The CDE (Combined Driving
Event) is modeled after the Three Day Event,
which tests the overall condition and
versatility of the horse (in our case,
donkey) in sport. Prince Philip was a major
force in the design of the rules and is
today an active participant in the sport.
Note: This is a new
type of competition in the miniature donkey
show world and will most likely be
experienced in a modified version of the
descriptions below. The phases listed below
are taken from several combined driving
publications for horses. There are no donkey
rules yet established & any combined driving
competition will most likely be established
based on the description below.
Major competitions are
usually held over three days:
Day 1: Driven Dressage
Often compared to compulsory figures in
figure skating, the dressage test consists
of a sequence of movements, written up &
described in a series of numbered tests. The
test demonstrates the obedience, freedom,
regularity of movement, impulsion, and
correct position and training of the animal.
The tests are similar to patterns miniature
donkeys drivers find in obstacle courses,
without the obstacles. The driver must
memorize the pattern of the test.
Day 2:Cross Country Marathon The cross country phase tests the
fitness, stamina, and obedience of the
donkeys and the judgment and capability of
the driver. This phase is basically a long
field drive with natural obstacles such a
water, bushes, rocks, etc that the driver
must negotiate. Drivers may choose any path
through the obstacles, provided they drive
though each gate in the correct alphabetical
sequence. The object is to complete each
obstacle in the shortest possible time
with no penalties. Penalties include time,
driver dismounting, driver putting down
whip, error of course, & knocking down a
collapsible element.
3:Cone Driving
Competition
This phase equates to the show jumping phase
of the ridden event. The object is to drive
through narrowly spaced pairs of cones
cleanly within time allowed. Each cone has a
ball placed on top, and any miscalculation
will dislodge the ball, thus incurring a
penalty. This phase tests the fitness,
agility and obedience of the donkey and the
accuracy and skill of the driver. Many of
our miniature donkey drivers have
experienced this type of course as part of
the obstacle classes.
(One or two day competitions include each of
the phases, with a Marathon of a shorter
distance)
Penalty points are incurred in each of the
above phases and the winner is the entry who
accumulates the fewest points.