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AIAT GB: The UK Governing Body for Traditional Carriage Driving


Welcome to AIAT GB, the official governing body for Concours International d'Attelage de Tradition (CIAT) in the United Kingdom. We are dedicated to preserving the heritage of horse-drawn transport through international-standard competition.


Our events are conducted strictly under the Association Internationale d'Attelage de Tradition (AIAT) rules, ensuring a global standard of excellence. We promote the use of traditional carriages (pre-1945 designs), including both private and trade vehicles, to showcase the skill and history of driving harness horses and ponies.


What to Expect at AIAT GB Events:


Diverse Classes: Competitions for singles, pairs, tandems, multiples, and 4-in-hand teams.


Authentic Restoration: A focus on traditionally built, pre-1945 style carriages.


Global Community: Part of a network spanning 14 countries and over 72 locations worldwide.


UK Regional Events: Annual competitions held across the United Kingdom.


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AIAT NEWSLETTER

You cabn download and read our latest news here

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AIAT GB PATRON: Support the work of AIAT Great Britain and become a Patron

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HOSCARS: Join us on 28 February to celebrate at the Stratford Manor Hotel Warwickshire

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HORSEPOWER: A miscellany of carriage driving by Elizabeth Cartwright-Hignett

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2026 EVENT DATES

CIAT GLAMIS MAP

9th - 10th May 2026

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CIAT Ashfields MAP

13th - 14th June 2026

ENTRIES OPEN


CIAT Mostyn Map

18th- 19th July 2026

ENTRIES OPEN


CIAT NEW FOREST MAP

8th - 9th August 2026

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CIAT Mostyn Map

29th- 30th August 2026

ENTRIES OPEN


CIAT NEW FOREST MAP

19th - 20th September 2026

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AIAT International members sites

AIAT International

AIAT

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AIAT Italia

AIAT Italy

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AIAT France

AIAT France

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AIAT GERMANY

AIAT Germany

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AIAT Spain

AIAT Spain

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AIAT Spain

AIAT USA

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THE COMPETITION

The competition is an event of three  consecutive stages:


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.

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The second stage is the Routier with a road drive of up to 15km along quiet country lanes 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 typical drive in the country.

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The final stage is the Maniabilite where competitors have to negotiate a course of around 20 cone ‘gates’ within an optimum time. As most traditional vehicles have different widths, the distance between the cones are adjusted to suit the width of the individual vehicle.

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TAKE PART

 

 

 

Join the Tradition: Who Can Compete?


At AIAT GB, we believe in the preservation of driving skills for everyone. Anyone with a safe, traditional carriage is welcome to participate in our events. Our competitions are designed to be inclusive, 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).


Tailored Difficulty: Each category follows the same standard, with the only variation being the time allowance on the Routier (road drive), adjusted for the size and combination of your turnout.


New to AIAT Carriage Driving?

If you are a newcomer to the world of Attelage de Tradition, we would love to have you.


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.

CREDITS

 

 

 

 

 

AIAT GB are extremely grateful to the kind and generous support of our spectacular venue landowners to allow us acces to their magnificent grounds. We are also extremely grateful to the numerous volunteer helpers, sponsors and competitors who help maintain and promote the principles of the CIAT events.


We would like to take this opportunity to give our thanks to the many talented photographers that give up their time to record our events with their amazing pictures.

Please support our kind photographers and visit their websites:


Alan Payne Photography

www.eventtoevent.co.uk

www.nigeltorrensphotography.com

www.ffotoimage.co.uk

www.fionabrimsphotography.co.uk

www.swingletree.photography


AIAT GB

Traditional Carriage Driving Ltd,

Fern Cottage,

East Martin

Fordingbridge Hants SP6 3LJ

AIAT GB is the UK affiliate of AIAT

Association Internationale d'Attelage de Tradition,

95, Avenue Victor Hugo,

F-75116  Paris

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