Midlands Carriagedriving

Quality Counts at Anslow

22 June 2025

Report by Wnedy Nix.
Photos by Nicola Corby.

 Quality counted at Midlands Carriagedriving’s second ODE at Anslow on Sunday 22 June, despite low entries.

The event, once again put on by chairman Paul Hart, enjoyed a respite from the recent heatwave and proved once again, Anslow has something for everyone.  

In the Small Pony/Very Small Equine class, young driver Theo Charnley and his lovely coloured cob – who also compete in ridden dressage – put in an excellent performance to score best dressage of the day, ably assisted by Dad on the back of the carriage.

Theo Charnley. Photo Nicola Corby

Anslow regular Chris Ainscough brought out a new pony at its first event.

Chris Ainscough. Photo Nicola Corby.

Chris took things easy and the pony will have learnt much from its outing in the Novice Pony class, which went to Michael Evans and his bay roan, having travelled all the way from Carmarthen to take part.

Michael Evans. Photo Nicola Corby.

Another regular, Linda Wiggin put her cones penalties down to driver error, her first of the year, in the Intermediate Pony class.  

Linda Wiggin. Photo Nicola Corby.

However, it was a double clear in cones – and the only one of the day – for Dave Rockall from Sandbach in Open Pony. Dave and his brilliant pony also recorded the fastest obstacles of the event.

David Rockall in the water splash. Photo: Nicola Corby.

In Open Horse, Julie Howard and her grey came from Oldham. Not having competed for a long time, Julie said she enjoyed the trip.

Julie Howard. Photo Nicola Corby.

Open Pony Pairs saw Mary Jane Campbell return to Anslow, performing well throughout.  

Mary Jane Campbell. Photo Nicola Corby.

Further dates for the ODEs at Anslow in 2025 will be Sunday’s: 13 July, 17 August and 14 September, with the club’s Two-Day Event at Onley Grounds in Warwickshire from 26 to 27 July.

Onley will host a Two-Day National alongside the Young Driver 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 the above and pre-ODE training 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.