Combined Driving 101: Everything You Need To Know
What could be better than watching a horse sport which blends precision, endurance and teamwork? Fans have the chance to see the sport of combined driving up close and personal this week at the 35th annual Live Oak International happening in Ocala, Fla.
Combined driving is one of the most intense equestrian disciplines, and at the highest level of the sport, which will be on display at Live Oak Stud, drivers and their teams of horses will be competing for the title of national championship.
The origin of the sport dates back to ancient times, when horses were used primarily for transportation and war. While historians still debate on if horses were first ridden or driven, it’s clear that horses regularly were used to pull chariots and carts for a number of purposes.
The sport you see today stems from the passion of the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who was instrumental in shaping the modern version of combined driving and elevating it to a global stage.
How it works:
Combined driving competition happens over three phases. Each phase is designed to test the versatility, skill and endurance of both the driver and the horses.
Phase one: Dressage. This initial piece of competition has the driver and horses execute a series of movements in an arena under the eye of judges, not unlike traditional ridden dressage. However, the area is much larger, measuring 40 by 100 meters. The driver and horses are judged based on accuracy of how they perform the movements in the test: the transitions in gait, changes in movements and the overall precision, grace and fluidity of how they perform. Scores are awarded on a scale of 1 to 10. The scores are averaged and converted to penalty points with the goal of accumulating the fewest penalty points possible. The driver is allowed to use voice commands and a whip in the dressage phase.
Phase two: Marathon. Think of marathon like the cross-country phase in three-day eventing. This is where the driver and their horses get to show off the team’s endurance and agility over a course of 8 miles, which includes a series of natural and man-made obstacles. These can include water hazards, tight turns and steep hills. Spectators have a front-row seat to all the action with tailgating passes at Live Oak International.
Phase three: Cones. Next up, the driver and horses team must navigate a course of narrowly placed cones, each topped with a ball. The goal is to pass through the cones without knocking any of the balls over. The cones are just slightly wider than the wheels of the carriage itself. For every cone hit, a team will face three penalty points added to their score. Time is also crucial in this phase – each team must complete the course within a set time limit. So the name of the game is accuracy and speed.
After the three phases, the team with the lowest penalty points is declared the winner.
What to expect:
Live Oak International is known for his challenging and scenic courses, drawing top competitors from around the world. The venue regularly hosts the USEF Combined Driving National Championship for Advanced Four-in-Hand horses, among other divisions. It’s a great place to be introduced to the sport for the first time.
Don’t miss out. Combined driving and top level show jumping is happening this week at Live Oak International, March 13-16 in Ocala, Fla. Get your tickets here. Learn more about the event here.
Photo credit: Erin Gilmore Photography