Information

Changes within AREA COMMITTEE
Due to increasing commitments in her role as CIAT Technical Delegate and her recent appointment to the BDS Judges’ Committee, Caroline Douglas has reluctantly decided to step down as Treasurer of Hampshire Area BDS.
Not only has Caroline done a great job as Treasurer for nearly five years, she has also been a much-valued committee member.
Caroline has kindly agreed to carry on running the Area Show, which she has made such a success.
Thank you Caroline, good luck in your new ventures, and enjoy your new ponies!
Gill Shorter has recently made a return to the Hampshire committee as AAC, and will now take over from Caroline as Treasurer.

BDS RISK ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL
Organisers of Hampshire Area Events can get helpful advice and explanations of what to do prior to running an Event in order to comply with the BDS Organisers Insurance Policy by downloading the following .pdf file from <HERE>

CHEQUES MADE OUT TO AREA
Please note that cheques paid out to the Hampshire Area BDS must be made payable to "Driving Society."

PHOTOGRAPHS
We constantly need photos for the website and the magazines, so if anyone has any good photos (MUST be taken with a camera, as pictures taken on mobile phones are not of sufficient quality to publish) please could you send them to Ginny at < tomparkerfarms@btconnect.com >. They must be your own, so as not to infringe any copyright.
ALSO we cannot use photos unless the driver is wearing hat & gloves, carrying their whip in their hand and holding the reins correctly. Many contributors are asking why their submitted photos are not being included but the prime reason is because they don't conform with the above so we are not allowed to publish.

DRIVE~500
inharness Magazine have launched a campaign encouraging drivers and back-steppers to go the extra mile and enjoy the countryside with their horse or pony team. Click <HERE > for poster; Click <HERE > for web site

The Forestry Commission has had to put traffic restrictions over the two reconstructed bridges connecting the dismantled railway embankments adjacent to Longslade. This is due to deteriorating foundations to the supports of the bridge spans. Structural Engineers are to survey and plan remedial work which is intended to be carried out as soon as it has been approved. This should therefore be a temporary restriction and we will advise here when the work has been completed and the restriction lifted. For clarity, one bridge is adjacent to the Longslade Bottom car park, the other is adjacent to Hincheslea Bog and accessed via the track through the Longslade View car park. The Area would be grateful if all BDS Members would respect the restrictions while they are in force.

BDS Easter Egg Treasure Hunt - Sunday, 14^th April
Under bright sunlight and a chilly April wind, 15 turnouts gathered at Lower Soldridge Farm, Medstead in pursuit of Easter Eggs.
As an early season drive with horses and ponies not all up to their peak of fitness, it was an ideal outing. Turnouts were sent off at intervals down the road, able to set their own speed within the context of traffic rules and terrain. If instructions for the seven mile circular route were followed, then there was no danger of getting lost. Ten coloured tokens (to be exchanged for eggs) were hung at intervals described in the instructions, although everyone was warned that some locations could be tricky. As we approached the first “egg” deposit, there was a discussion about what constituted “overhanging branches” as there seemed to be a lot of them on the rough track, and how challenging the location of the tokens would be. Anything colourful and slightly out of the ordinary such as discarded drinks cans were examined from a distance and dismissed. Another occasion for discussion was ‘For Sale’ signs put up by a rather prolific estate agent associated with the location of another egg, and the temptation to delve into bushes near the first such sign. The trail took us past the Watercress Line and into interesting landscapes, and there were sufficient intervals between the “eggs” to enjoy the change of scenery.
Once back at the Farm, the egg tokens were handed in to be exchanged for chocolate eggs and the, now very collectable, china egg cups made and painted by Sam with a little help from her friends and family! We then enjoyed the ultimate equestrian gourmet feast at The Pottery Pantry tearoom adjacent to the horse boxes. There was a choice of bacon and sausage, just bacon, or vegetarian cheese butties, apple pie and cream, and a special Easter birds nest sweet. The perfect end to an enjoyable day.
Many thanks to Sam Searle and all the helpers doing vehicle and harness checks, stewarding and serving food.
(Carole Brewster)

