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Carriage Driving Prize List

Click here to download a copy of the Carriage Driving Prize List

 

Welcome 

 

NAVHS competitions provide individuals and programs the opportunity to virtually compete and earn points toward show and year-end high-point awards. 

 

Our inclusive competitions are open to the following:

  • Individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities

  • Hippotherapy Participants

  • Veterans

  • Neurotypical Individuals who participate in adaptive programs on academy horses.

Beyond fostering a sense of accomplishment, we aim to create a rewarding experience that celebrates participants’ goals, determination, and perseverance.

 

Our competitions also support and empower adaptive programs with opportunities to provide participants competitive shared experiences, foster unity, encourage engagement along with rewards directly for programs.


 

Who is eligible to compete in our Driving Series

 

In order to participate, an exhibitor must 

  • Adaptive Status. Have a medically diagnosed condition that causes a permanent impairment that can be measured objectively.  

  • Veteran status. Be or have been a member of our National Forces, 

  • Academy status  Be a participant of an Adaptive riding program, taking lessons on a horse who is a lesson horse.  

 

Classes, Divisions and Sections

 

  • Competitors are responsible for choosing their eligibility status and division. 

 

  • Competitors are responsible for entering their correct class(s)

 

  • Competitors are only permitted to participant in one division per show

 

  • Classes and Divisions are based on Eligibility Status

 

  • Sections are based upon Age  

 

  • Each competitor is eligible to compete in 4 classes but it is not required. 


 

 

Eligibility Status

 

  • Individual, instructor, trainer or program is responsible for choosing the eligibility status.  

  • Competitors can only participate under 1 status during a show year. 

 

                   Veteran                    Academy                 Adaptive 

      



 

Sections 

 

Age 

  • Competition show age is determined what a competitors age is on Jan1 of the current competition year.  

  • A competitor will compete at that age for the entire show year. . 

  • No changing age sections during the show year

 

Nuggets 3 - 6

 

Younglings 7 - 13

 

Juniors 14 -21

 

Adults 22 - 45

 

Primers 46 and 69

 

Silver Stirrups  70 and over


 

Divisions

 

Supported

2 sets of reins. No penalty For assistance

Header(s) required in the middle of the arena

 

Maiden Walk Only

An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring. The assistant Able-bodied Whip may maintain control of the horse.

 

Maiden Walk/Trot

An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring. The assistant Able-bodied Whip may maintain control of the horse.

 

Novice Walk/Trot

An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.

The assistant Able-bodied Whip may maintain control of the horse.

 

Limited Support

2 sets of reins.  Assistance permitted in case of emergency only

Header(s) required in the middle of the arena

 

Intermediate Walk Only

An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.

The horse will be driven by only the competitor. Any assistance from the able-bodied whip will be penalized, except in a safety first situation.  Judges discretion

 

Advanced Intermediate Walk

An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.

The horse will be driven by only the competitor. Any assistance from the able-bodied whip will be penalized, except in a safety first situation.  Judges discretion

 

Intermediate Walk/Trot 

An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.

The horse will be driven by only the competitor. Any assistance from the able-bodied whip will be penalized, except in a safety first situation.  Judges discretion

 

Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot

An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.

The horse will be driven by only the competitor. Any assistance from the able-bodied whip will be penalized, except in a safety first situation.  Judges discretion

 

Independent (No Support)

Two sets of reins. Assistance permitted in case of emergency only

Header(s) required in the middle of the arena

 

Advanced Walk 

An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.

The horse will be driven by only the competitor. Any assistance from the able-bodied whip will be penalized, except in a safety first situation.  Judges discretion

 

Advanced Walk/Trot 

An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.

The horse will be driven by only the competitor. Any assistance from the able-bodied whip will be penalized, except in a safety first situation.  Judges discretion


 

Carriage Driving Classes

 

The Carriage Driving competition should highlight the drivers ability to effectively guide and connect with their horse. The focus should be on the competitor’s ability to drive and present the horse, with safety as the top priority.  

​

The following criteria will be listed in order of importance and evaluated for each division when judging the Carriage Driving classes.

​

  • Drivers poise, confidence, and  body position.

  • Drivers ability to execute maneuvers with precision and smoothness

  • Drivers use of aids, natural and artificial 

  • Drivers correctly completing the pattern

  • Drivers correctly navigating each obstacle,

  • Drivers communication with their horse.

