The Assyrians, ancient Egyptians, Babylonians and Persians were particularly skilled builders and spoked wheels along with swift horses quickly came onto the scene.
English Carriages.
These appeared in the 16th Century, the first coach being made in 1555 by WalterRipon for the Earl of Rutland. While Queen Elizabeth favoured Dutch builders, the Earl of Arundel imported a coach from Germany in 1580 and it was soon widely copied.
By the end of the 1800s a wide variety of carriages existed, greatly refined and well built to a high standard. Mail coaches, Landaus, Sociable Phaetons to gigs ralli carts, dog carts and governess carts to name but a few.
In the 1950s a few far sighted people became concerned at the danger of losing driving skills which for so long had been taken for granted. So hence the British Driving Society to preserve and maintain standards of which HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, a proficient driver himself, has lent his profound patronage.
In this country Private Driving should be in the English Coaching Style, the same position serves to drive single, pairs fourt and six in hand. The left hand holding the reins, the right rein between the middle and third finger and the left rein on the index finger. The bottom three fingers grip the reins. The right hand supports the left hand, also holding the whip.
We, at Moorgreen, have driving classes that are for Horses and Ponies, two or fourt wheeled vehicles and include showing, pleasure driving and Concours d'Elegance.
Driving is a wide ranging and enjoyable activity from Shetlands to Shires. For those who have had a favourite family pony, sadly outgrown, it can mean many more years of enjoyment. It can include those who drive for pleasure to those who compete to high standards. So at Moorgreen we try to bring a small taste of what is on show so that the spectators can enjoy a great day out.
Judging Concours d'Elegance
Things to look for:- the essence of the Class is the "elegance." The winner will be the turnout which, in the opinion of the Judge, presents the most elegant effect. This will include vehicle, horse, driver and passengers but above all, the overall general impression. It is judged from a distance and not closely inspected. Dress is important but period or fancy dress is not allowed.
Pleasure Driving
It is recommended that this is a class for newcomers to showing and not intended for those who show in Private Driving. It is marked 15 per cent harness fit and cleanliness, 15 per cent vehicle and 70 per cent driver and groom, horse or pony.
Show Class
The Judge will be observing these points: the horse or pony used, type of vehicle, two or four wheeled, old or new. Also types of harness - black patent, leather brown, collar or breast collar. The drivers dress position, ability overall outline, balance, correct fit of carriage and harness. During the time in the ring the sparkle, paces, manners, soundness, obedice, cleanliness and obviously the metalwork and woodwork of the carriage.
Robert Steeples,
Chairman
Moorgreen Light Horse Committee
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