Daniel Dawson
Happs CDE 2007
Dressage
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DRESSAGE - Is the first day of the three day Combined Driving competition. This day is very formal and you are judged on the horses gaits, impulsion, and submission as well as the drivers position, use of aids, handling of reins, whip and voice along with how the whole turnout looks. This day is the only part of the competition that is subject to the judges personal preferences and likes and dislikes. You have a set dressage pattern that you are required to follow. With each movement you are given anywhere from zero to ten points. You are trying to acquire the lowest score possible.
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Day two is the MARATHON. This is the most exciting and the most fun for spectators to watch. A course is split into three sections. Section A is done at a trot and can be 1-7km depending on your level of driving and your size of horse. Section D is done at a walk and is 800m long. Section E is at a trot unless you are in advance. It is generally 1-9km long with anywhere from 3-8 obstacles along the way. All three phases have a time limit to complete the course and the hazards are timed individually to come up with your penalty points. The driver wants to do the hazards as fast as possible. The overall object is to test the fitness, stamina and training of the horse along with the skill, horsemanship and timing of the competitor.
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Sedona & Snoopy
Coolidge CDE 2001
Marathon
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Daniel Dawson
2004 USEF Singles Championship
Cones
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CONES - On the third day the horse and driver is required to drive an obstacle course that is 500-800m long. The course consists of 20 gates laid out in a 70m x 120m area. The gates are numbered and you have a specified time in which to do the course. The gates are set from 20cm to 50cm wider than your carriage wheel width, depending on your level of competition. This is a true test of your horses fitness, suppleness and obedience.
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The Laurels at Landhope International CDE
Daniel Dawson
September 2005
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