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Reports 2026
This page shares our 2026 reports, outlining the work of Carriage Driving Community CIC, the difference we are making, and our continued dedication to supporting children and adults with disabilities, neurodiversity and health conditions through carriage driving.
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Indoor Driving Trials- Notts & South Yorkshire
Hillhouse Equestrian 22/02/2026
On Sunday, competitors gathered at Hillhouse Equestrian for the Notts & South Yorks regional round of Indoor Driving Trials – and what a brilliant day it was for the sport of carriage driving.
Indoor Driving Trials are fast-paced, technical and hugely exciting to watch. Drivers compete through a course of numbered cones and obstacles, testing precision, rhythm and partnership. Every second counts, and every centimetre matters. It’s not just about speed – it’s about accuracy, communication and trust between driver and horse.
The atmosphere throughout the day was supportive and welcoming, with a fantastic mix of experienced competitors and newer drivers stepping into the arena. That balance is what keeps our region thriving – seasoned competitors raising the standard while encouraging those just starting their competitive journey.
The courses were cleverly designed, asking technical questions that required forward thinking, tidy turns and confident lines. There were some beautifully driven rounds, tight clearances through the cones, and bold obstacle approaches that really demonstrated how far combinations have come over the winter season.
For many drivers, indoor competitions are a real test of partnership. The contained environment, echo of wheels, and closeness of the arena demand focus and calm from both horse and driver. Watching combinations work in harmony under that pressure is always inspiring.
Most importantly, the day showcased the true spirit of our regional driving community – encouragement at the collecting area, shared laughter between rounds, hands on carriages when needed, and genuine celebration of each other’s achievements.
Indoor Driving Trials continue to provide an accessible and exciting way to compete, whether you’re aiming for national qualifiers or simply enjoying developing your equine partner. Sunday at Hillhouse reminded us all why we love this sport – the adrenaline, the teamwork, and the sheer joy of driving a willing horse through a challenging course.
A huge thank you to the organisers, volunteers, officials and every competitor who made the day such a success. We’re already looking forward to the next round in the Notts & South Yorks calendar.
Here’s to more smiles, sharp turns and clear rounds ahead! 🏆✨
Ferdy pictured above with Gemma Owens driving and Jade Markham backstepping / grooming
Oh Ferdy 🥹✨ what a superstar performance — and those photos absolutely tell the story!
In the first image, you can see him in full concentration mode indoors. Ears pricked forward, neck softly arched, stepping through with real purpose. There’s no tension — just focus. His frame looks stronger, more connected, and he’s really stepping underneath himself behind. That’s not just “going round the arena” — that’s a pony thinking, listening and saying, “I’ve got this.”
And can we just appreciate the matching blue boots and carriage? Coordinated and competitive — obviously part of the performance enhancement package 😌💙
The second photo outdoors is where his confidence really shines. Look at that stride! He’s travelling forward with intent, shoulder free, hind leg reaching — and he looks proud of himself. That’s not the expression of a pony unsure of his job. That’s a pony who knows exactly what he’s doing and is enjoying it.
You can see the partnership too. The reins are soft, the contact steady, and he’s in that beautiful place where he’s working with you, not being placed there. After everything he’s been through — the showing career he didn’t love, the tie-back surgery, the solitary field — this is the picture of a horse who has found his purpose again.
Second place 🥈 isn’t just a result. It’s validation.
Validation of patience.
Validation of re-education.
Validation of rebuilding self-esteem one outing at a time.
And honestly? He looks like he’s only just getting started.
From “not winning enough red rosettes” to confidently stepping into Indoor Driving Trials and coming home second… that’s not just progress. That’s transformation.
He doesn’t just look competitive.
He looks happy.
And that’s the real win 💙🐴✨
Bransby Shrek pictured above and below with Gemma Owens driving and Jade Markham backstepping/ grooming
💙 Bransby Shrek – Power, Precision & Pure Heart 💙
In the cones phase, Shrek looks every inch the professional. Ears locked on, stride active, and absolutely marching between those cones like he owns the place. There’s something about the way he travels — forward, confident, and totally committed — that makes you sit up and smile. He’s not just navigating the course… he’s attacking it (politely, of course 😌).
Look at the balance through his body. He’s stepping through cleanly, shoulders free, hindquarters engaged, and giving you that beautiful “let’s go” energy without losing control. The cones demand millimetre accuracy, and Shrek threads that carriage through with determination written all over his face. It’s focused. It’s bold. It’s proper competitive driving.
Then we move into the obstacle phase — and this is where the fun really begins.
The lower photo captures that moment of pure athleticism. Sand flying, inside hind stepping deep underneath, neck flexed, and that powerful turn engaged. This is Shrek in his element. The obstacle phase asks a question: Can you be fast, agile and brave — without losing the partnership? And Shrek answers with a resounding, “Watch me.”
There’s strength in that turn. There’s trust. And there’s a spark in his eye that says he loves the challenge. He’s not running through it — he’s thinking through it. Quick reactions, tidy lines, and just enough fire to make it exciting without tipping over into chaos.
What’s so special about Shrek is that blend of generosity and grit. He gives everything, every time. You can see it in the way he lifts through his body and powers out of a turn. He doesn’t hold back.
Between cones precision and obstacle brilliance, this was a performance to be proud of. Not just technically strong — but full of heart.
And honestly? He looks like he’d go round again for fun. 🐴✨