 

Pleasure Driving

Competitors are judged on the partnership between the horse and the driver, with

emphasize on the presentation, the driver's reinsmanship, and the horse's manners,  There should be a relaxed and harmonious partnership between horse and driver which will be considered more important than the horse’s performance

 

Reinsmanship

Competitors will be judged on the driver's reinsmanship.  Reinsmanship is the skill of communicating with the driving horse through the reins, whip, body position and voice.  There should be a relaxed and harmonious partnership between horse and driver which will be considered more important than the horse’s performance

 

Obstacle Pattern

Competitors are judged equally on successfully completing each obstacle and their reinsmanship. Emphasis on their communication with the horse and proper use of aids.  The competitor’s attempt to properly complete the course correctly will be considered more important than the horse’s performance. 

 

Dressage Driving

Dressage develops and displays polish, discipline, and athleticism of equine and driver working together.  Competitors will be judged individually in specified patterns and gaits to demonstrate the skills, obedience, and development appropriate to their levels. There should be a relaxed and harmonious partnership between horse and driver which will be considered more important than the horse’s performance.

​

Division and Class Specifications 

 

Supported

 

Maiden Walk

401. Maiden Walk Only Pleasure Driving- Class will consist of walk in both directions and a halt

411. Maiden Walk Only Reinsmanship - Class will consist of walk, halt and 1 circle each way

421. Maiden Walk Only Obstacle Pattern - Course may consist of walk, halt transition, a minimum of 2 cone obstacles

​

 

Maiden Walk Trot 

402. Maiden Walk/Trot Pleasure Driving - Class will consist of a walk and normal trot in both directions and a halt

412. Maiden Walk/Trot Reinsmanship - Class will consist of walk, normal trot, halt and 1 circle each way

422. Maiden Walk/Trot Obstacle Pattern - Course may consist of walk, normal trot, a halt transition and  minimum of 3 cone obstacles

​

​

Novice Walk/Trot 

403. Novice Walk/Trot Pleasure Driving - Class will consist of a walk, slow trot and normal trot in both directions and a halt

413. Novice Walk/Trot Reinsmanship - Class will consist of walk, slow trot, normal trot, halt and 1 circle each way

423. Novice Walk/Trot Obstacle Pattern - Course may consist of walk, slow trot, normal trot, a halt transition and  minimum of 3 cone obstacles

​
 

Limited Support

 

Intermediate Walk Only

404. Intermediate Walk Only Pleasure Driving- Class will consist of walk in both directions and a halt

414. Intermediate Walk Only Reinsmanship - Class will consist of walk, halt and 1 circle each way

424.  Intermediate Walk Only Obstacle Pattern -  Course may consist of walk, halt transition, a minimum of 4 cone obstacles

​
 

Advanced Intermediate Walk Only

405. Advanced Intermediate Walk Only Pleasure Driving- Class will consist of normal walk, extended walk in both directions and a halt

415. Advanced Intermediate Walk Only Reinsmanship - Class will consist of normal walk, extended walk, a halt and 1 circle each way

425. Advanced Intermediate Walk Only Obstacle Pattern - Course may consist of normal walk, extended walk, halt transition, a minimum of 3 cone obstacles

​
 

Intermediate Walk/Trot 

406. Intermediate Walk/Trot Pleasure Driving - Class will consist of a walk, slow trot and normal trot in both directions and a halt

416. Intermediate Walk/Trot Reinsmanship - Class will consist of walk, slow trot, normal trot, halt and 1 circle each way

426. Intermediate  Walk/Trot Obstacle Pattern - Course may consist of walk, slow trot, normal trot, a halt transition and  minimum of 4 cone obstacles

​
 

Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot 

407. Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot Pleasure Driving - Class will consist of a walk, normal trot and extended trot in both directions and a halt

417. Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot Reinsmanship - Class will consist of walk, normal trot, extended trot, halt and 1 circle each way

427. Advanced Intermediate  Walk/Trot Obstacle Pattern - Course may consist of walk, normal trot, extended trot, a halt transition and  minimum of 4 cone obstacles

​


 

Independent (No Support)

 

Advanced Walk 

408. Advanced Walk Only Pleasure Driving - Class will consist of normal walk, extended walk in both directions and a halt

418. Advanced Walk Only Reinsmanship - Class will consist of normal walk, extended walk, a halt and 1 circle each way

428.  Advanced Walk Only Obstacle Pattern - Course may consist of normal walk, extended walk, halt transition, a minimum of 4 cone obstacles

​

 

Advanced Walk/Trot 

409. Advanced Walk/Trot Pleasure Driving - Class will consist of a normal walk,extended walk, normal trot, slow trot, and extended trot in both directions and a halt

419. Advanced Walk/Trot Reinsmanship - Class will consist of normal walk, extended walk, normal trot, slow trot, extended trot, halt and 1 circle each way

429. Advanced Walk/Trot Obstacle Pattern - Course may consist of normal walk, extended walk, normal trot, slow trot, extended trot, a halt transition and  minimum of 4 cone obstacles

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General 

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  • Instructors/trainers/programs are responsible for ensuring suitability and safety. 

