TRADITIONAL TIPS
first ever to be built where the wheels incorporate ball bearings, in those days a major innovation although taken for granted today. Between the coaching classes, I had the
privilege of judging four Welsh driving classes, here the judging is on 60 per cent manners and 40 per cent on confirmation. Tese ponies are very popular with the crowd, who enthusiastically applaud the one they would like to win. With a very full arena, resulting in well under one minute to judge each turnout, one had to pick the turnout that caught the eye on the move. All the turnouts were spectacular. Due to time restrictions and similarity of conformation at this very high level, the scales had to be tipped in the favour of those turnouts offering just that little more performance and manners. It was a colourful class with a range of vehicles and styles. Te class was won by owner and driver, Toddy Hunter. Te final coaching class on the Saturday was
Above: Mark Broadbent judging the appointments class.
her carriage and stunning horses. I was particularity pleased for Mary, when aſter the class I heard that this was her first show since the unfortunate severe accident she had earlier in the year. Her turnout was immaculate and it was a popular win, with all other competitors very pleased to see her driving again. Tursday was a four-in-hand class showing
the same teams being driven in a wonderful array of differing carriages. Harvey Waller took the first prize, driving his immaculately turned out mail phaeton, again by Brewster.
Difficult decisions
Friday saw the much coveted appointments class. Here the emphasis is on the turnout of the coach with the correctness and completeness of its appointments (those additions that should be in place on the coach depending on its traditional purpose*). Tis gives competitors the chance to show off their coaches to great detail and is taken very seriously. As ever at the Royal, style plays an important role. For the preliminary judging the four coaches were parked without the horses in an area in front of the hitching ring restaurant, so those having lunch could enjoy the spectacle. Te judging was to commence at 2pm and the owners had spent all morning
preparing the coaches, each superbly displayed on their own area surrounded by many items to enhance their show. Te judging commenced with a champagne and canapé reception, and I was given 15 minutes to inspect each coach – I was in my element... Te only problem being that each coach was turned out so well it was hard to decide on a final place at this stage, additionally it is not easy to judge a well-appointed road coach against a park drag, as they differ considerably. Terefore the final result had to be determined by the performance of the horses in the latter part of the class that evening. No matter how technically good a coach, is you must have good team of horses to pull it! First prize went to Harvey Waller driving his
perfectly appointed Old Times coach. Tis is, of course, the famous coach which was used by James Selby in his notorious London to Brighton run in 1888. Te following day saw the unicorn class;
again four immaculate turnouts were before me – however my eye was caught by Mr John White driving his unicorn of greys; two Kaldrubers in the wheel and the stylish Andalusian proudly performing in the lead. Tis was a most impressive turnout with a real coaching flavour as he was driving his Healy body break built in 1910. A most upstanding, smart vehicle, which, since the day it was built, has resided in New Jersey. Tis carriage is of interest as it is one of the
another pleasure class. I had a difficult choice between the two park drag teams who were sent out for a final display to assist me in making the final decision. Te Hackney team displayed such class and panache that they took first prize. I must finish by thanking the Royal Show and
the Horse Show Chairman, David Freedman, for their superb hospitality, a wonderful experience and once again allowing me the great privilege of judging such world class turnouts, which I consider to be a great privilege. “We were honoured to have Mark come and
judge the coaching for us at the Royal. Show ring driving is different to judge than road driving. As a past winner of Royal Windsor many times, Mark’s expertise and understanding of the show ring and how turnouts should perform is truly appreciated by the exhibitors and management,” said David Freedman.
• Next month Mark will expand on his judging tips, giving more detail regarding showing the different types of coaches and their appointments.
Fenix Carriages, your premier carriage maker. Tel: 01823 652600 Email:
enquiries@fenixcarriages.co.uk www.fenixcarriages.co.uk
Below leſt: John White, winner of the unicorn class. Below right: Mary Stokes-Waller - pairs driving class winner.
January 2012
Carriage Driving 35
Photos: Bowie Schatzberg
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60