Lunch and talk - Wednesday, 27^th March
A home cooked lunch, followed by a speaker was organised by Sue Kennedy and Jo Parrett, to take place at Jo's home in Hambledon. This was a first time venue for BDS Hampshire and we were all impressed with the location and function room. There was a lovely menu of chicken casserole, jacket potato, and fresh bread, followed by mixed berry crumble pie with custard or cream, and a fresh fruit salad. Plenty of tea, coffee and soft drinks were also available.
Our after lunch speaker was Jim Green, who helped to set up the Hampshire Fire and Rescue's Animal Rescue, and is now director and co-founder of BARTA (The British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association). His knowledge and expertise takes him all over the world, helping with training and giving talks. Jim gave us a good insight into how things have moved forward since the days his father was a firefighter.
The technology and methods are always improving, as they are called to many different rescues and situations. Not always horses; he works with zoos and all animal rescues alike and each will have its individual requirements. The slide show enabled us to see some of the difficulties they encounter when called to an emergency. It was a fascinating talk and a very big thank you to Jim for his time and enthusiasm.
A raffle was held, with some superb prizes, Jo was given a big thank you for a first class lunch and Sue Kennedy was also thanked for taking Jo up on her offer of the room and for organising it.
All in all a lovely lunch, plenty of chatter, an educational talk and prizes to take home. (Gill Shorter)

Spring Spider Drive to High Corner - Wednesday, 20^th March
The fifth annual 'First Day of Spring' drive to the High Corner Inn had a brilliant turn out of fifteen carriages and forty two people. We were blessed, yet again, with good weather and many people ate lunch out of doors. The Inn staff were quick, efficient and welcoming, as they always are, and everyone enjoyed their food. Apart from a temporarily lost phone, the drive was incident free and we all look forward to doing it again next year. (Georgina Burrows) <PHOTOS>

Spider Drive to Burley Rails Cottage - Thursday, 7^th March
An impressive total of seventeen turnouts and thirty-eight people took advantage of the Spider Drive to the home of Ian and Tracey Thew, this really is a ‘cottage in the woods’, and is the perfect venue given all the trees surrounding the cottage – no shortage of hitching posts here!
A couple of short, sharp rain showers on the journeys to and from Burley Rails deterred no-one, and the sun shone as lunch of homemade soup and rolls was enjoyed in the cottage garden.
A big thank you to Tracey and Ian for their hospitality and Tracey’s delicious food, to Sue Kennedy for organising the day and to everyone for coming especially so early in the year.

New Year’s Day Drive - Tuesday, 1^st January 2019
On a very different day to last year, it was bright blue sky and warm sunshine for most of the ten mile drive with Terry Newman at West Stratton. Eight turnouts enjoyed the lovely drive on leafy lanes and grassy tracks, with a stop at The Wonston Arms, for coffee and/or mulled wine. Thanks to Terry for putting on the drive, to his wife Pam for the lovely home cooking, and also to the landlord at the pub for such a warm welcome.
Each year Terry organises two or three drives, and asks for donations to Naomi House Children’s Hospice. From three drives in 2018, Terry collected Ł245, and from this New Year’s Day drive alone Ł130. Thank you everyone for your generosity - it is a charity very close to many people’s hearts.

Christmas Drive - Sunday, 16^th December 2018
The Christmas Drive was a very festive occasion. Everyone had embraced the idea of the fancy dress, and there were some wonderful costumes, including more than one Father Christmas, Rudolph and lots and lots of elves! The carriages were festooned with tinsel and lights, and in the case of Sam Searle, the eventual winner of the fancy dress, complete with sleigh sides for an authentic look!
Mulled wine, mince pies and carol singing to a brass trio in the pub rounded off a great morning. Thanks to Sue Kennedy for her organisation and to Steve Croll for his hospitality.

Christmas Lunch - Thursday, 6^th December
A very jolly Christmas Lunch was held at the Rising Sun, Wootton with forty members and friends enjoying the occasion. Sue Craufurd-Kennedy made up two fantastic hampers for the raffle, which raised Ł143. Many thanks to Sue for organising this, to Steve Croll and his staff for the super food, and to everyone for coming.

