Organising / Attending a BDS Event

The following provides useful information for both organising carriage driving events as well as attending events
 Organising a carriage driving event 
Are you thinking of organising a local carriage driving event? If so, the BDS have produced a useful checklist www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk/society/health_safety_checklist.htm to assist organisers to host an event. By working through this checklist it enables organisers to demonstrate to outside officials that they have a Health & Safety policy and have assessed potential risks. In addition, the Surrey Area BDS have set out a number of conditions of entry to events and a disclaimer, which should appear on all advertising material. Where appropriate, this information should also appear on entry forms that competitors sign and date.

For further advice and guidance on organising and timetabling a Surrey event, please contact the Area Commissioner or Assistant Area Commissioner.
 Attending carriage driving events 
We are always pleased to see carriage driving enthusiasts, whether members or non-members, joining in our area events. However, when attending an event organised by the Surrey BDS Area please ensure that you meet the following conditions:-

  1. All competitors must have Third Party Insurance for public liability. Please remember to bring your current BDS membership card with you as proof of insurance. For non-BDS members, please bring a copy of your insurance policy.

  2. Each turnout must carry a competent groom at all times.

  3. Juniors (aged 14years and under) must wear a hard hat at all times when in the carriage AND be accompanied by a competent adult. The exception to this rule when juniors are competing at the Annual Surrey Area Show.

  4. Health & Safety regulations require that all horseboxes /trailers carry a fire extinguisher.

Failure to abide by these conditions means that you will be unable to take part in an event.

DISCLAIMER

The committee of the British Driving Society, Surrey Area, do not accept any liability whatsoever for any accident, damage, injury or illness to members, owners, drivers, spectators, helpers or any other persons or their property. The committee will endeavour to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of everyone present. For these measures to be effective everyone must take all reasonable precautions to avoid and prevent accidents occurring.

In addition to the above entry conditions, it is strongly advised that you familiarise yourself with the British Driving Society’s Duty of Care & Accident Prevention www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk/society/duty_of_care.htm guidelines.