BDS
Long Distance Driving
GENERAL INFORMATION about LONG DISTANCE DRIVING

A long distance drive takes place over a measured and marked route, driven at a pre-determined speed. The route is divided into two halves, with a rest halt at half way. Individual turnouts set off at 10 minute intervals and are given a finish time within a 10 minute "window" for each half of the route. A combination of walk and trot paces may be used. Veterinary checks are carried out at the start, half-way and finish of the drive to determine how well the animal is performing.

There are three levels of long distance drive:

• Bronze award - driven over 40 kilometres in one day
• Silver Award - 60 kilometres (40 on day one and 20 on day two)
• Gold Award - 80 kilometres (40 on day one and 40 on day two)

In addition, there is also a Newcomers / veterans drive over a shorter course (10 kilometres)

LDD is all about gaining individual awards for good management in training and skilful driving where turnouts (units) arrive home in good condition and without penalties. We can recommend it as an interesting, enjoyable and achievable discipline.

Entrants are keen and interested in meeting and helping each other during the event. They enjoy both the day and the drives, probably because it is an event where they compete against THEIR OWN achievements, past and  present, and NOT against each other.

We have discovered from experience that keen un-horsey but interested voluntary helpers enjoy the day as much as the members/officials; their enthusiasm adds to the atmosphere at events which has invariably been one of co-operation and good humour by everyone.

EVERYONE, regardless of the type and size of the horse/pony has an equal chance to win a Completion Rosette (minor penalties) or a penalty free Bronze/Silver/Gold Certificate. Very few entries leave the event without a rosette. Fitness is judged by the condition of the turnout after driving a set distance at a reasonable, regulated pace and in a set time within the official BDS LDD regulations.

PACE is scheduled in the Rules according to the size of animal. It is NOT a race and bears no resemblance to Horse Driving Trials.

VETERINARY supervision and event regulations ensure that the pace is kept at a proper level for the size of pony/horse and the vehicle which it pulls. The event is designed to avoid undue stress and abuse to the animal, whether by ignorance or intent.

WEIGHT approximate guide:- the combined weight of vehicle/whip/groom should not exceed the weight of the pony/horse pulling it.

The event is NOT a test of STRENGTH; it is one of FITNESS of the animal concerned and the whip’s SKILL in driving it within its capabilities.

COURSE: Should be measured as accurately as is possible. Distances are given in Kilometres (8k = 5 miles). It was considered that measuring by the metric system gave a greater accuracy of distance. MORE than 10k roadwork should be avoided if possible; sometimes a slight variation of road versus tracks may be unavoidable due to the vagaries of the route. Very steep inclines, deep, boggy ground and heavy sandy going create unnecessary stresses on the horse/pony.

Organisers nominate a BDS approved Official Stewart for each Bronze, Silver, and Gold event that is well briefed in all aspects of LDD regulations. His/her duty is to ensure the safety and fair regulation of the event and to give support where necessary in cases of dispute.

PNEUMATIC TYRED VEHICLES with their greater tyre friction and often heavy axles have been proved to create considerable extra stress for horses/ponies over the longer distances in the above Awards and are therefore not permitted.

Likewise the LIGHTWEIGHT pneumatic tyres vehicles are deemed unsafe and unable to withstand the stress and wear of the longer distances of LDD Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards and are also banned.

Newcomers and Veteran Drive

The Newcomers and Veteran (horse/pony of 16 years of age and over) Drive, has an easing of rules about the use of pneumatic tyred vehicles and takes place over a shorter distance. Veterinary/vehicle/harness inspection will still be required and a half way halt. The route is two 10k loops driven within the guidelines of the LDD regulations. Experience has shown that one competent Vet, together with a competent Stewards/Assistant can cope with more than twelve competitors in this event. Negotiation should be made in advance of the event with the Vet concerned. Most events take approximately 8 management hours per day.

ENTRIES should be members of the BDS. All entries must have genuine proof of insurance and be subject to LDD regulations on the day. Non Members most produce proof of Insurance cover and may enter one Newcomers event only as a non-member.

It is important to price your entry fee to cover expenses and/or find a sponsor or include riders to enter as a fun Long Distance Ride, but not at the same time of day as the harness classes (e.g. riders = p.m., harness = a.m.). An Official BDS Steward is not necessary for this event.

The Newcomers Drive is a LEARNING event for newcomers, an exercise in capability for older horses/ponies and an early training run for the more experienced whips/horses/ponies. Members learn the practice of having harness/vehicles and horse/pony checked by knowledgeable people who are prepared to give helpful advice. It is also a good practical exercise for FIRST TIME organisers and is not difficult to run. It is thoroughly recommended as a starter-pack, since it is about the same distance as most ordinary BDS rallies and will appeal to most members.

to see our Introductory advice for Long Distance Drive Organisers