4 March 2022

Making National Champions: British Indoor Carriage Driving comes to Arena-UK

Arena UK, near Grantham, hosts the British Indoor Driving Championships for the first time on Friday, 1 April through Sunday, 3 April, and spectators are welcome, free.

Since 1998, when the sport of horse driving trials first came indoors with a winter season of one-day local events, Indoor Carriage Driving-UK has made over 250 National Champions, aged eight to over 80.

Over 100 of the top drivers from 20 regions compete for National Championship titles in 13 classes for the first time since 2019 owing to the pandemic suspending the sport. Ponies 44” and below have their own Small Pony Supreme Championship with singles and pairs testing their mettle.

Spectators are welcome

Friday and Saturday mornings start with the well-trained accuracy of driven dressage – ‘Precision & Paces’ – followed by agile negotiation of the cones course. The speedy obstacle driving takes place in the main arena from about 1pm each day.

Saturday afternoon is when the Supreme Championship is decided in a thrilling finale, showing the horses’ athleticism and teamwork between the driver and groom on the carriage at its finest, up close and personal.

Sunday is for obstacle driving for all other classes, including the small ponies novices, young drivers and veterans. There are also classes for four-in-hands and the rarely seen tandems.

Live stream & spectators

Horse & Country are live-streaming from the main arena. Results are published live online. There is lots to see with trade stands, carriages, harness and driving equipment in the setting of Arena UK’s world class facilities.

Spectators are welcome every day, free, and there is no charge for parking – Arena UK, NG32 2EF – 1-3 April.

Click here for more information