Many of the forty-four attendees chose to eat in the pub first, where they were very impressed with the food and the friendly, efficient service.
In the absence of AC Sarah Jones, who had been very unwell, the meeting was chaired by AAC Sam Searle, who welcomed everyone, introduced the members of the committee and talked about past and present events. Hampshire BDS is a very active Area, and by the end of the year will have put on thirty-six events, including a variety of twenty spider, processional and interval drives. This seemed to be much appreciated by the members present.
There was a new award this year, The Anne Mouland Bowl, sponsored by Pam and Tony Truder in recognition of all that Anne has done for the Area over many years. An annual award for whoever has given the most to the Area during the year, it was decided by Anne, Pam and Tony that it should be presented to John and Di Siviter. John and Di are stalwart supporters of Hampshire BDS, and can always be relied on to steward at the show and other events. An award richly deserved.
The meeting was rounded off with speaker Richard James with his amusing ‘Anecdotes’ from his travels around the world with the F.E.I. and carriage horses. Richard clearly appreciated that ‘horses take you many places that you would not otherwise get to go to’.
Many thanks to Richard, and to all the members who came – it was wonderful to see so many and the committee really appreciate your support.

Over forty-five people and seventeen turnouts attended the Barbara Mill’s Memorial Drive on the anniversary of her death. The venue at Highland Water was a favourite coffee stop of Barbara’s when out driving her beloved ponies Polly, and later Bill. She loved a tot of Tia Maria as a warmer with her coffee, and lashings of this, along with lots of cake, was provided to everyone to enjoy in her memory.

Caroline Douglas gave a short, but very moving tribute, and made everyone chuckle when she said she could imagine Barbara sitting up there looking down and saying, "I sincerely hope you didn’t buy any flowers!" Anyone who knew Barbara well would know that she thought sending flowers was a complete waste of money, and reprimanded anyone foolish enough to do so! Respecting this, Caroline brought roses from her garden, and the petals from these were scattered, by anyone who wished to, off the bridge into Highland Water itself.

This was an occasion much appreciated by Barbara’s many friends who commented afterwards

"A great tribute to Barbara and it really felt as if she was back amongst us."
and
"A very special occasion in Barbara’s memory, thank you’."

Many thanks to Caroline, Sue Kennedy and Helen Lamb for organising such a wonderful memorial - a great reflection of the regard and fondness in which Barbara was held.

A lovely afternoon event kindly organised by Sue Kennedy and hosted by Ian and Tracey Thew at their Cottage. In the car park harnessing up we attracted a number of appreciative families who were out for a walk with young children who came over for pony hugs and information about the ponies. We answered their questions and people were surprised at the ages of our somewhat senior five Shetland strong party. Other people came and took photographs and short filming took place. One member of our party made jokes about charging 50p for allowing photographs and that he would charge extra when they asked him to smile. This was taken in good spirit by the photographers who clicked away happily.

It was a bright day and not too warm so made driving very pleasant. There were 15 turnouts and 34 participants. Our group departed Boldrewood car park and passed through lovely glades and woods. On the way we saw a number of relaxed forest ponies grazing and tending to their young - they took no notice of the passing rattle of carriages on gravel and Hi Vis vests whizzing past.

We looked out for deer but did not see any on our route, however Georgina spotted a large stag on a different route to the same destination. It always amazes me how several turnouts can depart from the same point and arrive at the planned destination at around the same time having taken different routes with various horse sizes and travelling various distances. As usual the equines waited quietly when unharnessed and stood amongst the shade of the trees during our break. They were all so good and seem to know the drill well.

The location of the cottage with its pretty lattice windows reminded me of a description in a book I had read as a child given to me by my grandmother. The book entitled “Children of the New Forest” is a children’s novel written in 1847. It contained various descriptions of New Forest journeys undertaken on foot horseback or pony and trap. It also discussed the time and risks it took to travel from one part of the forest to another. There were roundheads about you understand.

The Author a Captain Frederick Marryat was said to have gained inspiration for the book by travelling from his Norfolk home to stay on the New Forest with his brother George at his country house - Chewton Glen, now a well-known Hotel.

