The events are based on the British Indoor driving series. They were designed to offer an off-season competition that club members could compete in, with minimum fuss. These events are very popular during the Winter months as they require less work for competitors and club officials to set up but also provide a good training opportunity for new drivers, new ponies and those wishing to hone their skills.
In Australia, the Indoor events may be held indoors or outdoors but all follow the same rules and guidelines.
Each competition consists of three phases – Precision and Paces, Cones and Obstacles. The winner is the one who has the least penalties after all three phases.
Precision and Paces – this is performed in an arena (50m x 20m) and is a series of movements performed from memory. There are two judges, one will judge the precision of the test, whilst the other judge will judge that the correct paces are performed.
Cones – a course of 10 cones is set up and drivers must negotiate each pair of cones in order and inside a target time (set at 220m per minute) on an arena no larger than 70m x 30m.
Obstacles – Each competitor must navigate through four marathon type obstacles gated A – E. Penalties are awarded based on time taken through the obstacle. Once again, the obstacles are on an arena no larger than 70m x 30m.
At the end of the season (normally September), a Championship is run by one of the local Clubs.
In Victoria each discipline is overseen by a Convenor and a panel of members particularly interested in that discipline.
Convenors and panels give guidance to clubs on their events, programs and the rules pertaining to that discipline.
Indoor Convenor: Bernadette Lewis – bernadette.lewis38@gmail.com
Indoor Panel: Hilary Billett, Vicki Stevenson, Leanne Kirby, Nicole Linic, Roberta Earley
