Alberta Carriage Driving Association

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The Alberta Carriage Driving Association (ACDA)

The Alberta Carriage Driving Association (ACDA) was originally called the Alberta Combined Driving Association.  The new name became effective January 1, 2001, and reflects a broadening of the Association to include all types of driving, including pleasure and recreational driving in addition to the exciting sport of combined driving, for members of all ages, skill levels and equine breeds.

            The Association was formed in March of 1987 when a group of driving enthusiasts met in Innisfail and agreed to form an organization to promote combined driving as an equestrian sport.  By the end of the year, bylaws were formally approved and the Association was registered as a provincial non-profit corporation.  Among the founding members were Al Ridden, Doris Jacobi, Herb Coates, and Hazel Sorensen, several of whom remain active in the Association today.

            The first two chapters were the Klondike Chapter in the Edmonton area and the Chinook Chapter in the Olds area. Today there are seven chapters representing most regions of the province, with each chapter organizing a wide variety of activities ranging from beginner's driving clinics, through pleasure shows and CDEs, to fun drives and cutter rallies in the country.

            A Board, consisting of representatives from each of the chapters, directs the ACDA.  Members who participate in the Association or chapter activities are required to become members of the Alberta Equestrian Federation.

            Whether you are an accomplished driver, or a novice wanting to learn to drive for fun, the ACDA welcomes you!

Carriage Driving is.......

Recreational

Drive in the country all year round - wheels in the summer & sleighs in the winter.

Demonstrations for the public

Socializing

is one of our specialty activities and we’re really good at it. Most every event is followed by delicious potluck suppers and we get together frequently for outings such as “Night at the Races” and special event parties. There’s a real camaraderie with other “horsey people”.

Educational

opportunities are readily available within our clubs. We have experienced Clinicians, Judges, Technical Delegates, and Wheelwrights as members and these folks are more than willing to instruct on a 1 to 1 basis or in a clinic setting. We offer at least 1 clinic a year in the spring and have hosted workshops with well known driving individuals providing the instruction. Clinics are usually geared to be applicable to beginners as well as more experienced drivers. Some of our club members could help you refine the training of your equine, assist you to begin training, or help you choose the right horse, carriage and harness for your needs.

Volunteering

Don’t want to drive but like the feel of being around horses and horse related activities? Volunteer with us. We always need and appreciate volunteers to help out at competitions as grooms, timers, announcers, gate keepers, runners, and set up crew.

Volunteering gives you a front line look at what our sport and activities are about and also gets you invited to all our social activities.

Those with a competitive nature can find several venues to display their skills.

• CDE (Combined Driving Events) involve skilled carriage driving through the 3 required elements of Driven Dressage, Cones driving and the Marathon. These are usually held over 2 or 3 days and the Marathon portion can provide thrills, spills and speed for the really competitive spirit.
• Pleasure Driving Competitions require your best presentation as well as skilled driving. Be prepared to polish up the carriage and have your horses squeaky clean and shining before you strut out to show off your well mannered horse and your reinsmanship abilities.
• Horse Trials are a one day Combined Driving Event (CDE) Carriage Racing is speed trials through various obstacles in an indoor arena

What do you need to participate?

• a horse, pony, mule, donkey, mini horse, or draft horse; any equine that is or could be trained to drive
• something to drive e.g. cart, wagon, show carriage, sleigh
• a harness fitted to your equine
• a fun loving spirit

Carriage Driving is..................Fun!