ATTELAGE DE TRADITION
Mannheim, Germany 6-8 March 2026
The AIAT Annual Meeting, held in Mannheim, Germany, from Friday, March 6, to Sunday, March 8, was a resounding success. All member countries of the Association Internationale d’Attelage de Tradition were in attendance, with the exception of Chile, which was nonetheless represented by Vice President Raimundo Coral.
The event provided an excellent opportunity for members to:
Network and collaborate: Exchange calendars, invitations, and personal experiences.
Promote the craft: Discuss strategies to maintain, strengthen, and spread the culture and passion for traditional driving.
A major highlight was the visit to the Heinz Scheidel Carriage Collection, the largest and most diverse collection of original vintage carriages in the world. The collection features approximately 600 carriages of various models and types, meticulously restored over decades and displayed across several floors of a dedicated building.
On Saturday evening, guests enjoyed a Gala Dinner surrounded by the magnificent carriages of the Scheidel collection. The official AIAT Meeting took place on Sunday morning, opened by a report from President José Juan Morales Fernandez, followed by the presentation of event calendars and invitations by the Presidents of the AIAT National Associations (representing Italy was the Gruppo Italiano Attacchi).
The weekend also featured a technical Clinic, where five turnouts underwent a mock evaluation. This allowed all judges to compare their assessments and align their standards. Finally, the assembly addressed several core topics:
Competition rules and procedures.
Communication strategies.
The development of the official website.
Overall, it was an incredibly intense weekend that sets the stage for a year of events full of surprises and prestige.
Stratford Manor Hotel, Warwickshire 28 February 2026
Photos kindly supplied by Alan K Payne
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM AIAT GREAT BRITAIN – February 2026
Setting the Record Straight: A Season of Tradition & Welcome 
We have been made aware of inaccurate and misleading information circulating on social media regarding AIAT-GB. We want to reassure our community—competitors, stewards, and volunteers alike—that these claims are substantially incorrect.
Our mission remains unchanged: AIAT-GB is a place for everyone. Whether you drive a pre-1945 antique, a traditional trade turnout, or are a junior or para-driver, you are part of our heritage and you are welcome at our events.
Join us for a fantastic 2026 Season! 
Mark your calendars for a weekend of fun, friendship, and tradition at these stunning venues:
CIAT Glamis (Scotland) – 9th/10th May
CIAT Ashfields (Essex) – 13th/14th June
CIAT Beamish (County Durham) – 18th/19th July
CIAT Glebe House (West Sussex) – 8th/9th August
CIAT Mostyn House (Flintshire) – 29th/30th August
CIAT New Forest (Hampshire) – 19th/20th September
None of this would be possible without our extraordinary volunteers and organizers. You are the heartbeat of this sport, and we thank you for your tireless dedication.
For official, reliable information, always visit:
www.attelagedetradition.co.uk
#AIATGB #CarriageDriving #AttelageDeTradition #BritishEquestrian #TraditionalDriving #HeritageSport
Check out our seasonal news kindly compiled by Liz Harcombe
Discover our wonderful printed hard copy books by our celebrated author Elizabeth Cartwright-Hignett. You can order your copy direct from Rosemary Neale.
by Elizabeth Cartwright- Hignett
Elizabeth Cartwright- Hignett has written another fascinating compendium about life with carriage horses and has generously offered her book to AIAT Great Britain for exclusive distribution. Available in a strictly limited edition of only 40 books, this full colour 183 page hardback edition is available for only £30 plus £5 post and package. International customers will need to confirm shipping rates prior to purchase. Thius is an avid read and collectors piece for any carriage driving enthusiast!
Elizabeth Cartwright- Hignett lives in Wiltshire and is retired, but is still involved with carriage driving as a judge of International Attelage de Tradition. Her interests are history, literature and the countryside. She is the author of ‘lili at Aynhoe’- Barrie & Jenkins, London 1989,
Three Ladies of Siena – Iford Publicatios, 2012
by Elizabeth Cartwright- Hignett
Horsedrawn- A Miscellany of Carriage Driving a limited edition book book by Elizabeth Cartwright-Hignett is a beautifully produced hardback with 193 pages eloquently illustrated and designed. available for only £30 plus £5 post and package. International customers will need to confirm shipping rates prior to purchase. Thius is an avid read and collectors piece for any carriage driving enthusiast!
Contains well researched, wonderful carriage driving stories, information, poems and traditions.
Become a Patron of AIAT Great Britain for only £30 annually – due un April. You can support the volunteer work of AIAT Great Britain with essential costs such as insurance and administration fees by becoming a Patron. In return you will receive a distinctive enamel badge and an annual newsletter.
To apply, please complete the following application form and make payment to Sort Code: 30-97-41 • Account No: 63621460 • Ref: Your name
