Powys Carriage Driving Group

This is a short newsletter to let you know what activities are planned for PCDG over the coming months.

We have plenty to offer you over the coming year with a monthly winter indoor series already booked at Llwynon Saddlery. This starts with a training session to introduce the new season’s dressage test on 18th September followed by a ODE with advice and support throughout from Emily, who as you know is an experienced National competitor. Throughout the winter there will be a special newcomers class for those just learning to drive with plenty of support given and the opportunity to long rein and drive other member’s turnouts if you do not have your own so now is the time to take up the reins and get started !!

In addition on November 12th the club has also booked the wonderful facilities at Kings Equestrian Centre, Bromyard, to enjoy an arena challenge and cones classes – ideal for those who are not so keen on dressage!

Our Christmas social will be Saturday 10th December with a meal / buffet at a popular pub.

But back to the summer! Since the AGM meeting we have held two fabulous arena challenge events outdoors – one at The Paddocks, near Crickhowell and the other at the Bevans, Maesmynis. This popular format was showcased at the Three Counties Show where members Sue and Emily competed successfully. Sue was 6th in Novice Horse/Pony and Emily won the open Horse /Pony. Their rosettes were presented by the chairman of the BHDTA Tony Bache. The Arena Challenge is great fun to drive and to watch. Two obstacles are set up with pairs of cones on a flowing course linking them and to be driven as fast as the driver wishes. Each competitor completes the course once then drives it a second time to give their score over the two rounds. There are photos and a video clip on our Facebook page. At our club events you can have plenty of practice turns and there is a long reining competition as well. The event is really addictive as you try to better your previous round’s score and by popular request we are planning a third Arena Challenge on July 10th . This will again be at the Bevans field at Maesymnis . At our last event there Andrew and Jacqui kindly loaned the use of their turnout to two new club members whose ponies are still at the long reining stage of breaking to harness. This meant they could drive and take a full part in the event. Sally’s little pony Teddy did lots of long reining to allow everyone to have a go ! We are all very relaxed and helpful so please do come and try it out!

Six members are enrolled on the Emergency First Aid Certificate course at Newbridge on Wye on July 16th which will ensure the club is well covered at events. Then on 17th July we have an ODE at Llwynon Saddlery using the arenas there. The cones course can be driven more than once with speed cones, coachmans cones, driver  and groom cones and other variants to provide more driving fun. On 24th July we are holding cones classes and Le Trec skills at Underhill Stables, near Llandrindod Wells, using their arena.

Sunday 31st July is Hay on Wye show, with Brecon show on 4th August. Both have a good range of driving classes and if you would like advice on  presentation and how to drive in the show ring to impress the judge, do not hesitate to contact Emily or myself on 01874 690253. Encouraged by the great success of members at the Brecon County show last year we hope drivers will support these shows. On 13th August the club has been invited to promote carriage driving at Vaynor Show. If you would like to help man our information tent your help will be greatly appreciated. It is a great show!

On 21st August we are holding a Le Trec competition in mid Powys in conjunction with the BDS Mid East Wales. This will be a full Le Trec with presentation phase , drive and ten skills. A chance to have a go for the first time or to practice for the Championships the following month.

The 28th August is another chance to try an arena challenge at Maesymnis . In September or October if enough members are keen we would be able to organise an outdoor three phase event, including water, at this lovely venue which has wonderful drives over hills and valley for the marathon phase.

So as you can see the club has lots of exciting activities planned and many more in the pipeline – including trips to places of interest to the carriage driver. Our club has a very  healthy bank balance ensuring it will thrive as an organisation for years to come. We are also supported by generous local sponsors, Powys County Council and In Harness magazine. We have a keen committee, a very experienced and enthusiastic training officer in Emily and friendly members - many with considerable experience of driving. who are keen to share their knowledge and help those less experienced.

We hope you will  enjoy another year’s driving with old friends and new.

Best wishes

Ann Ham