Concerned with understanding the demands of our athletes, we are first and foremost Pilots! And each of us has our own specialties. Driving is a rising discipline present at the World Equestrian Games since their inception, and it is the most publicized after the three Olympic disciplines. Through her experience, you will learn more about this demanding sport for both horses and Drivers…
Which driving discipline(s) do you practice?
I practice competitive driving as a Groom and also drive a little at home. Competitive driving includes 3 tests:
- Dressage (performing a set test)
- Cones/Obstacle Course (maneuvering between cones without knocking balls down within a set time)
- Marathon (cross-country course; a series of technical challenges. The goal is to be the fastest through the obstacles without any "faults," similar to rails in show jumping).
An Amateur 3-test competition usually lasts 2 days (5 days at the highest level); the first test is always dressage, followed by cones and marathon, or vice versa… In idea, it’s actually similar to eventing!
Driving is a very complete sport that requires horses ready to tackle these 3 tests physically and mentally. In competitions, there are several levels: Club, Amateur, Amateur Elite, and there is also a Young Horse circuit. The top category in the discipline is the 4-horse driving, also called "Teams"; a little shout-out to our French team currently in Gothenburg competing in the European Championships!
How and why did you get into driving?
I started 6 years ago. I’m originally an equestrian rider, and I met Clément who had a BPJEPS in driving. I immediately got hooked because for me, driving is a real sport and our horses are true athletes. They must be versatile across all 3 tests and have a very strong mindset. I am currently looking for a horse for myself to really start competing! We have a stable with around twenty boxes filled with horses and ponies, driven and/or ridden, 4 of which belong to us…
What I like the most is forming a real team: the horse(s), the driver, and the groom. It’s always exciting to go to competitions and be able to participate, even just as a "groom" in the smooth running of the events (the groom rides in the carriage for each test). The sensations in driving are really different from classical riding but just as amazing!
What is your best memory in this discipline? The worst?
I don’t have a single best memory, but what I enjoy the most is seeing our horses progress and being satisfied after each competition; seeing all they can give us… I don’t really have a worst memory either! Rather, there is some regret that this discipline is poorly understood or completely unknown. No more prejudices, come and discover this true sport!
A few words about the ideal outfit?
Riding pants, boots, and helmet… My Horse Pilot favorites: my pretty black AEROTECH jacket with camel details for each competition, and my light ELEMENT jacket, essential in the North and for crossing streams!
