Combined Driving - The Levels and Divisions of Combined Driving

The Levels and Divisions of Combined Driving

International driving competitions, which fall under FEI rules, are divided into the following categories or classes, which reflect the number and arrangement of horses:

• Single horse – only one animal is used to pull the carriage.
• Pair of horses – two animals are harnessed to the carriage, side by side.
• Four-in-Hand (sometimes known as a "team") – four horses, one pair being in front of the other pair.

The competitions are further divided into horses and ponies, according to the size of the animals. Driving Ponies must not exceed 148 cm. All animals over this height are classified as Horses.

There are some competitions (usually not international) which may use other arrangements, e.g.:

• Tandem – one horse or pony in front of the other
• Randem – three horses in-line, one in the front, one in the middle and one at the rear
• Unicorn – two horses at the back, one at the front
• Pickaxe – one horse at the back, two at the front
• Troika – three horses side-by-side

At National and Club level, further division is made according to the ability and experience of the driver.

In the United States, the levels of combined driving are similar to that of eventing:

• Training
• Preliminary
• Intermediate
• Advanced

In the UK, where the sport is known as Horse Driving Trials, the levels of progression from Club to National competition are:

• Pre-novice
• Novice
• Intermediate
• Open
• Advanced

In the NZ, the sport is known as Combined Driving Trials,(CDT) and the levels of competition are:

• Novice
• Intermediate
• Open

There is also the Training division, for a seasoned whip driving a new horse Classes are further split into height divisions, which generally include tiny pony under 108cm, pony and horse, but there are also often divisions for small and large ponies. Multiples (pairs, randoms etc.), are driven in their height class.

The driver qualifies for the class usually by successfully competing in a lower class for a set period of time or a number of wins. Most people start driving with a single pony or horse and these can range from 80 cm (32 in) to 170 cm (17hh). Many clubs run special classes for the smallest ponies.