It is five days on, the final message of thanks is sent and the boxes and flags are all packed away for another year. The organising team of Gill and Paul Mills and Liz Harcombe have been reflecting on the event. Lower than usual numbers forward did not lessen the fun and friendship from all who attended. A lucky two and a half day window of ideal weather raised the spirits and provided the perfect scene for traditional carriage enthusiasts. We all know that it takes a large team of volunteers to pull it all together and make it all run smoothly. The fact that the same people return every year to support speaks volumes. The attelage events really do embody all the nicest things about people working together for the enjoyment of others. Something about giving freely of your time and seeing the positive impact it can have is very heartwarming indeed. 

An unfortunate clash of events, the price of diesel and at least four of the regular competitors with lame ponies or family commitments, meant that thirteen entrants arrived to enjoy the weekend. Of course they all got polishing and grooming and ensuring their carriages, harness, horses and passengers made a lovely picture for the three judges. Eric Macrez travelled from France to lend his expertise and experienced eye over the turnouts. Our very own Andrew Counsell and Sarah Dance meant there was a nice mix of the disciplines and all the competitors said how much they enjoyed the positive comments and constructive ideas shared. 

The road drive of 11.5 km, timed of course, challenged the drivers and ‘friends with stopwatches’ to come home on time and much fun was had trying to accurately clear the five challenges; not quite as easy as it looks. Over and over again, whilst serious attempts were made at each challenge there was always a smile and laugh over any misjudgements and acquisition of the 10 penalty points. Everyone came home safe and sound with time for a spruce up before the obligatory Saturday night party. The Ashfields Kitchen did them proud once again with a superb sit-down meal for 60 followed by prizegiving for the special awards. The coveted Mike Cooper Trophy for lowest presentation score had a popular winner of Mark Juniper with his Windover tandem cart. Mark also scooped the Tabe Annema Best Harness Award presented by Martin Wilkinson and Helen Annema. All agreed these prizes were so well deserved as Mark has become quite the perfectionist with his lovely tandem of cobs. 

Best Groom went to Ben who supports James Jeffery and much back slapping ensued with some joking that the award should belong to Eris the beloved and loyal Dalmatian! The Evelyn Radnai Steward’s Favourite Award was won by Claire Bourne and her delightful spotted pony pair Bubbles and Domino. Mention was also made of Claire’s expertise at the three-point turn challenge requiring reversing uphill and straight with her lovely pony phaeton. No mean feat with such a short wheel based four-wheeler. 

And then the dancing… If points were awarded for stamina and footwork, there would be many winners! Sarah-Louise is a very talented live singer who really reads the room. And she kept them all up on the dance floor all evening. The whole evening had the feel of a family do with the same faces having the best fun…stewards, drivers, grooms and friends all as one. 

Paul’s cones course the next morning gave just the right amount of challenge with only 4 double clears and a sprinkling of balls down. The crack team of stewards with their specially designed measuring sticks and lists of carriage measurements meant that each cone was reset efficiently in time for the next competitor’s salute. Don’t forget each carriage is unique with no standard axle width so the cones stewards are kept busy, altering and checking every cone for every competitor. All smiles, the whole phase ran smoothly with the scores being inputted double quick into the spreadsheet by the efficient assistant TD, Andrew Tilley. 

Yet another posh lunch for all the judges and volunteers was followed by a sight to fill the soul. All entrants in the ring for the prizegiving sparkling in the sunshine and gifts of the much anticipated rosettes, plaques and goody bags. Overall Supreme Champion was James Jeffery and his lovely Jackson Dogcart and dun horses we have all grown to love. The only double clear, road drive and cones, gave him a clear overall win and showed brilliant consistency. Reserve Champion went to a delighted and surprised Joanne Whitelaw with her Section B pony and stick back gig. Jo proved once again that that you do not need to have the rarest or best of carriages to achieve great results in this game. The driving skills add plenty of variety into the mix. 

So, everyone went home happy and the warm glow of a cracking weekend has created many golden memories and positive feedback all round. Next up: CIAT Beamish, a unique venue with a whole different ambience at the Living Museum of the North. What an appropriate setting to take traditional driving. You really must be there to join in, get involved and feel the love. For further information of the four remaining GB attelage events, visit the website: https://attelagedetradition.co.uk/

And if you wish you’d been there, watch this lovely video diary of the event which sums it all up really. Thank you to everyone who gave their time. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2acYtIzYDk