PANACHE • PRECISION • PERFORMANCE
Attelage de Tradition is the premier equestrian discipline dedicated to encourage the use of original vehicles and the promotion of traditional carriage driving. By showcasing original working antique carriages and well-trained harness horses, this international competition preserves the elegance and heritage of a bygone era. More than just a sport, it is a world wide community for enthusiasts that celebrates history, craftsmanship, and the enduring bond between horse and driver.
The first stage of the competition is where individual turnouts are judged at a standing presentation separately by three AIAT judges. You will be judged and scored for five elements including overall impression, condition of the horse, the carriage, the harness and the passengers appointments.
The second stage is the Routier (Road Drive) with a road drive of up to 15km (shorter for smaller equines) within an optimum time suited to the various turnouts. You will have to negotiate 5 Difficulties along the route that are similar to situations you could encounter on a drive in the country.
The final stage is the Maniabilité (Cones) where competitors have to negotiate a course of around 20 cone ‘gates’ within an optimum time. As traditional vehicles have different widths, the distance between the cones are adjusted to suit the width of the individual vehicle.
AIAT AGM
AIAT members from around the world recently met in Mannheim for a Judges and TD clinic
CIAT GLAMIS
Discover more about attelage and take part in our 10th Anniversary competition at Glamis Castle
AIAT GB NEWS
Check out our newsletter kindly edited by Liz Harcombe and catch up with all the news and recent events
HOSCARS
AIAT GB celebrated in style at the Stratford Manor Hotel Warwickshire with a gala dinner and awards
AIAT GB PATRON
Become a Patron of AIAT GB to help provide essential funds with support for our events for only £30 a year
HORSEPOWER
‘A miscellany of carriage driving’ written by Elizabeth Cartwright-Hignett, the perfect read for carriage drivers
HORSEDRAWN
‘A miscellany of carriage driving’ written by Elizabeth Cartwright-Hignett, the perfect read for carriage drivers
AIAT GB serves as the official governing body for all Concours International d’Attelage de Tradition (CIAT) events in the United Kingdom. Our mission is to safeguard the heritage of horse-drawn transport by hosting competitions that meet defined international standards.
Our events are governed by the Association Internationale d’Attelage de Tradition (AIAT), ensuring a consistent world wide standard of excellence and authenticity.
The purpose of this competition is to promote and encourage the use of original traditional vehicles in a safe and enjoyable manner. We take pride in the diversity of our entries, welcoming a wide range of traditional vehicles to our showcases:
Antique Carriages: where we prioritise the use of authentic carriages built before 1945.
Traditional Replicas: We welcome post-1945 vehicles built to traditional designs (excluding modern exercise, FEI Sport, or marathon carriages) although they dont enjoy the same privileged scores for original vehicles.
Vehicle Types: Our competitions are open to all types of original carriages including Private, Coachman-driven, and Trade vehicles, highlighting the rich and diverse history of carriage driving.
Whether you are a seasoned competitor or a heritage enthusiast, AIAT GB invites you to experience the skill and pageantry of traditional driving in the most welcoming and enthusiastic environment.
Whether you’re a complete newcomer or an experienced coachman, Attelage de Tradition offers a level playing field for all participants. The sport celebrates the preservation of history over the size of your budget. As long as your traditional carriage is in sound, safe condition, you are ready to compete—whether you’re driving a top-tier restored vehicle or an affordable Ralli cart found at auction. It’s about the spirit of the turnout, not the price tag.
Take a look at some of the wonderful turnouts that have graced our events:
Anyone with a safe, traditional carriage is welcome to participate in our events and our competitions are purposely designed to be inclusive. We welcoming all equines — from miniature ponies and donkeys to impressive teams of large horses.
Categories for Every Turnout
We offer a wide range of categories to ensure fair and spirited competition across all types of turnouts:
Equine Variety: Dedicated classes for donkeys, small ponies, horses, and heavy breeds.
Driving Configurations: Categories for singles, pairs, tandems, and multiples (including 4-in-hand).
Welcoming opportunities: Every competitor irrespective of their turnout, follows the same format of presentation, road drive and cones. The only variation being the time allowance on the Routier (road drive). This may be adjusted for the the terrain and particular combinations
New to AIAT Carriage Driving?
If you are a new to Attelage de Tradition and are keen to learn more or participate, we welcome your interest where you will be met with a warm welcome!
Expert Advice: Contact our event organisers directly—they are always delighted to help beginners understand the rules and requirements.
Visit as a Spectator:
Not ready to drive yet? Spectators are always welcome. Come along to one of our regional UK events to experience the atmosphere, view the stunning traditional carriages, and see the challenges firsthand.
Come and join us at any one of our events in the United Kingdom this year- yo will be assured of a prefect welcome.
Why not visit one of our partner sites in Europe or the USA where you will see the extraordinary variety of regional customs and traditions.
