| There are many things we can do with our miniature horses. We show them in breed shows drive them in parades, take them to nursing homes and hospitals. They are used for as guide animals. Most of all they love to drive. This is where they show the best of their abilities. Some of our members have discovered an additional outlet to show off our steeds and our abilities as drivers. We also
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| have a grand time, meet new friends and gain new knowledge about driving and our horses. . . . . We have discovered the world of Combined Driving. . . . . |
Combined driving events have levels that provide for everyone and their horses to compete at their ability levels. The levels are training level, preliminary, intermediate, and advanced. Most people start out at training level and work up.
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All levels at Combined Driving Events have three phases. The first is the Dressage portion of the events. A specific pattern is driven inside a "dressage ring." The size is determined by the size of the horse. VSE (Very Small Equine) usually use a 20X40 or 30X60 meter size ring. The specific tests are available before the event and must be driven from memory. Just think of this as a disciplined rail class. There is walking, trotting, extending, bending, and backing. You just have to remember when to start and where to stop. Copies of the test are available from the ADS web site.
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The second phase is the Marathon. This is designed to test the endurance of the horse and the skills of the driver. The course is usually 4 to 6 kilometers long and involves driving over hills and dales, through water and sometimes over bridges. About every kilometer there is an obstacle. The driver must enter the obstacle and drive through all the required gates in the correct order. The Marathon is timed and specific speeds are recommended. The rate is 9kmh for VSEs. In layman's terms it is a good country pleasure trot. |
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The last phase is the Cones. This is like a giant obstacle course that has twenty gates made of cones. The gates are numbered and they must be driven in the correct order. The width of each gate is determined by taking the wheelbase of the vehicle and adding a few cm to its clearance. The cones all have a ball perched on them. If the cone is even brushed the ball falls and the driver looses three points. This is also a timed event. If one takes too long there are points deducted.
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| Getting ready for an event involves some conditioning of the horse and driver. It will be very helpful if the dressage test is practiced prior to the event. The horse must be able to pull the driver at a trot for about 45 minutes without stopping. This may seem like a long time but most drivers will be surprised how easy it is to get horses in condition to travel the distance without stopping. VSEs are built to drive, and they really enjoy it. |
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Currently there are about twenty- five VSE drivers in the area. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage others to join us in participating in the local events held in this area. If you have been driving in the show ring, you probably have almost everything needed to at least to try one event. Please feel free to contact members for additional information. There are also several beginner clinics offered by one of the local event organizers. |
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| Please come join us and have some fun. It is not too late to get ready for this summer's events. |
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