Combined Driving Event at the World Equestrian Games

Apr 13, 2010 1 Comment by Jackie

So, I used to think that eventers were a little nuts for the stuff they did on a cross country course. Then I saw a very brief demonstration of combined driving at the Pfizer Fantasia show at Equine Affaire. Four horses galloping full speed through tight turns, one driver, and two crazy people hanging off the back acting as ballasts to counter the forces of inertia.

Needless to say, I very quickly developed a profound respect for combined driving competition – and decided it was next on my list of World Equestrian Games discipline overviews because I wanted to know more.

Here’s the scoop on combined driving competition at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

What is the Combined Driving Event?

Combined driving is modeled after three-day eventing and includes similar three phases: dressage, marathon, and an intricate pattern through a course of cones. Competitions are available for drivers with a Single horse, Pairs (two hitched side-by-side), Tandem (two hitched one in front of the other) or Teams with four horses hitched as two pairs. Ponies and horses compete separately.

Penalty points are incurred in each of the three phases, and the competitor with the lowest overall penalty score wins.

Driven Dressage

The combined driving dressage phase is a series of compulsory movements performed in a 100×40 meter arena. Horses are judged on the smoothness of maneuvers, obedience, impulsion, regularity of pace, harmony, bending, and positioning. Competitors are also judged on their style, accuracy, control, and the turnout and condition of the horses and carriage.

Cross-Country Marathon

The marathon phase tests the fitness, stamina, and obedience of the horses and the judgment and capability of the driver. The marathon course is a maximum of 18 kilometers and includes a series of hazards such as sharp turns, water, steep hills, and constructed obstacles. The course must be completed within the optimum time allowed. Mandatory vet checks during the course ensure the horses are healthy and sound. The marathon phase is typically the most thrilling for drivers and spectators alike.

Obstacle-Cone Competition

The object of the cone competition in combined driving is to negotiate through narrowly spaced pairs of cones cleanly within the time allowed. Each cone has a ball placed on top, and any miscalculation will dislodge the ball, incurring a penalty. This final phase tests the fitness, agility and obedience of the horse and the accuracy and skill of the driver.

Vehicles, Grooms, and Navigators

The same vehicle can be used for dressage and cones, but a more rugged version is used for the marathon course.

Each competitor’s team may also include a groom and a navigator. The groom helps the driver stay on the correct course through the marathon course and keeps track of the time, and may accompany the driver on dressage and cones. The groom is also the one on the back assisting with keeping the carriage weighted correctly. They may give verbal assistance only on cross country.

Here’s a great video with highlights of all three phases from the 2009 USEF national driving championships held at the Kentucky Horse Park:

Gives me chills!

Combined Driving Competition at WEG

The combined driving event at the World Equestrian Games is for four-in-hand Teams only. Medals will be awarded for both individuals and nations.

The WEG Foundation is hoping to see 30-40 driving teams total participate in the 2010 games. Each driver will bring 5 horses and can use any combination of the five horses throughout the three phases.

International Qualification Requirements: All horses and drivers who competed at the Four-In-Hand World Championships in March 2008 are automatically qualified for the World Equestrian Games. Those who didn’t compete at the 2008 championships must complete three FEI national or international driving events. They must also incur no more than 70 penalties in a special driving dressage competition.

US Team Selection: the USEF driving high performance committee will select the horse and driver Teams who will represent the US at WEG. Drivers interested in qualifying must achieve a minimum score at a set of pre-selected competitions.

Driving Schedule and Tickets at WEG

The combined driving competition will take place over four days at the World Equestrian Games. Purchase your tickets for combined driving through TicketMaster.

Dates	Phase	Location	Ticket Price
Thurs-Fri, Oct 7-8	Driving Dressage	Driving Stadium	$50
Sat, Oct 9	Cross-Country Marathon	Cross-Country Course	$45
Sun, Oct 10	Obstacle Phase	Driving Stadium	$50