06/08/2026
Check this out, friends!! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
New at the arena- we are having a Practice Driving Derby on Saturday June 27, 2026 at the Cooke County Cowboy Church Arena. This is going to be an exciting event.
For those of you unfamiliar with a Driving Derby, here is a description and information:
A practice driving derby (often called a "schooling derby") is a relaxed, non-sanctioned version of a carriage driving derby. While a standard derby is a formal competition, a practice derby is designed primarily for training, testing equipment, and building confidence for both the horse and the driver.
In fact, the entire sport of driving derbies originally evolved from drivers setting up practice courses in indoor arenas during the winter "off-season" months to keep their horses in shape.
Practice driving derbies differ from official competitions in several distinct ways: Lower Stakes and "Schooling" Rules: The environment is informal. If a horse gets spooked or a driver makes a mistake, judges and organizers are usually highly accommodating. They may allow the driver to pause, reset, and try the obstacle again rather than handing out an immediate disqualification.
Multiple Rounds: In an official event, you typically get one or two strictly timed rounds. At a practice derby, organizers frequently allow competitors to purchase extra rounds.
This lets a driver fix mistakes made during their first run or give a green horse a second chance to navigate a tricky water hazard or bridge.
Relaxed Dress Code: Official United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) or American Driving Society (ADS) events often require specific traditional attire, aprons, and gloves.
At a practice event, safety gear (like protective helmets and vests) is mandatory, but drivers can wear casual polo shirts and standard riding pants.Flexible
Vehicle Requirements: Drivers can use training carts or less formal vehicles that might not meet the strict historical or aesthetic criteria of a formal pleasure or combined driving class.
Introduction for Beginners: They serve as the perfect entry point for new drivers or young horses to get used to the sights, sounds, and high energy of a tight obstacle course without the pressure of official scoring
For more info please contact us!
Hope to see you soon!