If youre really looking for excitement this year at the World Equestrian Games, you might be surprised to find it at the combined driving competition. This part of the FEI World Equestrian Games actually consists of three phases and is much more than simple driving around the arena that you might find at your typical horse show.

Combined driving requires four team members and four horses. Each team member has a role in the competition including the driver or whip, the groom and the navigator. The driver controls the horses and is the only team member allowed to speak to the hoses. The two grooms stay on the carriage and control the horses while they are being hitched. When there are two grooms in this event, it is referred to as four-in-hands. The navigator helps the driver navigate the course and obstacle routs during the marathon phase. They remind the driver where to go and also watches the clock. The navigator sits behind the driver. The second groom may also have the task of standing and keeping the carriage upright.

The horses in the combined driving event must be very responsive with an excellent and reliable disposition. This sport can be very dangerous should a horse decide to go his own way or disobey in some manner. Because there are four horses used in this competition, one of those horses is the leader or wheeler. It is even more important that this horse is suitable and well-trained.

There are three phases to the competition including:

Dressage & Presentation: Presentation is a sub-phase in the dressage portion of the competition in which the team members attire, the horses appearance and the vehicle and tack are judged for cleanliness and safety. This takes place at the halt prior to starting the dressage competition.

The dressage test is similar to those tests that are performed under saddle and include maneuvers such as figure eights, collected and extended gaits, a halt, crossing the diagonal and a rein back. Horses are judged on their ability to move in harmony with similar movement, action and conformation. The test does allow the voice as an aid, which is not allowed under saddle.

Marathon: This phase is similar to cross country eventing. It is a test of the horses athletic ability and stamina. They will have to cross several hazards throughout the test including water, twists through trees, steep hills, fences and pens.

Cones: Cones test the accuracy and obedience of the horses, as well as their speed. It can be likened to the show jumping portion of a three day event. The driver must negotiation 20 pairs of cones, each having a ball on top. Knocking over one or both of the cones penalizes the teams score. Other obstacles may also include raised rails in a U shape, a right angle and a wooden bridge.

If youre looking to experience a unique competition while visiting the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, then combined driving will be an experience like none other.