In a Combined Driving Event (CDE), horses and drivers compete in three phases: dressage, marathon and cones. It is based on the Olympic sport called Eventing, but with a carriage behind the horse(s). Penaly points are awarded during these three competitions, and the driver with the least amount of penalties at the end of the three phases is the winner.
The first day of a CDE is Dressage and Cones. Dressage takes place in a manicured arena in which the driver must take his horse(s) or pony(s) through a prescribed test which consists of a variety of movements and transitions. Drivers are judged on their ability to accurately execute the test and the horse(s) are judged on impulsion, suppleness, responsiveness as well as freedom and regularity of the gaits.
The object of the Cones competition is to drive through narrowly spaced pairs of cones cleanly within time allowed. Each cone has a ball placed on top, and any miscalculation will dislodge the ball, thus incurring a penalty. This phase tests the agility of the horses and the accuracy of of the driver.
The second day of a CDE is the Marathon. This phase tests the fitness, stamina and obedience of the horses and the judgment and capability of the driver. Marathons vary in length from 14km to 22km. Advanced competitions can have 5 sections (A, B, C, D, E), which includes mandatory walks, trots, and a section which includes up to 8 obstacles. Other competitions may have 3 sections (A,B, E), all having a minimum/maximum time allowance. At the end of section B and D there are mandatory 10 minutes halts with veterinary checks to ensure that horses are not unduly stressed and are fit enough to continue.
Grooms and Navigators
A groom/navigator may accompany the driver in the dressage and cones competitions in the case of a single horse/pony; however a groom/navigator is mandatory for two or more horses. No communication between the driver and the groom is allowed in the dressage or cones competitions.
On the marathon, the groom is a vital part of the team.He/she helps the driver stay on the correct course, to keep track of time, and can help direct the route through obstacles. The groom also helps to balance the vehicle by shifting his/her weight around tight turns or on uneven ground. Grooms may not handle the reins, nor the whip, and may give verbal assistance only in the marathon.
Carriage & Harness
The carriages and harness used in CDEs must be safe and well maintained. Each competitors gear is checked at presentation before the dressage test and again for safety before the marathon. The same carriage must be used in both dressage and cones; a second carriage may be used in the marathon.
