If Combined Driving is the triathlon of equestrian sport, then it’s also one of the few where teamwork truly takes the reins. Every successful round depends on more than just the horse and driver—it’s a collaboration built on trust, precision, and communication.

Let’s take a closer look at the key roles that make it all happen.

The Driver: The Strategist and Storyteller

At the center of every turnout is the Driver—the person holding the reins and shaping the rhythm of the entire team. The driver’s job is equal parts strategist and artist: balancing technical precision with an intuitive understanding of each horse’s mood and energy.

In Dressage, the driver crafts harmony and grace. During the Marathon, they make split-second decisions while navigating hazards at speed. In Cones, it’s all about calm focus and millimeters of control. A good driver doesn’t just guide the horses—they communicate with them.

The Owner: The Foundation of Every Team

Behind every successful team is someone who believes in it—often quite literally footing the bill. The Owner may be the driver themselves or a dedicated supporter who provides the horses, equipment, and resources needed to compete.

Owners are the sport’s unsung heroes, ensuring that horses are cared for, trained, and transported safely. Their passion and investment make the rest of the team possible.

The Navigator: The Voice in the Wind

If the driver is the pilot, the Navigator is the co-pilot. During the Marathon phase, when obstacles come fast and turns get tight, the navigator provides crucial guidance—calling directions, timing, and pacing.

Their eyes stay on the course map and stopwatch while the driver focuses on the reins. It’s a partnership that relies on complete trust and perfect communication, especially at speed.

The Groom: The Calm in the Chaos

The Groom is the heart of the operation—the one who keeps everything (and everyone) together. From harnessing horses to balancing the carriage during marathon hazards, the groom’s role is physical, technical, and emotional.

A great groom anticipates problems before they happen, keeping horses calm, carriages steady, and spirits high. On competition day, they’re part mechanic, part therapist, part magician.

A Symphony of Roles

When all four roles come together, something special happens—a harmony of skill, trust, and passion that defines Combined Driving. Every member of the team plays a vital part, and when it all clicks, the result is poetry in motion.