Private Driving

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting Private Driving classes at The Sandringham Festival of Carriage Driving, a fantastic new venture that we hope you will support. This one-of-a-kind festival is the only event in the UK to bring together seven different driving disciplines, making it a truly special occasion for enthusiasts of the sport. Our British Driving Society classes serve as qualifiers for the prestigious National Championships at Addington in September, offering competitors the chance to secure their place on the national stage. With a wide range of classes available, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced competitor or new to the sport. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, we are also running a pleasure drive on Sunday, providing a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the stunning Sandringham estate at a more leisurely pace. We look forward to welcoming you and making this an exciting and successful addition to the festival! 

The OC may amalamate classes if there are insufficent entries. Equally we are open to adding more classes if there is a need. Please email sarah@sandringhamhorsedrivingtrials.co.uk to discuss

Entry Fee per class: £20.00

Concour d'Elegance £10.00 

Open to single, pair, tandem or team of ponies 13.2hh and under driven to a suitable traditional carriage and excluding exercise vehicles or show wagons 

Open to single, pair, tandem or team of ponies over 13.2hh driven to a suitable traditional carriage and excluding exercise vehicles or show wagons 

Please Note: For Hackneys in Wagons please see the Hackney Horse Society Classes held on Saturday 28th June

Open to single, pair, tandem or team of any height driven to a suitable traditional carriage (2 or 4 wheel) and excluding exercise vehicles or show wagons 

 Open to horses or ponies driven to two or four wheeled light trade vehicles. No goods to be carried or displayed. Empty containers (e.g. milk churns) are permitted. 

 Pleasure Driving classes are for newcomers to showing and not intended for those who show in private driving classes. Regular showing competitors are asked to respect this.To be judged on general cleanliness, safety of turnout, correct fitting of harness and vehicle suitability.To be judged:15% vehicle suitability, fit and cleanliness; 15% harness suitability, fit and cleanliness; 70% driver & groom, equine, way of going and suitability as a family pleasure animal. Competitors may, for example be required to drive and halt between two pairs of cones and/or given other specific movements to execute in their show. Open to horses, ponies, donkeys & mules.A single or pair driven to a vehicle capable of seating 2 or more persons. Open to traditional/traditional-type vehicles or an exercise vehicle and for the purposes of this class they will be judged on equal merit. Pneumatic tyres specifically designed for carriages (i.e. not car tyres) are allowed. Lamps need not be carried  

PLEASE NOTE: WE ALSO HAVE A PLEASURE DRIVE THAT IS A DRIVE AROUND THE SANDRINGHAM ESTATE UTILISING SECTION A & B ON THE HDT MARATHON. TO ENTER THIS PLEASE FOLLOW THE HDT CLUB EVENT

Open to horses & ponies. A single, pair or tandem driven to a carriage of non-traditional type design and includes those with pneumatic tyres specifically designed for carriages (i.e. not car tyres). Lamps need not be carried. Judging will include general cleanliness, safety of turnout, correct fitting of harness and vehicle suitability.

 Open to all types of carriage and any height horse/pony. Driver to be between 8 - 17  on date of show. 

 Open to all types of carriage and any height horse/pony. 

 Open to traditional-type vehicles with singles, pairs, tandems, or teams. The essence of this class is ‘elegance,’ with the winner being the turnout that, in the Judge’s opinion, presents the most refined and graceful overall impression. This includes the vehicle, horse, driver, and passenger, with emphasis on the harmony of the entire turnout. While attention may be given to the attire of drivers and passengers, fancy dress and period costumes are strictly prohibited. This class does not follow standard judging criteria; instead, it will be assessed from a distance based on overall visual appeal, rather than close inspection. 

 This open to first and second prize winners for all the above classes except Concours d'Elegance. 

Champion to receive Championship Rosette, Trophy and the British Driving Society Champion rosette

Reserve Champion to receive Reserve Champion  rosette