Horse driving trials, the marathon

Yesterday we went to see the marathon of horse driving trials that were held near where we live. Horse driving trials, or combined driving, consists of three phases: dressage, obstacle cone driving and a cross-country marathon. On Saturday the competitors had to do the dressage and obstacle cone driving part. For more information about horse driving trials: see this wikipedia entry. The marathon is the most spectacular part. The photos speak for themselves I think. Every obstacle has to be negotiated at great speed, because the fastest time counts. And although every driver has a whip, they don't hit the horses to make them go faster. I've not seen it used one time! The drivers mainly use their voice to make the horses go faster or to slow down. It's really fantastic to see.

Every carriage has a driver and one or more grooms. The grooms play a very important part in keeping the carriage upright and pointing out which direction the driver has to take. Humans and horses work together like a well-oiled machine. Great to watch!

And it's a sport for all ages. If you want to take your grandfather out on a Sunday, make him your groom. This poor old man was clinging on for dear life! At least it looked that way. In fact he is a highly skilled groom of course. An unmissable part of this team. And clinging on for dear life. These photos will hopefully give you a good impression of the speed and agility needed for this event. Enjoy!