PLEASURE DRIVING
Pleasure Driving is show ring competition. Horses and/or ponies are hitched to antique vehicles or replicas. Classes or divisions are based on the animal (pony, mule, draft, mini), the driver, and/or the experience of horse or driver. Classes or divisions can be further divided by the size of the animal, the kind of vehicle, and the number of animals in the hitch; e.g. singles, pairs, unicorns, tandems, or teams. Classes are also categorized by the criteria by which they are judged. Though the total picture is evaluated, in a reinsmanship class the ability of the driver is most important; in a working class, the horse’s performance is most important; and in a turnout, the quality and appropriate¬ness of the vehicle, harness, and driver is most important. Some classes are designated specifically for gentlemen, ladies, or juniors; and some are for specific vehicles; e.g. runabouts, gigs, or coaches.

Obstacles
Pleasure shows often include cones or obstacle classes in which the driver is judged on the speed and accuracy while going through a set of cone markers set inches wider than the wheel width and topped with balls. The cones are set in a manner similar to a jumping course, with left and right turns, combinations, and sometimes obstacles such as bridges. The driver who completes the course with the fewest faults (balls knocked down) in the shortest time wins. There are variations on the obstacle class category with slightly different judging criteria. In Fault and Out, the driver is eliminated when the first ball is knocked off; in Double Jeopardy, one driver drives the course one direction; his passenger drives the course in reverse. In Gamblers Choice, there is a prescribed amount of time and the obstacles have a point value. The goal is to get through as many obstacles as possible within the time allotted.

Driven Dressage
Driven Dressage tests are included in Pleasure shows and are judged similarly to a ridden dressage test. The drivers are required to perform a set of movements which include changes of pace, circles, turns, and extensions. They are always judged individually, in a dressage ring which is either 40 x 80 or 40 x 100 meters. Judges look for three distinct trots, smooth transitions, and accuracy. The horse should demonstrate correct training.

Ride and Drive
The entry is first judged in driving; the driver then gets out, produces saddle and bridle, changes tack, mounts, and is judged as a ridden entry. In combination hunter classes, the entry is asked to take one or two small jumps. This class replicates the days in which the fox hunter drove his horse or a tandem to the hunt meet. if a tandem were driven to the meet,the accompanying groom would either drive himself home, or wait with the extra horse until the rider was ready for second horses.

Marathon
if the location permits, the show will sometimes include a marathon. The entry is judged in the ring and then goes on a longer drive through the town or into the country. It is judged on turnout and performance in the ring and on the drive. The distance of the drive depends on location.

Draft Horse Hitch
Draft horses and mules are included in Pleasure Driving shows, and they may either participate in open classes or in classes specifically designated for them

COMBINED DRIVING
The CDE (Combined Driving Event) is modeled after the Three Day Event, which tests the overall condition and versatility of the horse in sport. Major competitions are usually held over three days: day 1) Driven Dressage; day 2) Cross Country Marathon with up to eight special obstacles or hazards; day 3) Cone Driving Competition which equates to the show jumping phase of the ridden event (One or two-day competitions include each of the phases, with a Marathon of a shorter distance). Penalty points are incurred in each of the above phases and the winner is the entry who accumulates the fewest points. Horses and ponies compete separately in these categories: single— one horse/pony; pairs—two horses/ponies side by side; tandem—two horses/ponies, one in front of the other; and Teams—four horses/ponies—two pair, one in front of the other.

Dressage - Day 1
Often compared to compulsory figures in figure skating, the dressage test consists of a prescribed sequence of movements judged against a standard of absolute perfection. The test demonstrates the obedience, freedom, regularity of movement, impulsion, and correct position and training of the animals. Multiple hitches are judged collectively.

Cross Country Marathon - Day 2
This phase tests the fitness, stamina, and obedience of the horses and the judgment and capability of the driver. Advanced competitions can have 5 sections (A, B, C, D, E), which may include mandatory walks, trots, as well as a section which includes hazards. Other competitions may have 3 sections (A, B, E), all having a minimum/maximum time allowance. At the end of section B and D there are mandatory 10 minute halts with veterinary checks to ensure the horses are not unduly stressed and are fit enough to continue. Competitors can walk the course before the marathon phase and plan their route. They are given a map and course marker flags for guidance, but no horse is allowed on the course before the start. Drivers may choose any path through the obstacles, provided they drive through each gate in the correct alphabetical sequence, wand with the red flag on the right and white on the left. The object is to complete each hazard in the shortest possible time with no penalties. Penalties include time, groom/driver dismounting, driver putting down whip, error of course, knocking down a collapsible element, and turning the vehicle over.

