CARRIAGES TO DRIVE THROUGH the weekend

A combined equestrian carriage driving event will be hosted by Inverleigh’s Geelong and District Carriage Drivers this weekend at Victoria Park.

Around 30 horses will be competing, including at least three teams of four horses.

Throughout Saturday, competitors will take part in a dressage test, where precision and paces will be judged. There will be a cones course, similar to show jumping, and precision driving tests.

On Sunday, horses will compete along an 8km roads track, each to a timed interval. If horses are travelling too fast or too slow in particular sections, penalties will apply, but there is also a walking component.

A marathon obstacle course will prove challenging as well.

Nicole Linic, president of GDCD, said the weekend will be full of “elegance, precision and daring competition”.

“We’re proud to be welcoming carriage drivers from across Victoria and even South Australia. Spectators are welcome on both days,” she said.

All events count towards a final tally at the end of the two-day meeting, and it is the last competition before the Victorian championships in Greenvale next month. Entry for spectators is free. GDCD run an online community with more information at facebook.com/groups/388813354555336.