Carriage Driving

The wonderful image on cover of this issue was taken by Evelyn Radnai who sadly died in January. Evelyn’s dear friend Liz Harcombe has written a tribute to this talented photographer on page 42, where we share images taken by Evelyn at driving events. She had an amazing ability to capture the moment, whether it was splashing through water in the marathon, drinking a glass of fizz on the CIAT routier, or the thrill of speeding through the obstacles in indoor driving. Evelyn was such a good friend to the sport of carriage driving and indeed across equestrian disciplines, and she was a good friend to this magazine too. Countless times I have called her for images, and she would respond instantly with one of her brilliant pictures, the cover…

The Banshees of Inisherin, a film about friendship, which features a donkey as one of its central characters, recently won four BAFTAs, including Outstanding British Film. Donkeys are having something of a moment in film. Banshees has had success at the Golden Globes and now the BAFTAs; and EO, a film showing the world from the donkey’s perspective, which won the Jury Prize at Cannes, was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards. A spokesperson from The Donkey Sanctuary said: “What’s so refreshing about the way donkeys have been portrayed in Banshees and EO is that they have been shown as the inquisitive, sensitive and loveable animals they are. “Donkeys have been loyal and trusted companions to humans for millennia. We are delighted by the success of…

Charlie Thornycroft was announced as the winner of the Sir Colin Spedding Award at the National Equine Forum (NEF), in March. She was presented with the award by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Charlie also received a standing ovation for her talk about her experiences providing vital aid to Ukraine’s equestrian sector with the British Equestrians for Ukraine Fund. The award was given to Charlie in recognition of her dedication and support for the British Equestrians for Ukraine Fund during 2022. Her citation read: ‘Initially setting up and then becoming the linchpin of the Polish supply hub, Charlie worked selflessly in challenging and extraordinarily stressful situations to ensure that aid got to where it was needed most, while managing the care and evacuation of horses from war-torn areas. She…

The Bythams with Careby and Creeton (BCC) sponsored drive is described as one of the best charity drives in Lincolnshire and it takes place on Sunday the 30th of April on the Grimsthorpe Castle Estate This well organised, friendly event boasts miles of woodland and lakeside tracks totally devoid of public highways, taking drivers through the ford and up to the avenue towards the castle. With breath-taking views and magnificent scenery there are several options from five mile through to 15-mile routes which are and suitable for all carriage drivers. Participants will receive a completion rosette. All the monies raised are divided equally between four local churches. • To support the BCC event, book online at www.bccride or contact the secretary on bccridesecretary@gmail.com or, call 07843 612380.…

OFFICIAL NEWS 2023 Rule Book The new British Carriagedriving Rule Book is now published. It is available on-line via the website, or to purchase. To order one, use the members login on the website and you’ll find Rule Books in the shop. BC Meeting Planner The annual Meetings Planner has been published on the website and lists the dates/times of forthcoming Council meetings, subcommittee meetings and other important stakeholder meetings. You will find the link by selecting Contacts / Council / Minutes of Council Meetings. RDA presentation Following the raffle and auction at the 50 years celebration dance last year, a total of £3,454.90 was raised. A formal presentation to the RDA Driving section will be made at Hopetoun in May. Associate Membership FAQs The new Associate membership has generated…

We made it! It seemed to be longest winter ever, but we have the best months ahead as far as keeping an equine goes and plenty to do in the coming months. New Year resolutions have been long forgotten, I think my promise to eat less chocolate was broken mid-January, but it’s never too late to set yourself a goal. Alongside the practical checks and essential maintenance of horse and equipment, there is a wealth of driven disciplines, awards and challenges you can set for yourself whatever your age and level of experience. For young drivers, our dedicated commissioner Emily Ham offers a huge amount of support and encouragement organising events, training, camps and a monthly newsletter. There are three national awards each year, all of which are free to…