Birds Hill International CDE Still Breaking New Ground

Winnipeg, MB – The 17th annual Birds Hill International Combined Driving Event (CDE) took place on July 17th and 18th. Despite the Event’s extensive history, this year was one of several firsts for the Birds Hill CDE. For the first time, a very small equine (VSE) competed. Jenny Hamill (13) of Stony Mountain, MB drove her VSE named Marshall. The rules of combined driving make special allowances for this type of competitor. The dressage ring and marathon course are altered to accommodate VSE entries. During the obstacles portion of the marathon, an enthusiastic crowd cheered for Jenny and admired the energetic mini as she and Marshall negotiated the water and other obstacles, like seasoned competitors. Organizers hope this is the start of an active class of VSE’s for the Event.

Another first for the Event was the addition of a new class. After a weather postponement when a thunderstorm rolled in Saturday afternoon, drivers and spectators were delighted Sunday afternoon with the presentation of a developmental junior driver class. Five drivers aged 10 to 15 drove horses ranging from a miniature to a Morgan, through a cones course designed specifically for the class. The CDE ground jury (Hardy Zantke, Lorraine Hill and Doug Orr) kindly agreed to oversee the class and Hardy Zantke provided coaching comments to the young drivers at its conclusion. The purpose of the class was to allow junior drivers the experience of driving at a major Event, to receive coaching from a knowledgeable judge, and to help young drivers prepare to compete in the full Event some day. This type of class is unique in Canada, to the Birds Hill Event.

And the final notable first for this year’s Event was the entry of a 4-in-hand which has never competed in Manitoba. Gerard Paagman of Invermere, BC and his team of four black Friesians were first time competitors. Paagman, originally from the Netherlands, has competed for the Dutch combined driving team. At the conclusion of the Manitoba Event, he marvelled at the quality of the combined driving venue at Birds Hill Park and how welcoming the people were. This was his first trip to Manitoba and he plans to be back for the Event in 2011.

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Overall, comments from California-based Hardy Zantke, president of this year’s ground jury, reflected how pleased he was to see the 4-in-hand competitor from British Columbia and the great course design Birds Hill Park offers, with clustered obstacles which make it easier for drivers to plan their route, officials to manage, and spectators to see all of the action. Once again, Fred Gutoski designed exciting marathon obstacles and a unique cones course with cloverleaves that challenged even the most experienced drivers.

Manitoba competitors shone at this year’s Event. With top contenders such as Deb Laderoute of Alberta out due to her training schedule in Kentucky for this fall’s World Equestrian Games, and many other regular top American and out-of-province competitors sidelined due to WEG training or injuries, Manitoba drivers put on a great show. Four of the seven classes were won by Manitoba drivers. The remaining three classes were won by drivers from Wisconsin, Nebraska, and British Columbia.

Results for the Event are: Training Division VSE – Jenny Hamill (MB), Training single horse – first place Bryanna Down (MB), second place Linda Santa (MB), Prelim single horse – first place Ruth Rob (MB), second place Ian Brand (MB), Prelim single pony – first place Julie Dahlburg (WI), second place Duane Stewart (MB), Intermediate single pony – Erika Rob (MB), Intermediate pairs horses – Barb Simmons (NE), Intermediate 4-in-hand – Gerard Paagman (BC).

For more information about the sport of combined driving in Manitoba, please visit http://www.manitobadrivingsociety.com/.