FEI World Combined Pony Driving Championships in Catton took place in Catton Hall (GBR) from 14 to 17 July 2005.
Taking on the responsibility of running a driving event is not to be taken lightly, taking on the responsibility of running a World Championship, is altogether another matter. Undaunted Robin and Katie Nielsen, the owners of Catton Hall Estate, with the able help of Tom Pettifer, Phillip Bateman and Annabel Cameron, did this, and with a great success.
This venue has been a popular site for national events and British course designer George Prince has developed interesting and substantial Obstacles that were used with the addition of a new number 8, and the team of Wolfgang Assendorf (FEI Course Designer), George Prince, Derek Holah, and numerous others built, designed and laid out a challenging and exciting World Championship class marathon course.
Over 250 ponies and 81 drivers from 16 countries came together on this warm July week, and performed at their best , and from every indication had fun doing it. The grounds at Catton Hall set aside for the competition were ideal; from the attractive main arena set in front of the house, to the large fields set aside for parking, stabling and warm up, were all that could be desired for a successful event.
The atmosphere created by the organizers throughout the event was warm and friendly. The evening entertainments were enjoyed by all, the first evening the countries, participating in the event, laid out traditional foods from their countries for everyone to enjoy. This has proven to be a great way to get everyone together, and it set the tone for the following evenings. On another evening a talent show was held, and everyone agreed the German and British teams outdid themselves. So much so that they were called back for a repeat on Saturday night.
The colorful opening ceremony, led by two coaches with the officials, followed by each nation led in by a native breed of pony followed by a pair or single of the nation. The rest of the nations drivers, grooms, vets, chefs d’equipe, and other helpers, adding to the joyful parade.
The Competitors where formally welcomed by the host Robin Nielsen, with the Championship formally opened by His Royal Highness, Prince Phillip, himself a competitor.
The dressage held over two days, produced a definitely improving standard of tests for the ponies. The Marathon on Saturday, saw the only cooling in the weather, and being set over a true cross country course, gave the competitors a challenge throughout.
The obstacles drove well with number two providing all the excitement, where a turn to the exit, taken too quickly upset a few competitors, fortunately with no lasting injuries to drivers or competitors. The Catton water splash, obstacle seven, as usual drew large and enthusiastic crowds, with the competitors entering and leaving over the famous bridge. The course drew praise from the competitors, who felt they had truly driven a World Championship course,
The Wolfgang Asendorf designed cones course was challenging, with a little used multiple, the serpentine at number eighteen, providing an interesting finish. The time was tight and competitors had to drive carefully and fast to achieve the double clear. As is normally the case those at the top achieved this, and gave the crowd an exciting finish to each class.
The German team was again successful in the team competition closely followed by the Netherlands and the home team of Great Britain. In the individuals single pony class Suzy Stafford of the USA was the Gold medalist followed by, Dirk van Beckhoven NED, and Ann-Christine Arvidsson SWE. In the pair ponies class Steffen Abicht of Germany was the Gold medalist followed by Rupert Ganhor AUT, and Lars Dau DEN.
In the Four-in-Hand class, the Gold medalist was Dirk Gerkens, followed by his team mate, Tobias Bucker and then Aart van de Kamp snr NED.
The closing Ceremonies where again colorful, with the medalists staying in the arena and then all the other members, whatever their role, of each nation marched in, filling the arena.
His Royal Highness then declared the Championships finished, and thus closed the second and highly successful FEI Combined Pony Driving Championships.
Again all our thanks must go out in particular to our hosts for the week, Robin and Katie Nielsen, who made it all possible, and to the numerous staff and volunteers who spent endless hours working mainly behind the scenes, and who without them these championships would not be possible.
On a personal note, I as the TD, was privileged to work with a team of officials and organizers who truly worked as a team, which helped make the event enjoyable and run smoothly.
Campus
