Exercise Vehicle classes, what do you need?

[neasham]

Hey guys,

Finally my local show are going to have a carriage driving comp to mark the 100th anniversary of the show. So I'm hoping to enter quoz in his 1st show as it will mean I can just drive there :D no need for a horse box which I don't have! YAY! However I have no idea what turnout I will need for the exercise class...will a Hillams exercise vehicle do as well? It only has the rubber motorbike sorta tyres, I know its just the exercise class but I don't want to go underdressed!

Please help!

Rachael

[Alfies-slave]

A Hillam will be fine.

You will need

A Hat, Trilby type (unisex) or discreet brimmed hat (lady)

A driving apron. If you haven't got one I can tell you how to make one!

Gloves. Brown is usual.

A driving whip.

YOu wear 'country clothes' like a hacking jacket, shirt, tie (optional) beige trousers(seem popular)

Your harness, cart, horse & yourself & groom need to be clean & workmanlike. Everything needs to fit and the horse must be well put to.

It is less formal than 'Private Driving' The judges are looking for a well schooled horse and a good driver. It is not about who has the finest gig and English leather harness! Competition is still stiff, it is more to do with skill than frills and tat!

[trottingvanner]

the horse,cart,harness,driver and groom must 'look the part' driver and groom must have identical clothes and set up it all must 'match'.

[Wally]

The driver and groom do not need to match, they can wear smart country clothes or your groom can wear tweed riding gear with a hunting cap. It is better for the groom not to compete with the driver.

You will need a basket or smartish box with spares in it.
Pack a rope halter or folded headcollar and rope.
A hoof pick,
Leather punch,
String,
Pencil (not pen they don't work in the wet) and note book.
Some change.
A sharp knife
Spare trace and a spare rein.
If you have lamps a spare candle and a lighter or matches.

Judges don't mind bashes and scratches in exercise classes, but everything must be as clean as you can get it.

Get some tyre black for the tyres, it's good stuff and makes the wheels look good.

Best of luck.