Tilly at Eight

We realised that if we were to make progress, we would have to be able to do more at home. Our roads are just too dangerous to use for carriage driving and so in spring 2003, we had one of our paddocks harrowed and rolled. The grass quickly recovered and we then had a good driving area. Tilly got an new set of harness and, towards the end of the summer, a new carriage, a Bennington. By using a four wheeled vehicle, we have now completely solved the problem of shafts banging down on her back. The shafts are independent and move with her. Tilly's first show was the 2003 Surrey BDS Show, where we did just one class and came last, which probably had something to do with the fact that we were wearing skull caps! But the important thing was that she didn't put a hoof wrong. At her second show, where we dressed properly, she was placed in pleasure driving!

But it was in 2004, at the age of eight, Tilly had her first real season, going to a range of shows, drives and other events, especially with the British Driving Society and the South Downs Harness Club. She did well, particularly in exercise and performance classes, including qualifying for the "Style and Performance" Championships.

Winning her first cup
Photo: SDHC

At the BDS Surrey Show 2004, where she won three cups!