I was really looking forward to our day at Smith’s Lawn for the BDS Annual Show.
2022 was our first visit to the show and this year I knew a little more of what to expect but I wasn’t expecting the logistical nightmare of leaving Dorset at 5.30 am!
Thankfully we were just in-time for our first class despite incidents and accidents on the route that found my parents reversing up Shaftesbury Hill to avoid an accident and weaving their way through Salisbury rather than whizzing up the A303!
I took Ann Poole-James’ 8 year old coloured cob Maverick - he’s such a polite pony and gives me a lot of confidence in my driving.
Last year I didn’t feel ready to ride him in the Ride and Drive myself. This year - I did and he was marvellous, polite, generous and we had fun.
I have been trying really hard to perfect my coachman’s hand - and I finally cracked it - I drove all my classes one handed and loved it.
The rings were a nice size and the going was lovely - it was perfect for us Young Drivers to enjoy our day.
Maverick (Billy) came 3rd in Ride and Drive, 4th in both the Young Driver Class and the Novice Driver Class. My Dad isn’t horsey but he’s always there on the backstep supporting me in my driving and I can really see a difference in my skills since last year.
I have regular lessons with my BDS instructor Anna Grayston. Anna has given me valuable support and made my driving better and more fun! Thank you for all your support!
The BDS parade - we’ve been looking forward to it for a while - and my Granny and sister joined Dad and I! We all wore our yellow button holes and tweed jackets for the parade so we really looked the part. It was just the best feeling to drive my family past the Royal Box and little Billy loved it.
It was a lovely day - hot but windy so we all managed not to overheat and to have a lovely day - with an ice cream or two for good measure!
Molly Turner aged 13
Drive for Fun: Huge Congratulations to Molly
Molly Turner is a Junior BDS Member who has won the English and UK Drive for Fun 2022. This is the scheme that the BDS run every year so you accumulate points for your driving at home. It’s a great initiative and one every member can enjoy! I hope you’ll take part in 2023. Thank you Molly for this lovely write up and very well done on your achievement.
Molly says, “I entered the challenge with two ponies. One is my own - Lenny a pony that I do British Young Driver training and competitions with and my BDS AC’s pony Billy - a beautifully mannered young cob who has completed BDS activities and shows this year with me.
I loved the challenge because it made me focus on my driving, where I was going and how far it was, how long it took me - so I learned more about fitness and driving both fresh and tired ponies in all weather and on all sorts of terrain - and I hope that will help me with my competition work in years to come.
Within my family, we are horsey but I am the first driver so Mum and Dad are learning with me. My Godmother encouraged me to drive and I love it! The Drive for Fun Challenge gave me valuable practice time and gave us all more experience driving safely in all sorts of places, whilst enjoying a chat about life as we head out. One of my favourite trips for the challenge was a lovely BDS drive round Gussage All Saints hosted by Mr Chris King. It was a super day run by our area and there is always plenty of cake afterwards. I can recommend the drive!
Without doubt quality training has helped me in my driving. BDS trainers Anna Grayston, Sara Howe and more locally Sue Wiles have been vital ladies in getting me to do things safely and to have fun.
The BDS Brian Sims Scholarship and Ian Townsend Portfolio have also been great activities to participate and learn from in 2022 and I hope to do them again this year not to mention the BDS Young Driver classes - it all helps me build my experience and have fun.
Here’s to the coming spring, sunshine, grass and adventures with ponies…and some more nice cakes.