Last updated at 15:35, Friday, 05 March 2010

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THE thrills and spills of horse-drawn carriage driving are to return to South Cumbria.

Holker Hall, the home of Lord and Lady Cavendish, will play host to the Rayrigg Kia Horse Driving Trials in August.

The national three-day competition will see trained horses put through their paces, pulling carriages driven by skilled drivers through various classes.

Competitions are spread over three disciplines – dressage, marathon (including cross country and obstacles) and the precision class; one for each day.

Competitors from across the country will take part.

It will be the first time in around 15 years that horse driving trials have been held in South Cumbria.

Lord Cavendish said: “I don’t really understand about driving but I’m passionate about there being activity in Cumbria and I think estate owners probably have a duty to help sports.

“This came up and we’re really delighted to have them back, old friends and new ones, I hope.

“At the moment, the benefit that we are going to get is the activity at Holker.

“We have beautiful scenery, which I think a lot of drivers will remember with affection. It’s great to have them back.

“I think this event will be different from, but complementary to, the garden festival.

“We have always wanted to do things here to stimulate the Cumbria economy one way or another. Whether it’s Cartmel races, which we run, and now this, so it’s an addition to our portfolio in that respect.”

The competition was brought to the UK by Prince Phillip, who saw a similar event in Germany in the 1970s.

George Bowman, from Penrith, has been competing since 1972, when the first event was held at Eaton Hall in Cheshire.

Mr Bowman said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have it back in the area.

“It’s going on the date that Lowther Horse Driving Trials used to be on, and Lowther was a meeting place.

“We’re very lucky that Lord Cavendish has allowed us to come here and start up and fill the gap that’s been left by Lowther.”

Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston is providing the winner’s prizes, including an engraved crystal cup.

Lord Cavendish, who will be hosting the event, was the founder of Cumbria Crystal 34 years ago.

Mr Bowman, who will be competing in the event, said: “We’ve been very lucky with the sponsors, Cumbria Crystal, who are donating all the prizes for the classes.”

First published at 14:04, Friday, 05 March 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk