Combined driving, with its thrilling marathon, elegant dressage, and precise cone courses, offers a unique blend of athleticism, horsemanship, and strategy. Yet, for many young people today, it remains a relatively unknown discipline. How can we, as enthusiasts and participants, bridge this gap and inspire a new generation to discover the excitement of combined driving?

Here are some strategies to get younger people in the driver’s seat:

1. Make it Accessible and Approachable

One of the biggest hurdles for newcomers to any equestrian sport is often the perceived expense and commitment. For combined driving, the idea of needing multiple horses and specialized equipment can be daunting.

• Start Small: Emphasize that you don’t need a fancy warmblood and a full marathon carriage to begin. Pony driving, single horse driving, and even just starting with ground driving lessons can be excellent entry points. Highlight how many young drivers begin with a family pony or a borrowed horse.
• Borrow/Lease Programs: Encourage and facilitate programs where young people can lease a driving pony or horse, or even share a team with an experienced driver. This significantly reduces the initial financial burden.
• Youth-Specific Clinics and Camps: Organize clinics specifically for younger drivers, focusing on basic skills, safety, and fun. Short, engaging camps where they can try different aspects of driving without long-term commitment can be incredibly effective.

2. Leverage Technology and Social Media

Young people live in a digital world. We need to meet them where they are.

• Dynamic Online Content: Create engaging videos showcasing the excitement of combined driving – fast-paced marathon sections, elegant dressage performances, and the precision of cones. Use platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube to share short, impactful clips.
• “Behind the Scenes” Stories: Share the journey of young drivers, their training, their horses, and their experiences at competitions. Authenticity resonates with this generation.
• Interactive Content: Run polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions about driving. Encourage user-generated content by asking young people to share their own driving experiences or even just their favorite horse photos.
• Gaming and Simulations: While not a direct substitute for the real thing, explore the possibility of driving simulations or games that could pique interest and teach basic concepts in a fun, interactive way.

3. Emphasize the Unique Benefits and Thrills

Combined driving offers so much more than just riding. We need to highlight these unique selling points.

• Teamwork and Partnership: Emphasize the incredible bond and teamwork between driver and horse(s). It’s a true partnership where communication and trust are paramount.
• Adrenaline and Strategy: The marathon phase is an absolute adrenaline rush, requiring skill, bravery, and quick decision-making. The cones phase demands precision and focus, while dressage showcases elegance and control. It’s a multi-faceted sport that appeals to different strengths.
• Developing Key Life Skills: Driving teaches responsibility, discipline, problem-solving, resilience, and sportsmanship – valuable lessons that extend far beyond the arena.
• Inclusivity: Combined driving can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It’s a sport that truly offers a lifelong passion.

4. Foster Mentorship and Role Models

Seeing someone their own age succeed can be incredibly inspiring.

• Junior Driver Programs: Establish formal or informal mentorship programs where experienced young drivers can guide newcomers.
• Showcase Young Talent: Feature young drivers prominently in newsletters, social media, and at events. Highlight their achievements and journeys.
• “Meet the Driver” Sessions: Organize opportunities for young aspiring drivers to meet and chat with successful drivers, asking questions and learning from their experiences.
• Youth Ambassadors: Appoint young, enthusiastic individuals as “driving ambassadors” to spread the word among their peers.

5. Create Youth-Friendly Events and Categories

Make competitions more inviting and less intimidating for younger participants.

• Introductory Classes: Offer classes designed for beginners, focusing on basic skills and fun rather than intense competition.
• Reduced Entry Fees for Juniors: Lowering the cost of entry can make a big difference for young drivers and their families.
• Fun Events: Incorporate non-competitive fun events like “dress-up” drives, scavenger hunts on the marathon course, or team challenges to foster camaraderie.
• Family Involvement: Encourage parents and siblings to get involved, perhaps as navigators, grooms, or simply cheerleaders. Make it a family affair!