Carriage of courage: Nicole Allen and Dean Linic in competition.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE HORSE and carriage is mostly a reminder of a gentler pace of bygone times.
It’s a symbol of relaxed gentry or a modern romantic getaway even in the midst of a city’s hustle and bustle.
But try telling that to Bellarine Harness for Pleasure Club.
To the club’s members, carriage driving is serious, competitive business.
The club ran its annual carriage driving event at Inverleigh’s Victoria Park last month.
Club president Nicole Allen explained that carriage driving as the equivalent of equestrian events.
“Combined driving is our answer to eventing, with three sections including dressage, marathon and cones, usually held over two days outdoors.
“Driven dressage is similar to ridden dressage, with specific movements performed in an arena.
“Tests require the driver to display control through voice, whip and reins while judges award points for the drivers’ precision and paces.
“The marathon or cross country is considered the most exciting phase of the overall competition. Horses need to be fit to cover the distance of up to 22km in the required time and that includes up to eight obstacles.
“The event requires the competitor to pass through gates as fast as possible in a defined order.
“Cone driving is designed to test the fitness, obedience and suppleness of the horse or pony, passing through 20 pairs of numbered cones in order, aiming to not dislodge any.”
Nicole said presentation was important, with judges casting their eyes over the whole turnout – horse, vehicle, harness, driver and groom.
Some of the club’s vehicles are beautifully restored, pulled by stately Clydesdales, Percherons or Friesians with their bells jangling.
“We also have simple pleasure drives, perhaps down a country lane, rail trails, to a picnic or campfire with friends – it’s a great way to see the countryside,” Nicole said.
“They’re living reminders of our history – it’s easy to imagine the streets filled with these carriages and their horses at work.”
Nicole said guest rides were available from club secretary Pat Streefkerk on 5264 5235 or emailing streef@bemail.com.au.
