September 2026 Clinic Report
Held on 14th to 16th Sept at the Unicorn Equestrian Centre Stow on the Wold
WOW! The autumn clinic can only be described as an outstanding success!
The uptake was so positive that an extra day (Monday 14) was added to accommodate the number of drivers requesting sessions.
Over the 3 days we delivered:
74 driving sessions
5 School Master (SM) equines providing 31 driving sessions
8 RDA groups attended with a total of 30 individuals comprising disabled drivers, helpers and coaches many of the latter taking up the opportunity of a SM session
3 trainers working in 3 arenas and our very own Para Superstar Deb Daniels putting drivers and coaches through their paces doing the Indoor Driving Trials dressage test
10 equines receiving specialist massage (pre and post exercise) provided by KM Equine Services
There were dedicated sessions on harness fitting, a group demonstration on equine massage, lunging demonstration with a Q&A session to facilitate learning and application of effective suppleness and welfare of driving equines - this was an embedded theme throughout the clinic. Sara Howe ran an RDA related Q&A session for RDA groups.
Drivers had the opportunity to work on specific areas of interest such as flat work/dressage, cones and/or obstacles - essentially whatever they needed.
The evenings didn’t disappoint and were very congenial with an informative talk by Robert Buck on the Scales of Training. Chris Van Reen as always came up trumps with her much loved quiz (no cheating what so ever was detected!). The Unicorn Centre also did everyone proud with their excellent hospitality, food and facilities.
On behalf of our CDSGdd supporters and members we really appreciate the support, and encouragement, of the Sanders Watney Trust. It makes a huge difference to us as a very small charity, but, with big ambitions, to know we have like minded people behind us.
We have many successful clinics behind us, but this one seemed to have something extra special across all parameters, with a diversity of drivers and ponies and overall the number of attendees.
The take up of school master sessions was wonderful and special thanks must go to those owners who offered up their experienced ponies for this purpose and of course to those ponies who just simply know their job, get on with it and offer so much unconditionally. The engagement with the non driving sessions and the overall “atmosphere and energy” of the clinic was superb.
CDSGdd aims to offer more to those who want to develop their driving and horse training skills to support drivers with disabilities, including newcomers to sports driving, those exploring moving over from other para equestrian disciplines and current/potential para drivers.
Join us at our 2027 clinics: 3rd, 4th and 5th May and 6th, 7th and 8th September
We have had wonderful feedback, don’t take our word for it see for yourself ...
"I have been asked to pass thanks over from my driver to everyone - she was exhausted the following day but said and I quote ‘I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything’.
Winnie is just starting to feel the liberation carriage driving can offer - watch this space as she really can’t get enough and has great aspirations along with commitment and dedication !
Thanks all"
"Team PLS had a wonderful time, bringing Frankie and Toby. They certainly got their workouts - as did I with Mr Buck - was exhausted after 40 minutes, but well worth getting the training needed for Toby's progression. Thanks so much for accommodating a quick getaway on Wednesday - dropped to the fields by 4:30. See you all next year."
"A BIG THANK YOU
To all of our super organisers and coaches.
Matt had a great time and more importantly learnt a another level to maintain and keep on improving.
Giving your support to Matt and Ann and all the student competitors was reflected in the smiles and laughter. Bring on the next session.👏🏻🐎😀😀"
"Thank you so much to the whole amazing CDSG team, including ponies and all at Unicorn Centre. Wonderful learning opportunity (and fun!) with new young pony and generously lent schoolmasters. So appreciate being included 🐴"
"Thank you for a couple of lovely days training. All your support and assistance in greatly appreciated."
"Thank you for such a wonderful time to all the CDSG team. Your ability to give everyone exactly what they need to have the best time is remarkable. Sara, Teddie had such a great experience and learnt so much with your amazing teaching skills combining care and knowing just when and how to push for more to keep it fun. Thank you so much - Helen, Rosemary, Lianne and Teddie ❤️❤️"
"We absolutely love having your most inspiring group here at Unicorn 🦄💖 Such dedication, patience, good humour, friendship and support! Awesome you all are!! Your ponies too!! 😍"
"Thank you so very much for another wonderful session. Joseph says he has had a brilliant day and is already talking about when he can come again."
"Thank you to everyone who is involved with the organising today. Special thanks to a very brave Debbie who Joesph missed when he drove round her improving our circles and to Chris for her cones session. And all the very positive and lovely comments about my Rocky he's our ROCK.
Joesph really enjoyed it."
"Me and Teddie have had a fantastic time! Thank you so much to everyone! We hope to see you all and your amazing ponies soon ❤️"
"Thank you so much a great time I’ve learnt a lot these past 3 days and Thank you to the organisers and owners of the very special ponies I had a privilege of driving they were amazing and thank you to Sheena for being back step for all 4 sessions 😊 keeping me in check and to the trainers for showing patience when I was a speaking gibberish when I was trying to answer questions"
"Thank you so much to Julie, Chris, Sara, Giselle, Robert and Averina for such a fantastic couple of days training and their vast knowledge, Schoolmaster ponies and organising such an amazing camp. Very special thanks to Chris, for such brilliant schoolmaster coaching, Gina and Liz for my new harness and hat. The entire CDSG/POD family community are all legends in your own rights 🙏💯❤️😍🐴🐎✅️😊 xx"
"Thank you for a lovely time and working so hard for this too happen. I feel really privileged to be driving such high end ponies. Thank you for trusting us. Like same letting me drive their new randover, when I'm used to driving just a dusta. Xx""
Thank you to ALL organisers, trainers & quiz masters!
Much appreciation for the schoolmaster ponies & owners. Special thanks to my backsteppers Averina & Nicky❤️. Now en route to see Juno & stuck in M6 traffic. Safe journey home everyone.
Until next time 🦄🦄"
"Many thanks to all the brilliant instructors and organisers super few days lots to take home and now practice. ❤️"
