Diving into Disciplines: Driving

Many driving competitions allow for one horse to be pulling the carriage, or multiple. One of the most well-known international driving competitions is Combined Driving, which is modeled after Eventing. This driving discipline tests horses and drivers over three different phases – dressage, marathon, and timed obstacle. The first phase, Dressage, is scored like a ridden dressage test. Like Eventing, each movement performed receives a score and the object is to get the lowest score possible. The second phase, Marathon, is where drivers must navigate their horse(s) through natural obstacles within a certain time. The marathon phase tests courage, stamina, and ability. The third phase, Timed Obstacles, or "Cones," tests the horse(s) and drivers on a winding, twisting course of cones. The object is to get around the course in the fastest time. You can read our past blog post on Combined Driving here for more information!

Carriage Pleasure Driving classes pay tribute to when the horse and buggy were the primary mode of both public and private transportation. Classes are usually divided by type of hitch – single, pair, tandem, unicorn, or four-in-hand – and can be further categorized by drivers or vehicles, such as amateur ladies-only classes or classes for phaeton carriages. This driving discipline is very traditional. However, not all pleasure drivers need to compete and can enjoy driving their horse around their farm, on trails, or around their towns. You can read more about Pleasure Driving here.

Many breed show associations have specific driving classes to showcase their breed’s ability to drive. One common class featured at various breed shows is the Fine Harness class. In this class, horses are judged at the walk and the trot. These horses usually demonstrate a very controlled, animated trot with noticeable knee action. Another exciting class offered at breed shows, seen especially with Saddlebreds, Morgans, and Hackney Ponies, are the "roadster" divisions. Horses and ponies are showed at three gaits: the walk, the road gait, and at speed. Even draft breeds have competitions where they are shown pulling carriages! You can read more about breed shows and their driving classes here or about draft shows here.

Para-Driving allows for drivers with various disabilities to compete and enjoy the sport as well. These drivers can compete at the international level in Combined Driving or at the national level in other disciplines. Therapeutic Driving has become popular in helping many who cannot ride a horse still be able to connect and work with one. Driving really is a sport for everyone! You can read more about therapeutic driving here.

Breyer has created many driving horses throughout the company’s history. BreyerFest 2023: Driving Forward celebrated driving in a a variety of ways and welcome guest horses who represented a variety of different driving disciplines.

One driving horse who attended BreyerFest in 2022 was Benelli, a very special Clydesdale. This versatile guy is not only known for his unique sabino color, but also his ability to drive in any position in the Hawkes Ranch hitch – even by himself! Created on our Shire Gelding mold (#744), sculpted by Karen Gerhardt, Benelli's model was released in 2020 as a Limited Edition for BreyerFest: Celtic Fling.

The real Benelli at BreyerFest 2022, and his Breyer portrait model

Comment below who your favorite Breyer driving horse is or what driving discipline is your favorite!