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The Sport

Combined Driving Events

The horse and carriage equivalent of three-day eventing — demanding skill, courage and an exceptional partnership between horse and driver.

Combined driving, also known as horse driving trials, is the competitive discipline that tests a horse and driver across three completely different challenges — artistic dressage, cross-country marathon driving, and precision cone navigation. Events run over one to three days and are held throughout the UK from spring to autumn.

Divisions: Competitors enter as a single (one horse), pair (two horses), tandem (two horses in line), or team (four horses). Each has its own class structure at events, from novice to international.

The Three Phases

How a Combined Driving Event Works

Each phase tests different qualities and contributes to the overall score. The lowest combined score wins.

1
🎭

Dressage

Day One

The dressage phase takes place in a 100m × 40m arena. Driver and horse perform a prescribed test from memory, demonstrating paces, accuracy, suppleness and harmony. Movements include working trot, collected and extended paces, circles and transitions. Each movement is marked 0–10 by judges.

  • Duration7–12 minutes
  • Arena Size100m × 40m
  • Judges3–5 judges
  • ScoredPenalty points (lower = better)
Full Dressage Guide
2
🏔️

Marathon

Day Two

The marathon is the most physically demanding phase. Competitors drive a cross-country course of 15–25km, navigating natural terrain before tackling a series of numbered hazards — elaborate arrangements of posts, gates and water that must be driven through in a specific sequence as fast as possible.

  • Distance15–25km total
  • HazardsUp to 8 hazards
  • Time penaltiesPer second over time
  • Groom/NavigatorPermitted in carriage
Full Marathon Guide
3
🎯

Cones

Day Three

The cones phase tests the horse's obedience and the driver's accuracy after the rigours of the marathon. Pairs of traffic cones topped with balls are set in a winding course; knocking a ball off adds 3 penalty points per cone. The course must be completed within an optimum time.

  • Cone width30cm wider than vehicle
  • Penalty per cone3 points
  • Time penalty1 point per second over
  • Number of cones18–20 pairs typically
Full Cones Guide
"Combined driving demands everything — artistry, courage, precision and an unshakeable bond with your horse. That's why we love it."
— International Combined Driving Competitor
Competition carriage
Getting Competitive

Starting Out in Competition

Most combined driving competitors begin at Area level — local BDS or national federation events run specifically for novices and grassroots drivers. Entry fees are typically £50–£120 per event and competition is friendly and supportive.

As you gain experience and improve your scores, you can progress through levels: Novice → Intermediate → Advanced → National → International. Very few sports offer such a clear development pathway.

  • No previous competition experience required at novice level
  • Equipment can be borrowed or hired initially
  • Club members often help at each other's events
  • Online dressage tests available to practise at home
  • Some events offer training days alongside competitions
Classes

Competition Formats

🐎

Singles

One horse or pony. The most accessible class for beginners and the most common at UK events.

🐎🐎

Pairs

Two horses side by side. Requires additional skill in balancing reins for two horses simultaneously.

↕️

Tandem

Two horses in line — one in front of the other. Highly technical and exciting to watch.

🏇

Four-in-Hand

Four horses in two pairs. The pinnacle of the sport — spectacular and demanding at every level.