4 February 2023

New association for international carriage drivers launched

A new association for carriage drivers has been launched to coincide with the FEI Driving World Cup Final in Bordeaux. The International Carriage Drivers Association (ICDA) has been established to represent the interests of all international drivers across horse, pony and para equestrian driving classes.

ICDA has been founded to support the growth of carriage driving and to promote sportsmanship across all driving classes in order to promote the image of driving sport. ICDA’s formation follows the example of other equestrian disciplines such as Dressage and Jumping which have established similar associations. A key objective for all these associations is to ensure a direct line of communication between the athletes and the FEI.

Membership is open both to international drivers and supporters of carriage driving. Representatives from all driving classes have joined the Committee. The FEI Athletes representative Franz Schiltz (LUX) has also been invited to join the committee in order to streamline communication between ICDA and FEI.

No membership fee

Boyd Exell (AUS), together with Koos de Ronde (NED), have prompted the establishment of ICDA and commented: “We both believe ICDA is an important step forward in supporting the development of driving as a top equestrian discipline. ICDA will give drivers a forum to discuss the way forward for the sport and will ensure that their views are communicated directly with the FEI.”

Manuel Bandeira de Mello, FEI Director of Driving is also enthusiastic: “I welcome the establishment of ICDA and very much hope that this new association will attract support from drivers who compete internationally. I look forward to discussing ways in which we can continue to develop driving as a top sport.”

All international drivers and supporters are invited to join ICDA – 2023 & 2024 no membership fee. Visit the ICDA website for more information.

Source: Press release