  • An Able-Bodied Whip (ABW) must be in the carriage at all times

  • Carriages must be appropriate for competitors needs.

  • Certified Helmets are mandatory for everyone in the carriage 

  • Headers must be readily available, with a lead rope

  • 2 sets of reins required in all classes

 

Attire 

  • Competitors are required to wear a protective ASTM/SEI approved helmet, with full chin harness fastened at all times.

  • Certified helmets are mandatory for everyone in the carriage

  • Drivers and passengers should be dressed conservatively

  • Long sleeves and brown leather gloves are suggested for all drivers and passengers in driving classes.

  • Gentlemen may wear a coat or jacket in any class 

  • Ladies may wear a conservative dress, tailored suit, or slacks. 

  • Optional attire; a hat, an apron or knee rug and gloves.

 

Vehicles

  • Single turnouts only

  • The vehicle should be suitable for the competitor.

  • Drivers should strive to present an appropriate turnout.

  •  "Appropriate" indicates the suitability, balance and pleasing appearance of the combination of horse and vehicle. 

  • Factors determining appropriate may include compatibility for driver and size, type and weight of horse and vehicle.

 

Equipment

  • Bridles should fit snugly to prevent catching on the vehicle or other pieces of harness. A throatlatch and a full noseband is mandatory.

  •  A bridle with reins attached and passed through the saddle terrets must be in place whenever a horse is put to a vehicle. 

  • Under no conditions shall a bridle be removed from a horse while it is put to a vehicle. 

  • The horse must never be left unattended while put to a vehicle. 

  • Black or russet harness is considered appropriate 

  • A correctly-fitting harness saddle is important for the comfort of the horse. 

  • One whip per turnout permitted.  This may be handled by the driver or the Able-Bodied Whip (ABW)

  • A lead rope should be available for ease of control by the header

  • Protective boots are permitted

​

Horse

  • Braiding of the mane is optional.  Tails are not traditionally braided.

  • It is prohibited to tie a tail to a vehicle or harness.

 

Measurement of Vehicle and Obstacles

1. For "traffic cones," adjustment is made as follows:

  • The track width of each vehicle should be taken at ground level at the widest width of wheels. 

  • The allowance is added to the track width.

  • The cones are aligned and measured from the base of the cone corner to the opposite cone corner. 

  • This allows the greatest distance between the corners of the base and of the cone. 

 

2. Clearance 

  • Maiden, Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate Walk Only

Maiden, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate Walk Trot, 

Added Clearance: 24”

 

  • Advanced Walk Only

Advanced Walk Trot

Added Clearance 18”

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Obstacles Markers

  • The course may have Start and Finish markers

  • Suitable decorative materials permitted

  • Safe and appropriate driveable obstacles such as cones.  

  • Cones should be no taller than 24”. 

  • Cone pairs may be numbered with red and white markers and placed on the cones themselves.

 

Arena 

  • The arena should measure approximately 60’ wide by 120’  long, or as close as possible depending on your facility. 

  • Obstacles and call sheets are based around these dimensions.  

  • The arena must be defined and may be enclosed by low fence, equine fencing, or walls.

  • Class calls and obstacles should be designed as closely as possible to the provided directions and course maps 

 

Assistance

  • Any assistance from a competitors support team will be penalized at the judges discretion except in a safety situation.  

  • The videographer or an assistant may announce the directions.  Only the provided directions may be announced to the competitor, if necessary the call may be repeated once.  No other assistance is permitted besides safety assistance. 

  • Outside assistance will be penalized at the judge’s discretion.


 

Video Submission Information

  • No special equipment needed. A mobile phone will work

  • Videographer Placement: The videographer needs to stand and record from the following locations, (based on dressage letter placement)

 

                         Pleasure Driving - Inside of the ring at “X”

                         Reinsmanship - Outside of the ring behind letter “C”

                         Obstacle Pattern - Outside of the ring behind letter “C”

 

            

  • The phone/camera should be held horizontally 

  • For best results try not to be facing into the sun. Do your best 

  • An indoor/covered arena is acceptable if the lighting is good.

  • The better the lighting conditions, the better the video will look.

  • The sound must be turned ON.  Videos without sound will not be judged

  • Enable the phones DO NOT DISTURB feature while videoing

  • Videos can not stop and start.  They need to be unedited and continuous

 

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