Back to 2018 and today's roundheads (well hardhats), we sat on garden furniture and chairs borrowed from the house. It was so good to chat and catch up on events and the time passed too quickly. We enjoyed the home made cake scones and tea which were just so very good, and served in such a charming location it felt like a quintessentially English afternoon. There is something very important about a good cup of tea, however when served in delicate bone china, sat outside in the New Forest it seems to improve the tea and the experience even more.

We are so fortunate to have experienced this lovely afternoon. Carriages, equines, scrummy scones, sunshine and wonderful surroundings and people - try beating an outing like this. Finally a huge Thank you Tracey and Ian for making our wonderful tea, and Sue for organising: A Very English Afternoon. (Josie Saiers)

BDS Hants Show 2018 - Sunday, 19^th August

In Yorkshire they rustle up something called a soft day. It needs no explanation. Early in the morning at New Park Farm, the atmosphere was soft, a relief from heat and humidity that had gone before. Happily, the surface of the ring was comfortable for the driving turnouts as the sun slowly came out from behind clouds.
At 9:30 sharp the Third Annual BDS Hampshire Area Show commenced with an In-hand Potential Driving Horse/Pony/Donkey Class with three lovely ponies, two of them Welsh Section A’s . After some deliberation by judge Mrs Clare Wigmore, ‘Fielden Nutella’ shown by Caroline Sawyer won the Horse Drawn Enterprises trophy sponsored by Samantha Searle, with ‘All That Chatters’ shown by Abigail Griffith in reserve. Following on promptly, the Novice Horse or Pony class attracted a wide variety of turnouts (“any height/any vehicle”) vying for the Longfields Challenge Trophy sponsored by Mr. And Mrs. S. Jones. It was a good-sized class consisting of both two and four-wheeled exercise and competition vehicles, with cobs and ponies (including a pair) lacking a first place in their CV. This was put right for Arthur Smith driving’ Garstons George’ with Alison Trevett and ‘Sway Mr. Bojangles’ in reserve.
The subsequent morning classes included Exercise Vehicles, Pleasure Driving, Non-Traditional turnouts and Coloured Horse or Pony, each with its own requirements. There was a certain amount of cross-over in the classes as they could be driven with traditional or modern vehicles (but not trade vehicles), several turnouts competing in multiple classes.
The Exercise Vehicle Class, sponsored by Mrs. Gail Johnson, was contested by five, for the most part, more experienced turnouts. The winner was Kayti Harvey driving the versatile ‘Grayswood Upper Class’, the mare that took Kayti to second place in the Intermediate Pony class in the Indoor Driving Championships at Keysoe earlier this year. Reserve was Karen Matthews and ‘Banjo’.
Pleasure Driving, kindly sponsored by Mrs. Susan Craufurd-Kennedy, could have been driven to a show vehicle or not. The day’s entries took the second option. And typical of Pleasure Driving classes, there were tasks to complete, confirming that the horse or pony was suitably trained and had the temperament for everyday driving. There was a simple gate made up of two cones and a tape that the groom was required to open to allow the turnout to pass through quietly. Following this, the turnout was required to halt in the middle of another set of cones then rein back. After a driven show, the chosen winner was Kayti Harvey (‘Grayswood Upper Class’) who received the Barbara Mills Memorial Trophy. Ginny Williams driving ‘Garraton Cresta’ and ‘Oakgrove Chantilly’ Lace were reserve. Rosettes for all competitors kindly donated by Carriage Driving Magazine.
The Non Traditional class, new to the show, was sponsored by Tom Parker Farms It was open to modern vehicles with non-leather harness, within the framework of good manners, correct fit of harness, a clean and relevant spares kit, and the ability of the whip. The class was won by Ginny Williams (‘Garraton Cresta’ and ‘Chantilly Lace’) who was awarded the Tom Parker Farms Challenge Trophy. Reserve was Chanie Matthews with ‘Banjo’. Following on, there was a Coloured Horse or Pony class, the coat appearance having a broad definition including cremello, dun and palomino. The class was kindly sponsored by Mr. And Mrs. D. Shorter. The winner of the class was young driver Chanie Matthews, with ‘Banjo’. There followed a Concours d’Elegance judged by Mrs. Stephanie Woodhams and kindly sponsored by Mr. And Mrs. T. Truder which rounded out the morning. The winner was Lucy Smith with ‘Waunoris Melody’.
The Mountain and Moorland ponies had done their shows in the morning and so the decision was taken to move Private Driving forward to 2pm. Joining this and judged separately was Light Trade. The entire class was kindly sponsored by Team Broxmore/Adveco. The winner of the Private Driving Class was Joe Rowe driving ‘Noddyvyse Temptation’, who was awarded the Wentworth Myndwr Memorial Challenge Trophy. Reserve was Kelly Searle with ‘Cosford Izi Wotnot’. Winner of the Trade Class was Sally Barlow driving ‘Rainhill Sir Percival’. Reserve was Albert Smith with ‘Garston George’.
Immediately following on were the three show championships consisting of the Hampshire BDS Area Championship (sponsored by Sue and Roger Page of Grayswood Carriage Driving Centre), the overall Show Championship (sponsored by Mrs. Stephanie Woodhams), and the Young Driver’s Championship (sponsored by Maskell and Son Farriers).
The Hampshire BDS Area Championship winner was Joe Rowe, with reserve Kayti Harvey.
The Show Championship went to Joe Rowe, with reserve Kelly Searle.
The Young Driver’s Championship was won by Chanie Matthews.
Hampshire BDS is very grateful to Caroline Douglas for her tireless effort organising the show and obtaining an impressive number of qualifiers, to Sarah Jones AC and her team of stewards, and to Sophie Atkins who provided commentary throughout the day and was the string that bound together the non-stop classes. Thanks also to everyone else who worked in front of, and behind the scenes, without whose help the show could not have been such a success. (Carole Brewster).

