personal preference. We have seen many breeds of equine(s) compete in Combined Driving. Personally, I would say that gaited horses are at some disadvantage because of the various trots asked for in the Dressage tests. Draft horses are not commonly used, but some can handle the conditioning required (some compete in DT rather than CDE so they do not have the full distance of Marathon to contend with). Very recently we have been working to include miniature horses (ADS refers to them as Very Small Equine, or VSE) in the world of Combined Driving and are finding them to be very capable and willing. It is also your choice whether you compete with a single, a pair or a team of four. If competing with more than a single equine, a groom is required to ride on the vehicle with the driver for Dressage and Cones. For Marathon, a navigator is required to ride on all turnouts with the exception of single VSE turnouts.

For Dressage and Cones the turnout (equines, harness, vehicle, groom and driver) must be the same. For these two phases, the competitor must be conservatively dressed, wear a hat, gloves and lap robe (apron), and carry a whip in his/her hand.

A different vehicle may be used for Marathon. It is strongly recommended that a spares kit be carried, especially on Marathon. A spares kit can include: a spare rein or rein splice, a spare trace or trace splice, a hole punch, wheel wrench, halter and lead rope, sheet for your equine, knife, pliers…………whatever you feel appropriate, right down to the old stand-bys duct tape and baling twine!

Marathon clothing is relaxed but must still be neat in appearance with no shorts allowed. Helmets are required for Section E of Marathon, with some events (such as Happ’s) requiring them for all sections of the Marathon. Apron and gloves are not required for Marathon, but a whip must be carried on the vehicle and be in the driver’s hand while in each of the Hazards.

Can you use the equipment you have?

Checkreins are not permitted in any phase (side checks are allowed for Training level), and leg wraps or brushing boots are not allowed during Dressage. The vehicle must have wooden, steel or smooth hard rubber wheels (Training level only may be permitted pneumatic tires.) and have red rear reflectors. Lamps are required on the vehicle (at the lower levels) only if it has lamp brackets. Some events require slow moving vehicle signs on the back of the marathon vehicle. Either neck collar harness or breast collar harness may be used. For Marathon you must have brakes on your vehicle and/or breeching on your harness.

How do you enter a CDE?

The ADS publishes an Omnibus twice a year (one for January-June events, one for July-December events) that lists all ADS approved events whether they are a CDE, Pleasure Show, or some other type. Each event is listed with all the pertinent information including who the organizer and secretary are and how to contact them, entry fees and deadlines, Dressage tests being used, information about the Marathon and Cones courses, directions, local accommodations, competitor meals, etc.

More and more events are making use of the Internet as a means of disseminating information. You will find our calendar of events and all information for each event, including our entry forms (we do not use the ADS form) on our website. You can also go there to get any of the Dressage tests you may want.

Do a favor for yourself and the event organizer and secretary by filling out the correct entry form correctly and completely, including all required signatures. Also be sure to include any required documentation such as a copy of ADS membership card if you are a member and health papers. Mailing as close to the date for entries to open helps the organizer plan for the event and have everything ready for all competitors. If you cannot mail until close to, or even after, the entry closing date, it is a good idea to call the organizer or secretary first to be sure you can still enter

Who are all those people at a CDE?

A CDE is a lot of work, and so is usually hosted by a driving club or similar organization. This allows responsibilities to be spread out to many people. There are a few events put on by a single person on his/her own property and/or leased or borrowed land. Respect for the wishes of the property owners helps insure the event will be allowed to continue in future years. The event organizer is the person responsible for putting the event on. Show secretary is the person who handles the office, answers “housekeeping” questions, and makes sure you have everything you need while at the event. The Technical Delegate (TD) is the ADS official who is responsible for seeing to it that the event is run according to the directives of the ADS. The TD is responsible for checking all courses for safety. If you have any problems or objections regarding the competition, or any important questions, the TD is the person to go to for “the official answer”. Other competitors, trainers, etc. are usually very willing to help and to answer questions, but when it comes right down to it, it is best to check with the officials on anything you are unclear about. Someone unknowingly giving you misinformation could produce results you do not want! The President of the Jury is the head judge and, with the organizer, coordinates the responsibilities of the other judges (members of the Ground Jury).

You will also see a large number of volunteers. It takes a lot of people to put on an event. Please remember that without the volunteers, there would be no events. Often times they spend all day carrying out their duties in the heat or rain so that you can play. A smile and a thank you are deserved and appreciated. If you are not ready, or are unable to compete for some reason, being a volunteer is a great way to learn—whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned competitor.