The Carriage Commentator

19/07/2025

Pathways to Becoming a Carriage Driving Judge

As one of our most experienced international driving judges, Minta Winn takes a look at what it takes to become a respected judge, focussing on the key requirements, which are the same for all disciplines.

Subscribe and read on: https://www.carriagecommentator.com/articles/becoming-a-driving-judge/

Picture by Paul Orchard Photography of Chair of the BDS Judges Committee, Nigel Fuller, scrutinising a turnout during a class

18/07/2025

Read Louise Cornish's latest article on The Carriage Commentator:
Vaccination against Strangles: the facts and how they relate to Carriage Driving....

https://www.carriagecommentator.com/articles/strangles-vaccination/

Pictured: Healing of a ruptured submandibular lymph node and overlying skin

17/07/2025

"There’s no denying it — times have changed. The economic strain on individuals and families, shifting lifestyles, and rising costs are forcing all of us across the driving world — and the wider equestrian disciplines — to take a long, hard look at what’s viable, what’s sustainable, and what’s truly worth it."

Minta Winn discusses A Call to Arms!

https://www.carriagecommentator.com/articles/a-call-to-arms/

Pictured: Finding a shady spot on a hot day at the Sandringham Festival of Carriage Driving, June 2025 when multiple driving disciplines came together over the same weekend

17/07/2025

This is a valuable opportunity for anyone who attends RWHS to give feedback - please do take part!

Calling all Showing competitors who competed with us any year between 2021 – 2025 ⭐️

🔗 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHWSCompetitors

We would love to hear your opinion on your experience of competing with us. All those who complete the survey are in with the chance to win x2 Day Badges to our Members Enclosure on either the Thursday or Friday of the 2026 Show.

16/07/2025

Mossy has been to Wales and impressed – in his opinion – absolutely everyone. He’s also given himself a fat leg so will be off games for a few weeks – but worry not, he’s already planning his next, highly opinionated, instalment for The Carriage Commentator!

https://www.carriagecommentator.com/articles/meet-mossy3/

Want to follow Mossy? Subscribe now for just £8.50 per month!

Picture by Sara Jane Hayes of Mossy confidently tackling the water at Chepstow FEI event in Wales!

15/07/2025

One of our most talented and committed British young drivers took the golden ticket to Horse of the Year Show at the British Driving Society Show at Smith’s Lawn.

Leah Redsell shares her joy with us at The Carriage Commentator.

https://www.carriagecommentator.com/articles/were-going-to-hoys/

Picture by .co.uk of Leah Redsell and Nutfields The Contender winning their class at Smith’s Lawn, June 2025

14/07/2025

Join us on the Carriage Commentator website for the second part of the podcast with Steve Holm, discussing bits, training techniques, and more memories!

https://www.carriagecommentator.com/articles/podcast75-the-trainer-part-2/

Pictured: Steve Holm training a single

Not subscribed? Join us for just £8.50 per month!

13/07/2025

Agria Pet Insurance and British Equestrian (BEF) recently announced a major new partnership to make the equine insurer the principal partner of the British Equestrian World Class Programme (WCP).

Read More: https://www.carriagecommentator.com/articles/new-partnership-with-agria-bef/

Not subscribed? Subscribe now for just £8.50 per month!

12/07/2025

🎤🎤 Listen to our Podcast with Steve Holm who has led a fascinating life training and producing horses and driving turnouts to the highest standards.

The Trainer, Part 1: https://www.carriagecommentator.com/articles/podcast74-the-trainer-part-1/

Not Subscribed? Join now for just £8.50 per month!

11/07/2025

It was a wonderful day for all involved in the British Driving Society ’s 60th anniversary show at Smith’s Lawn on Sunday 22nd June 2025.

Thank you to Amy Griffiths Photography for the beautiful pictures for our Carriage Commentator report by Sarah Dance

https://www.carriagecommentator.com/articles/bds-anniversary-show/

10/07/2025

The Carriage Commentator interviewed British Driving Society ’s show committee chair Mike King, ahead of the 60th BDS Show at Smith’s Lawn where he was show director.

Read More: https://www.carriagecommentator.com/articles/meet-mike-king/

Picture courtesy of Amy Griffiths, of Mike King and his horse of a lifetime, Menai Leo