Midlands Carriagedriving

Sunshine all the way at Anslow

11 May 2025

Report by: Wendy Nix
Photos: Kingswood Associates

It was sunshine all the way at Anslow for Midlands Carriagedriving’s first ODE of the season on 11 May.

From small ponies to horse pairs, all categories were catered for at this lovely venue with its panoramic views across the Derbyshire countryside.

During the winter organiser Paul Hart had been hard at work, revamping and building new obstacles, which were well received.

Twelve competitors took advantage of the opportunity to have a go at their first event, buff up some training or just get back into the swing of things.

It was good to see Mary Jane and Frank Campbell taking part with their pony and horse pair respectively, and persuading them that the water splash really wasn’t as scary as they thought – though Frank’s pair did manage a hasty exit up the bank at the first attempt.

Mary Jane Campbell

Frank Campbell

Newcomers Matt Rees and Aaron Kelly both had good rounds in Novice Pony with Matt overtaking Aaron after dressage to take the class.

Matt Rees

Aaron Kelly

Megan Wheeldon (Open Pony) and Jon White (Novice Horse) were the only ones to notch up double clears in the cones though Matt almost made it with just three time penalties.

Megan Wheeldon

Jon White

Linda Wiggin, driving in the Intermediate Pony class, produced the best dressage of the day, 52.40, while Sandra White drove a zippy marathon to overtake Margaret Wharmby and win the Small Pony class.

Linda Wiggin

Sandra White

Margaret Wharmby

Full results can be found at www.midlandscarriagedriving.co.uk

 Further dates for the ODEs at Anslow in 2025 will be Sunday’s 22 June, 13 July, 17 August and 14 September.

Midlands is also hosting a Training Day at Bennington Carriages, near Newark in Nottinghamshire, on Friday 16 May. Open from 2.00pm until 7.00pm, this is another opportunity to practice any or all three phases with assistance and/or feedback if requested. Pre-entry (£30) is required.  

Don’t forget to put the club’s Two-Day Event at Onley Grounds in Warwickshire in your diary. Held from 26 to 27 July, Onley will host a Two-Day National alongside the Junior Championships and Club classes. The dressage and cones arenas are on lovely flat ground while the premises boast permanent toilets and showers as well as a café.  

All entries for training and competitions can be made via the MC website at www.midlandscarriagedriving.co.uk  

For news and more information on Midlands Carriagedriving, including joining the club and entering events, visit www.midlandscarriagedriving.co.uk; also follow the club on Facebook.