It isn't necessary to be an equine
enthusiast in order to appreciate the vast level of skill and
dedication required to excel in this fast paced sport. Our highly
proficient CDE Instructors will take you through each phase of
instruction necessary for competing at the World Equestrian Games
level. At the WEG there are three phases which drivers compete in;
Driven Dressage - the driver takes the team through a dressage test similar to what a dressage rider would ride. Also similar to dressage, drivers will all be performing the same test in a flat, rectangular arena lined with letters. The arena in driving, however, is 100 x 40 meters, almost twice as large as a ridden dressage arena.
Marathon Phase - Designed to test the
stamina and agility of the team and the maneuvering skills of the driver.
Drivers take their teams over natural terrain and complete an exciting course
of obstacles that include water, hills, sharp turns and more. The object is to
complete the course without faults and within the optimum time.
Cones phase - Features a tight,
challenging course of cones that must be navigated within the time allowed.
Tennis-sized balls are placed on top of cones on the course and the drivers
must direct the horses around the cones without displacing the balls. At this
point, the horses have completed two phases, and it takes exceptional driving
skills to be successful at Cones.
