About Us

The Aims and Objectives of the ACDSQB are to encourage members of all abilities, through participation at Club, State or National level, to learn the safe art of Driving horses, ponies and donkeys in harness.

Driving activities include:

PLEASURE DRIVING offers events of non-competitive Driving for members who enjoy the pleasure of Driving their horse and carriage. Drives may be along quiet country roads, rail trails, public reserves or private property. To create additional interest at these rallies, activities may also include picnic or barbecue meals, camps or navigational activities.

SHOW DRIVING concentrates on the type and conformation of the horse/s shown, harness used and vehicle presented to the judge along with the dress and skill of the ‘Whip’ or Driver. Classes may include breed, vehicle, and combination or height classifications. Members compete as individuals at Agricultural Shows through to Royal Show standard.

DRESSAGE is to judge the freedom, regularity of pace, harmony, impulsion, suppleness, lightness, ease of movement and correct bending of horses and ponies on the move. Dressage is basic training.

The competitors are also judged on their style, accuracy and general command of their horse(s) and on the presentation of the turnout. Set movements and prescribed paces are required to be performed in a defined arena. Driven Dressage arenas measure 100m x 40m (usually Open and Multiple but not exclusively) or 80m x 40m (usually Novice but not exclusively).

COMBINED DRIVING EVENTS (CDEs) are the Driving equivalent of three day eventing in an exciting three stage competition at all levels. Combined Driving phases comprise of Competition A - Presentation and Dressage, Competition B - Cross Country or Marathon and Competition C – Obstacle or Cone Driving.

ENDURANCE DRIVING for those who enjoy distance Driving through Australia’s countryside, offering the combination of pleasure and competitive Driving.

PARK DRIVING when traditional carriages come together for a drive through a picturesque park for public display.

HISTORICAL for the many people who enjoy the history of carriages and their restoration. Joining a club gives you the opportunity to meet people, learn, network with people about the carriage building trade and become involved.

TRAINING FOR OFFICIALS – (Judges, Technical Delegates, Scorers and Stewards) Officials play a very important role in carriage driving and the ACDSQB provides training and regular refresher schools.

INSTRUCTION for the beginner, intermediate or advanced Driver, ACDSQB and its affiliated Clubs provide a variety of schools through the year on all aspects of Driving.