Clubs & Associations — Carriage Driving UK

National Governing Body

The British Driving Society

The British Driving Society (BDS) was established in 1957 and has been the national governing body for carriage driving in Great Britain ever since. Founded with the mission of promoting and preserving all forms of carriage driving — from competitive combined driving to quiet pleasure hacking — the BDS today represents thousands of drivers of every level.

BDS membership gives you access to a nationwide network of coaches, a comprehensive calendar of shows and pleasure drives, the society's bi-monthly magazine, public liability insurance cover at events and significant discounts on training clinics and equipment from affiliated suppliers.

The BDS also manages the official coaching pathway, administers the rulebook for British driving competitions, and represents UK drivers at FEI level. It is, simply put, the essential organisation for anyone serious about carriage driving in Great Britain.

International Governance

The FEI — International Driving

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) is the international governing body for equestrian sport, including carriage driving. Over 40 nations compete under FEI rules at international driving events, including the World Equestrian Games and the FEI World Driving Championship.

FEI rules apply at all international competitions and differ in some respects from the BDS rules used at domestic UK events. Drivers aspiring to international competition need to familiarise themselves with both sets of regulations. The British Equestrian Federation manages the selection of British drivers for international FEI competitions.

For most UK drivers, the FEI is a distant aspiration — but it's a magnificent spectacle to watch, and the best international events are open to spectators. The World Four-in-Hand Championships in particular are an unforgettable sporting occasion.

Find Your Club

Regional Driving Clubs

BDS-affiliated clubs cover every region of the UK. Here's a snapshot of what's available across the country.

North

Scotland

Several active clubs operate across Scotland, from the Borders to the Highlands. The Scottish driving scene is characterised by spectacular countryside drives, a tight-knit community and some superb natural terrain for marathon work. The Floors Castle Driving Trials is Scotland's premier event.

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North

Northern England

Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and the North East have a rich driving tradition. The Fell Pony heartland of Cumbria produces some of the UK's most capable marathon horses. The Lowther Horse Driving Trials in the Lake District is one of the most scenic events on the calendar.

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Central

Midlands

The Midlands has a strong and active club network with excellent facilities for training and competition. Good road hacking country and several excellent show venues. Home to numerous BDS-qualified coaches and regular training days throughout the season.

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East

East Anglia

The flat countryside of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire provides excellent road driving conditions and some lovely estate and park venues for events. The Sandringham area connection to the Royal Family gives driving here a particular historic significance.

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West

South West

Devon, Somerset, Cornwall and Dorset offer superb driving country — rolling hills, quiet lanes and beautiful coastal scenery. Welsh Cobs are particularly popular in this region. Several residential driving centres offer courses to visitors as well as local members.

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South

South East

Home to Royal Windsor — the most prestigious event on the calendar — the South East has excellent venues and a high density of experienced drivers. Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire all have active clubs offering regular group drives and training sessions.

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Club Life

What Does a Driving Club Do?

The social and practical value of a good driving club is hard to overstate. For many drivers, their club is the heart of their involvement in the sport — providing not just events and training, but genuine friendship and mutual support.

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Group pleasure drives. Regular organised drives through local countryside — usually on roads and bridleways — where members drive together as a group. Excellent for socialising, experiencing new routes and supporting less confident horses in company.
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Club shows and competitions. Most clubs organise at least one annual show with classes for members and visitors. These range from informal fun days to BDS-affiliated competitions with dressage, marathon and cones phases.
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Training days and clinics. Clubs regularly invite BDS-qualified coaches to run training days for members. These offer high-quality instruction at shared cost and are one of the best value learning opportunities in the sport.
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Rallies and social events. Annual rallies, winter suppers and social gatherings build the community spirit that makes the driving world so welcoming. New members are invariably made to feel at home immediately.

Joining the British Driving Society

BDS membership is open to anyone with an interest in carriage driving — you don't need to own a horse or have any experience. Membership costs approximately £60–£80 per year for individuals (junior and family rates available) and includes:

Bi-monthly BDS Gazette magazine
Access to the national trainer directory
Public liability insurance at BDS-affiliated events
Discounts on driving equipment from affiliated retailers
Right to enter BDS-affiliated competitions at member rates
Membership of your regional BDS affiliated club
Access to BDS training events and clinics at member prices

Visit bhs.org.uk or search online for "British Driving Society" to find the current membership rates and joining instructions.