Attelage at Blenheim

PANACHE • PRECISION • PERFORMANCE

TAKING PART

For those of you who have never done an Attelage before – welcome!

The nature of the event is something that you are already very familiar with – the only difference is our judging procedure is slightly different and you will have to negotiate 3 very simple tasks later in the main ring. 

You have been invited to take part because you have a particularly unique turnout that will form part of an exclusive centrepiece main ring carriage display as part of the Agria Blenheim International Horse Trials. This is an entirely new venue and derivative of conventional AIAT Attelage de Tradition competitions.

Our hon AIAT judges are Richard James, Elizabeth Cartwright-Hignett and Mark Broadbent.

AIAT Technical Director is Lester Dagge, Funding and Entries Manager is Julie Elliott.

COMPETITOR NOTES:

  • This is an AIAT Attelage de Tradition Meet which is a short format to include a three stage presentation, short 1.5mile road drive and a main ring display. The whole event is designed to coincide with the strict time allocation in the Palace Arena of the Agria Blenheim International Horse Trials.
  • As this is a live FEI International Horse Trials event, we have been allocated our own secluded Attelage Arena and Lorry parking. Entry will be through the Blenheim Farm entrance only. Location is what3words: ///aboard.epidemics.thuds. NO OTHER entrance can be used.
  • Location of the Attelage Arena is what3words: ///leathers.segments.outhouse
  • Due to logistical constraints, we have no provision for water and waste. All competitors will therefore be required to bring drinking water for their horses and return their own horse waste.
  • As the Agria Blenheim International Horse Trials is a paid entry event, our competitors and volunteers will be issued with e-passes, but we will need to know numbers for you, your passengers and your grooms names. Their allocation will be restricted to the turnout types. 
  • Guests are very welcome – however they should park in our General Car Park. A discount code is available for anyone wishing to purchase additional tickets. Contact us for the code.
  • Entry fee is £40 per turnout to cover insurance and event fees. Your entry will include free car parking and a light buffet lunch for you and your passengers. Pass allocation is: 1 equine = 3 passes, 2 equines = 4 passes, 4 equines = 8 passes. Additional passes can be bought separately here
  • To start, competitors will be judged individually by 3 AIAT judges with a standing show in the Attelage arena. You will be scored as with standard AIAT presentation regulations.
  • All times are currently provisional and subject to change.
  • On completion of the judging, each participant will then proceed individually to the Palace Arena through the iconic Capability Brown landscaped park and over the world famous Vanbrugh Bridge. This is a 1.5 mile route which will negotiate the Palace gardens with the Winston Churchill statue, temple of Diana and other sculptures which will be marshalled by our volunteer stewards. As this is the main public thoroughfare to the arena, there may be a large number of pedestrians using this route, you will be given priority.
  • On arrival at the Palace Arena, you will be welcomed in by our stewards and you will be required to complete a full lap of the arena at a trot where you will negotiate the three PC Difficulties  – The Rail, The Drinking Glass and The Salute. You will be scored on your ability to complete the difficulties.
  • As we have a restricted Palace Arena time allocation, every competitor will have a 5 minute time slot and consequently our entries are restricted to an invited list of 15 participants. Timing is critical, so please adhere to our times.
  • On completion of the Palace Arena display, competitors to wait outside in the collecting ring and return after for a grand prize giving and awards.
  • Participants will have been invited for their unique turnouts with the opportunity to present themselves in front of His Grace the Duke of Marlborough (or family members), the general public and audience in the Palace Arena of the Agria Blenheim International Horse Trials.
  • You are welcome to present your turnouts in authentic manner such as goods which can be displayed and passengers in correct attire. 
  • All participants will be briefed and advised in detail of the format and times after receipt of your entry.
  • We ask for a photograph of your turnout for inclusion into the main event programme.
  • The event has a strict no vehicles or bicycles movement during the event. The Attelage Arena is a 1.5mile walk from the main event, we plan to have shuttle buggies available on the day.
  • On conclusion of the awards, we will all return in convoy back to the Attelage Arena where you can then put away and return for a light lunch in the Attelage Hospitality tent.
  • Due to the restrictions of the general public traffic one way system, no participants can return to the lorry park until authorised. 

Plan of Blenheim and the Carriage route.

Time table

We anticipate the following timings:

First competitor leaving  Attelage Arena  – 12.00pm

Last competitor leaving  Attelage Arena  – 1.10pm

First competitor arriving at  Palace Arena – 12.20pm

Last competitor arriving at  Palace Arena  – 1.30pm

Completion of display and competitors will return from Palace Arena – 1.50pm

Arrival back at Attelage Arena – 2.10pm

Lunch – 2.30pm

 

The Presentation

This is a copy of the Presentation sheet that will be used to judge your turnout.

THE PC's

Participants will be expected to negotiate 3 simple PC difficulties in the main arena as part of their display. You will be marked on your performance using the following penalties:

Completed without error – 0 penalties 

Failure to complete the task correctly (not holding reins or whip correctly, using brakes, going over the line or not replacing the glass)  – 10 penalties

Failure to negotiate the task – 20 penalties.

The Salute

Drivers and Coachmen: Take the reins and the whip in the left hand. Move along the corridor from A to B while saluting without crossing the outside lines, without retaking the reins and without help. Using the brakes is not allowed in the PC zone.

The Drinking Glass

Stop at table A. Take the reins and the whip in the left hand. Without aid, take the glass placed on table A with the right hand, Drink it or not. Then, go straight on without reining back, still with he reins and whip in the left hand and without retains the reins, to table B. Stop at table B. Replace the glass on the table. Using brakes is not allowed in the PC zone.

The Rail

The carriage must stay with the right front wheel within the width of the two lines without crossing the outside lines and without help. Using brakes is not allowed in the PC zone.

Competiton Entry Form

For any enquiries, you can call Lester Dagge – 07858501427 or Julie Elliott – 07768 348123

 

Please complete the following questionnaire as best as possible. The information will be used for commentary and event programme.

To conclude your application, please complete the following details as best as possible.

There is a nominal cost of £40 to cover event management and insurance. All competitors will receive admission passes and a light buffet after the display. On completion of your entry, please pay direct to the event hosts, Stable Events Ltd:

Sort Code: 23-05-80 • Account Number: 41654651 • Ref Your Name

PAYMENT:

On completion please pay direct bank transfer to: Stable Events LTD, Sort Code: 23-05-80 • Account No: 41654651 • Ref: "Attelage - Your name"