BDS Hampshire’s Summer Driving Camp : 13^thto15^th July

A very successful Summer Driving Camp was organised by Hampshire Area BDS at Lowhill Farm. Thirty-five people and thirteen ponies, including two pairs, arrived on the Friday afternoon ready and eager to set up camp. The fabulous weather ensured everyone was in high spirits.
AAC Sam Searle, whose brainchild this was, welcomed everyone and took them down to see the dressage arena, and to walk the cones course in preparation for the next day.
Seventy-six people attended the Friday evening social, where Mickey Page did a wonderful job of keeping everyone entertained with his Country and Western music. The accompanying hog roast was much enjoyed by all.

Saturday morning dawned bright and fair, with those turnouts who preferred the comfort of their own beds arriving to join in the day’s activities.
Treasure Hunts are always great fun, and this one, set by Sue Page, was no exception. Issued with a map and a list of clues and treasure to find, participants found some lateral thinking was definitely required here!
Dressage and cones followed in the afternoon. The dressage was judged by Caroline Douglas and for many ponies and whips was their first ever dressage test, so well done everyone!
Saturday night was party night! A disco, tug-of-war, games and a bouncy castle – not for children – what more could you want? Although the bucking sheep – yes, sheep – was very popular and caused much hilarity!

Sunday morning was for skills, imaginatively designed by Sam and including a tractor arch, streamers, hoops, apple bobbing and fishing. Oh, and the BDS Trec trampoline edging made a return appearance! Whips had to long-rein their ponies through the first half of these ‘hazards’, before putting-to and driving the full course, with varying degrees of success!
After lunch there was a quiz designed by Sue, followed by tea and cake and results. Rosettes were awarded for each separate activity, with points going forward to an accumulator over the whole weekend. Pam Baker with Diesel came out top, with Louise Anderson and Sox in second place. Every participant received a beautiful commemorative rosette, kindly sponsored by Joanne Hartland of Hartland Carriages.

Grateful thanks to Sam Searle, Sue and Roger Page and Sarah Jones, and to all the helpers who formed part of a very large team. Few people realise just how much thought and hard work goes into putting on a residential camp, and that is even before the campers arrive!
This was a camp for everyone – many were young ponies / novice drivers and there were two young drivers. It was certainly action-packed, and as they left there were many happy campers clamouring for a repeat experience!