Spring Driving Combined Test & Arena Trials

Start Date:
May 10, 2025

End Date:
May 11, 2025

Entries Open:
April 10, 2025

Entries Close:
May 1, 2025

Location:
5491 South Road, S. Woodstock, VT

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Spring Driving Combined Test & Arena Trials

10 May - 11 May

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Event Details

GMHA’s Combined Test and Arena Trials are modified versions of Combined Driving designed to prepare horse and driver to compete in a full CDE (Combined Driving Event).

The Combined Test (CT), or Two-Phase, includes dressage and cones. Scores from each phase are combined.

Driven Dressage tests are judged similarly to a ridden dressage test, but in a much larger 40 meter x 80 meter ring. The drivers are required to perform a set of movements which include changes of pace, circles, turns, and extensions, rein-back, and halt. Each movement is judged and scores are tallied.

The object of cones is to drive through a course of narrowly spaced pairs of cones cleanly within time allowed. Each cone has a ball placed on top, and any miscalculation will dislodge the ball, thus incurring a penalty. This phase tests the fitness, agility and obedience of the horse and the accuracy and skill of the driver.

The Arena Trials (AT) includes 3 phases: dressage, cones, and arena obstacles. Scores from all phases are combined.

Arena obstacles were created as a way to practice marathon obstacles without a full cross-country marathon. Two obstacles are set up at either end of an arena, with a start and finish line across the center of the arena. Obstacles consist of large sturdy obstacles marked with gates, which drivers must complete in the correct order. Competitors are timed as they drive each obstacle twice. Penalties are accessed for time and knockdowns.


  • Camping on-site is available for GMHA members.  All horses must be stabled.  Not a member?  Join, or renew, today at this link:  https://gmhainc.org/membership/
  • See Omnibus Prize List for more details or contact the event secretary listed below.
  • VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – Join us for fun and get right in on all the action!  No experience necessary (we’ll train you), shift meal, & appreciation gift included!  Click on the button lower left for more details and to sign up via SignUp Genius.

Event Countdown

2025/05/10 08:00:00

Become a Volunteer

We need your help to make this event a success! We’re looking for scribes, ring stewards, timers, scorers & more.

  • No experience required
  • Tasty food
  • Half & full day shifts available

Contacts

Show Manager:  Eric Wilking

Secretary:  Linda Wilking

  • Phone:  (603) 731-0513
  • Email complete entries to:
  • If necessary, mail complete entries to:
    • GMHA Spring Driving CT & AT
    • c/o Linda Wilking
    • 172 Turner Way
    • Laconia, NH  03246

Horse Health Requirements

**ADS requires Flu/Rhino vaccination dated within 6 months of competition**

GMHA requires a negative Coggins and proof of rabies vaccination within 12 months for each horse that comes on the property.  Rabies titers are accepted within one year of event date and must accompany a note from your veterinarian explaining the reason why the vaccine could not be administered.

Please note that the State of Vermont requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 30 days or Exhibition Permit from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture’s Animal Health office for any horses entering the state. GMHA does not require these documents with entry, but the VT Agency of Agriculture may enforce these regulations at any time.

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