British Driving Society

Modern day horse and carriage driving is a fast growing sport and leisure activity with the British Driving Society being it`s hub that supports currently over 6500 enthusiasts. The BDS is split into area for organisational purposes and Area Commissioners are responsible for the many affiliated events that take place throughout the year. Most popular are perhaps the rallies when members meet up with their turnouts and just enjoy a drive out in the countryside with a picnic stop halfway or afterwards.

Fun shows, demonstrations, all types of social events as well as the comparatively new event BDS-Trec, enjoy good support from a keen membership some of whom have turnouts and many who do not.

BDS-Trec is sponsored in 2005 by V-Bandz Ltd, a company specialising in high class visibility gear for horses and humans. It involves a three stage open competition for all types of drivers from novice upwards, phase one being the safety presentation , phase two- the drive out and phase three the skills section where turnouts individually try their hand at various tasks, from trotting a 20m circle with only one hand on the reins, to endeavouring to persuade the horse or pony to stand stock still whilst the passenger dismounts from the vehicle then remounts it after 20 seconds or so.

Of course the `shop window` for driving has to be the classes seen at shows all over the country, where many types of turnout from shetlands to gelderlanders can be seen in their best `bib and tucker` harnessed to wonderful antique vehicles such as gigs, country carts, phaetons and the like.

However most people start with an exercise vehicle of sorts, an outgrown child`s pony and a set of synthetic harness which is so freely available from saddlers everywhere. Some do manage to school the animal into a decent harness horse themselves, but the best idea by far is to send it to an experienced person where you can also go for lessons yourself and learn together !

Details of all these activities and contacts are available from the British Driving Society`s website britishdrivingsociety.co.uk or from the secretary, Mrs Tess Styles at 83 New Road, Helmingham , Stowmarket Suffolk IP14 6EA telephone 01473 892001.

Members receive a quarterly newsletter and annual journal with interesting articles and photographs in both.