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FVSA 2nd Annual Driving Derby

Fox Valley Saddle Association is happy to announce the dates of our 2nd season of Driving Derbies. This year the dates are June 4th, July 16th and October 8th. Last year we had a variety of horses, ponies and VSEs, and drivers with different levels of experience-from people who had never done any competitive driving, to seasoned CDE drivers and we are looking forward to even more people for our 2nd year.

So what’s a driving derby? In short, you take the precision of a cones course and mix in the excitement of combined driving obstacles and the quickest time wins. It’s a great way to introduce new people to the sport of combined driving without having the expense and stress of a full competition and a fun way to get ready for show season and spend some time with your equine if you are already familiar with that kind of driving.

At FVSA, we have tried to keep the competition low key and fun. While not a recognized ADS show at this time, we do (mostly) follow the ADS rules that can be found in their rulebook. Any type of safe vehicle is allowed and last year we saw two wheelers and four wheelers be competitive with each other. No special dress is required, although decorating your carriage and fun outfits are encouraged. As per ADS rules, a groom is required on the carriage with the exception of single VSE and single small pony. If this is an issue, grooms can go around unlimited times, so someone is usually willing to volunteer. Whips and helmets are required and safety vests are strongly encouraged.

What to expect on competition day? The grounds open at nine, so there’s plenty of time to get your equine acclimated to a new place, warmed up, or even spend some time driving the grounds. At noon there is a mandatory drivers meeting. Lunch will be available to purchase. At the meeting, we go over the rules, the starting order, and any questions there maybe. At that point, the course is official and may be walked. Take the time to walk the course several times. Find your best route through the obstacles. Make sure that the course you plotted on the map makes sense when you see it in real life. Make sure you see all the sets of cones you need to go through. Once you have your plan, harness up and get ready for your first run. All drivers will get two chances to do the course. The total times for the two runs will be added together.  That first run didn’t work out as planned? Try a different way the second time. See if you can beat your own time.

Twenty to thirty minutes after the last run, we have a small awards ceremony in the clubhouse. Ribbons are awarded as is the much sought after “Cheetah Award,” and points are earned for the end of the year high point and championship. While it is a series of three events, you can enter as many or as few as you would like.

To get more information, including the showbill and entry form, please click HERE or go to www.fvsa.org and click calendar of events. Any specific questions or to find out more, please contact the show organizer, Mike Chuman at FarmAwesomeMike@gmail.com or call him at 630-723-7648. The physical address of FVSA is 44W300 Rohrsen Road, Hampshire, Illinois.