Training

BC Clinics and Seminars

At the start of each season, British Carriagedriving organises a number of clinics, aimed at both drivers and event officials. These include training for Course Builders, Judges and Stewards for National as well as Club events. There are also lectures explaining competition rules and advice from the top event officials in the UK and abroad.

Most clinics are open to anyone interested and there may be a fee chargeable, to cover the cost of the venue and lunch. There are some specialist clinics, at which attendance is by invitation only.

Driving Coaches

There is a network of carriage driving coaches who hold an Equestrian Coaching Certificate (driving). They are qualified to teach beginners, young drivers, novice and advanced competitors. They can teach drivers with their own turnouts or supply a turnout for those who do not have one. Some may travel to your own location or teach at a driving centre.

Training at Driving Clubs

There are many Driving Clubs throughout the country, affiliated to British Carriagedriving. These clubs organise training and practice sessions at local level and provide the best way for beginners to get involved in the sport. Newcomers are encouraged to join a club to benefit from the experience of more advanced drivers and use facilities offered by the club.

To find your nearest driving club, we have a map and a list of BC Affiliated driving clubs. Most driving clubs have their own websites and Facebook pages, which give details of their activities.

Training Calendar

The calendar lists training sessions organised by BC, affiliated clubs, independent groups and driving coaches.

British Carriagedriving make grants available each year to affiliated clubs for training. Download the application form.

In order to encourage our Coaches to continue to develop and enhance their coaching skills by engaging in Continuing Professional Development (CPD), a points system has been introduced. One hour of CPD of your choice will earn one point. Recommendations will be flagged along with the points value, e.g. the anti doping clinic would be 2 points! A total of 6 points will be needed per year.

A CPD record sheet can be downloaded and on completion returned to the BC Office. A certificate will then be issued for that year.

Coaches are responsible for their choice of CPD. This should reflect on skills gained, analyse how they could be developed further and move out of that comfort zone in order to continue to upskill and remain current.

For further information, please contact Angela Flanagan amflan1@hotmail.com British Carriagedriving make grants available each year to affiliated clubs for training.

TRAINING WORKING GROUP

• To ensure that, through clinics, National Officials are made aware of current practice & relevant changes.

• To offer advice to groups & clubs organising training programmes.

Over the years the Training Group's brief has widened with the development of the Sport and training has become a 'must do' part of everyone's driving repertoire, if they were going to aspire to successful competition driving.

The Drivers with Disabilities have formed a competitive group. They are very well organised with a structured training plan which has brought them international success.

With the introduction of Indoor Driving came an influx of new young drivers and the Training Committee's efforts have been invaluable to their development.

The British Young Drivers Group runs Easter and Summer camps for training as well as the Young Drivers National Championships, which have been running for 4 years and are well supported. The Talented Athletes Scholarship Scheme has recognised driving and awarded several young drivers a training grant.