Cones - Day 3
Cones can be likened to the stadium jumping phase of eventing. The object is to drive through narrowly spaced pairs of cones cleanly within time allowed. Each cone has a ball placed on top, and any miscalculation will dislodge the ball, thus incurring a penalty. This phase tests the fitness, agility and obedience of the horse and the accuracy and skill of the driver.

Combined Driving Carriages
Vehicles used in Combined Driving must be safe and well maintained. Each competitor is checked at presentation before the dressage test and again for safety before the rigors of the marathon. The same vehicle must be used in both dressage and cones; a second vehicle may be used in the marathon.

Combined Driving Grooms & Navigators
A groom may accompany the driver in the dressage and cones competitions. On the marathon, the groom is a vital part of the team to help the driver stay on the correct course, to keep track of time, to hold paper work, and to help direct the route through obstacles. In addition the groom is called on to balance the vehicle by shifting his/her weight around tight turns or on uneven ground. Grooms may not handle the reins, nor the whip, and may give verbal assistance only in the marathon. No verbal communication between the driver and the groom is allowed in the dressage or cones competitions.

OTHER TYPES OF DRIVING & HARNESS
Fine Harness
In Fine Harness classes the horse displays more animation and brilliance than in other driving classes and the horse sports a full mane and tail, hitched to a four wheeled a small buggy with wire wheel but without top, light harness with blinkers, snaffle bit and overcheck are required. The horse performs at an animated walk, and an elegant but animated park trot. Manners and brilliance are top considerations in judging. How does the horse ‘wear the harness” and look through the bridle? Does he displays high style along with manners? Such horses are valued for elegance and animated movements and style, over speed.

Roadster
The Roadster horse belonged to the country doctor and the itinerant preacher in days gone by. Famous for its fast trot and ability to go long distances, it was the forerunner of the harness horses you see on the racetrack today. He is shown at a jog trot, road gait, and then at speed hitched to a two-wheeled cart (bike) or under saddle. The driver or rider is dressed in stable colors. Road horses are judged on performance, speed, quality and manners. The roadster enters the ring the wrong way, and when the class reverses you will sense the excitement as they "turn it on" as if on the racetrack.

Classic Pleasure Driving
English rail class tests the horse’s ability to pull a two-wheeled cart and driver along the perimeter of the arena. The horse is exhibited at a walk and two speeds of trot called park gait and road gait. The horse is judged on straight and free movement, manners, and a bright expression while staying under the driver’s control at all times. Horses must not break into a canter at any time.

Country Pleasure Driving
In this discipline, your horse's shoes are completely unpadded. They are hitched to a two-wheeled buggy and driven around the ring at the flat-walk, trot and extended trot. They are supposed to have quality, style and presence. Most Country Pleasure Driving horses do not have very much action because of the lack of pads, but many can get their legs right up there just like anyone else.

Easygoing gaits are desired and much emphasis is placed on the true, flat walk. Country Pleasure Driving horses have long manes and tails. They are prohibited to wear tail sets or boots in the show ring.

Show Pleasure Driving
It combines grace and beauty with controllability and skill. The pleasure horse is supposed to be fun to drive- and look good all the while!

The Show Pleasure Driving horse shows three gaits; flat walk, trot and extended-trot, and has a long, flowing mane and tail. Show Pleasure Driving horses are very popular. Any kind of tail set or switch is prohibited both at shows and at the barn. They are shown to a two-wheeled buggy. They have good conformation and will stand quietly.

Carriage Driving
It may look relatively easy, Carriage Driving requires a great deal of skill to accurately guide one or more horses without mishap. Carriage Driving events present competitors with a course of natural and man-made obstacles to negotiate, ranging from stream crossings and narrow, curved trails through woods to mazes of guide poles that must be threaded without knocking any over. Larger events provide more divisions for carriages in a wide variety of shapes and sizes which can be drawn by up to four horses. There are strict rules preserving the presence of traditional personnel who, in times past, would normally be part of a carriage's livery.

Carriage Driving events are not just colorful reminders of the past; they are highly competitive events demanding great concentration on the part of the driver and equally great agility and strength from the horses.

Hackney Pony
The Hackney Pony (as a discipline) is the high stepper of the showring. They have extreme action both in front and behind. Judged on brilliance and presence, the Hackney presents a picture of sheer daintiness and perfection.

The Hackney Pony is shown in a small four-wheeled cart called a viceroy. They are shown only at the trot, but at two speeds, the park trot and the faster "Show your Pony" speed.

Custom demands that the pony be shown with a docked tail and mane braided close to the neck. At the trot, the pony should snap the knees and hocks and show high, straight, true action while maintaining the desired head-set.