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May 6-12 is US Equestrian's Community Outreach Awareness Week. Learn more at usef.org/opportunity.
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Carriage Pleasure Driving

Since prior to the Industrial Revolution the horse and buggy represented the primary mode for both public and private transportation, it is no surprise that driving has established itself as one of the oldest and most popular disciplines within competitive equestrian sport. Carriage pleasure driving classes pay tribute to this heritage, and the vehicles used in competition are either actual antique or replica carriages of the day. Classes may be divided by type of hitch: single, pair, tandem, unicorn, or four-in-hand, and can be further categorized by the criteria with which they are judged.

Although overall performance is evaluated in every class, the driver’s skill and ability take priority in reinsmanship. Conversely, in a working class the performance of the horse or horses is most important. A turnout class is primarily evaluated based in the appropriateness and quality of the vehicle, harness, and driver appointments. Additionally, there are obstacle classes which test the driver’s ability to negotiate a series of cones set in a particular pattern and order, with speed and accuracy becoming the determining factor. Marathons may also be included at driving competitions along with driven dressage.

Contact
Ashton Street

[email protected]
859-225-2059
 

 

 

Forms and Publications

2023 Carriage Pleasure Driving Declaration Form

Form to register for eligibility to Carriage Pleasure Driving Horse Of The Year awards

Carriage Pleasure Driving Driven Dressage Intermediate Level Test Patterns

The drawn patterns for the Intermediate Level tests can be found here. USEF extends a great thank you to the USEF Carriage Pleasure Driving Committee and to Vici Surr for their work and dedication to the creation of these drawn patterns.

Carriage Pleasure Driving Driven Dressage Intermediate Tests

The judge's cards for the Driven Dressage Intermediate Tests.

Carriage Pleasure Driving Driven Dressage Intermediate Tests Legal Size

The judge's cards for the Driven Dressage Intermediate Tests in legal size format.

Carriage Pleasure Driving Driven Dressage Preliminary Level Test Patterns

The drawn patterns for the Preliminary Level tests can be found here. USEF extends a great thank you to the USEF Carriage Pleasure Driving Committee and to Vici Surr for their work and dedication to the creation of these drawn patterns.

Carriage Pleasure Driving Driven Dressage Preliminary Tests

The judge's cards for the Driven Dressage Preliminary Tests.

Carriage Pleasure Driving Driven Dressage Preliminary Tests Legal Size

The judge's cards for the Driven Dressage Preliminary Tests in legal size format.

Carriage Pleasure Driving Driven Dressage Training Level Test Patterns

The drawn patterns for the Training Level tests can be found here. USEF extends a great thank you to the USEF Carriage Pleasure Driving Committee and to Vici Surr for their work and dedication to the creation of these drawn patterns.

Carriage Pleasure Driving Driven Dressage Training Tests

The judge's cards for the Driven Dressage Training Tests.

Carriage Pleasure Driving Growth

This video presents a Carriage Pleasure Driving community discussion which explored ideas on ways to expand the discipline of Carriage Pleasure Driving.