About Us
2025
The countdown is on! The Sandringham Festival of Carriage Driving 2025 is set to be bigger and better than ever, with an incredible lineup of disciplines bringing together the very best of carriage driving at the prestigious Sandringham Estate. This is the only event in the UK to unite such a diverse range of driving disciplines, making it a truly unmissable experience for competitors and spectators alike.
What's New for 2025?
We've expanded the event to include an even wider variety of exciting classes, ensuring there's something for everyone who loves the thrill and elegance of equestrian sport. Here’s what to expect:
- National and Club Horse Driving Trials – The backbone of our event, these thrilling competitions showcase the skill, precision, and endurance of drivers and their horses as they navigate intricate dressage tests, challenging cones courses, and exhilarating marathon obstacles.
- British Driving Society Classes – A stunning display of traditional carriage driving, highlighting the beauty of finely turned-out horses and elegant vehicles steeped in history.
- Hackney Horse Society Driving Classes – The high-stepping Hackneys bring power and elegance to the arena, demonstrating their extraordinary action and presence.
- British Scurry & Trials Driving – Expect fast-paced action as ponies and drivers race against the clock, weaving through obstacles in an adrenaline-fueled competition that never fails to entertain.
- Coaching Club & Attelage d’Tradition – A celebration of historic coaching and classical driving, featuring exquisitely restored carriages and immaculately presented teams, bringing history to life in spectacular fashion.
- Horse Boarding – A brand-new addition for 2025! Watch riders on off-road boards race behind galloping horses in this thrilling extreme sport, combining speed, balance, and sheer excitement.
The Sandringham Festival of Carriage Driving 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, bringing together a stunning variety of horses, carriages, and disciplines in one breathtaking showcase. Whether you're a seasoned competitor, an equestrian enthusiast, or simply looking for a fantastic day out, this is the place to be!
Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to witness carriage driving like never before!
2024
Looking Back: Sandringham 2024
2024 marked an exciting new chapter for Sandringham’s iconic carriage driving event, with a new committee at the helm, building on the strong foundations laid by their predecessors. We extend our gratitude to the former committee for their dedication in nurturing this prestigious event over the years. Their efforts have helped maintain Sandringham’s special place in the driving trials calendar, honoring the legacy of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, whose vision first brought competitive carriage driving to the stunning grounds of Sandringham Estate.
2024 we were also delighted to welcome HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh as our President, further strengthening the event’s royal connections and continuing the tradition of support for carriage driving at Sandringham.
In keeping with this tradition, the 2024 event saw a fantastic collaboration with Windsor Park Equestrian Club, a club originally founded by the Late Duke at Windsor Great Park to celebrate the joy of carriage driving, dressage, and, in its early days, showjumping. This partnership further strengthened the connection between Sandringham and the rich heritage of the sport.
A Spectacular Four Days of Competition
Across four action-packed days, Sandringham 2024 delivered thrilling competition, unforgettable displays, and a true celebration of carriage driving, including:
- National, Club & Gateway Horse Driving Trials – Showcasing talent across all levels, from young and upcoming drivers to experienced international competitorss.
- The Coaching Club’s Presidents Meet – A breathtaking sight as five magnificent coaches made their way through the Estate, a nod to the elegance and grandeur of traditional coaching.
- AIAT Attelage d’Tradition – A stunning display of historic carriages and classical driving, preserving the artistry and craftsmanship of bygone eras.
- British Scurry & Trials Driving – High-speed, edge-of-your-seat entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings, as ponies and drivers raced through obstacles with incredible agility and skill.
Looking Ahead to 2025!
With such a fantastic 2024 event behind us, the Sandringham Festival of Carriage Driving 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger and better! The committee is working tirelessly to bring even more excitement, more disciplines, and more opportunities for competitors and spectators alike. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to build on this incredible legacy – we can’t wait to welcome you back to Sandringham Estate for another unforgettable festival!
1982 - 2023
Sandringham House Carriage Driving Event: A Rich History
The Sandringham House Carriage Driving Event ran its inaugural event in 1982, running alongside a Country Fair. This prestigious event was scheduled annually for the week following Royal Ascot and either before or after the Royal Norfolk Show, ensuring it remained a fixture in the equestrian calendar.
To accommodate the growing interest in the event, a large, level Main Arena was constructed at great expense. This arena became the focal point for the Driven Dressage phase and various ring attractions, including performances by the King’s Troop and falconry displays. Spectators could enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, with high-quality trade stands situated around the arena, offering shopping opportunities while watching the competition and entertainment.
A Changing Landscape (2004-Present)
In 2004, a significant change took place—the Country Fair was moved to August, effectively separating it from the Carriage Driving Event. Despite this split, the carriage driving competition continued independently, supported by generous sponsorship from dedicated enthusiasts. Their contributions have ensured the event’s survival, and sponsorship remains a vital aspect today.
The Marathon Course: A Unique Route Every Year
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Sandringham Carriage Driving Event was its ability to offer a different marathon course each year, thanks to the vast expanse of the Sandringham Estate.
Competitors had the rare opportunity to drive through the gardens of Sandringham House, passing through both the Old and New Norwich Gates before reaching a rest stop near the Museum Garages. The route varies annually but often includes scenic roads and tracks, passing through stunning lavender fields, woodlands, fruit orchards, and even alongside The King’s Royal Stud. This constant variation allows participants to enjoy a fresh and breathtaking view of the estate with each competition.
Expanding the Event (2017-Present)
In 2017, the organising committee decided to broaden the scope of the event by integrating other driving disciplines. That year, the esteemed Coaching Club of Great Britian was invited to participate, and they now hold their Presidents Meet at Sandringham Driving Trials event every year. They gathered in the Main Arena before embarking on a picturesque drive through the Sandringham House Gardens, past the Royal Stud, and around the larger estate, culminating in a presentation in front of the Lake.
Additionally, the AIAT Attelage d'Tradition was welcomed to use the venue over the same weekend for a two-day competition. The first day featured events in the Main Arena, while the second day allowed participants to enjoy a scenic estate drive before competing in a cones competition in front of the Lake.