British Scurry and Trials Driving

 British Scurry & Trials Driving (BSTD) is a fast-paced, competitive carriage driving discipline that tests speed, accuracy, and control.

As the recognised governing body for this discipline in the UK, British Scurry & Trials Driving (BSTD) is responsible for the organisation, development, and promotion of the sport across all levels.

In British Scurry & Trials Driving, competitors drive a timed course of cones numbered 1–12, with one or two obstacles on course, each made up of elements A–E.

Each element is topped with a ball, with a 5-second penalty added for every ball knocked down.

The course may include a slalom, elbow, U-box, and features such as bridges or arches, and must be driven in order, with the fastest overall time winning. 

British Scurry & Trials Driving (BSTD) offers a range of classes to cater for different ages, experience levels, and types of turnout. 

Junior Class

Open to drivers from 9 years of age up to 16 years old

Novice Class

For drivers and combinations new to British Scurry & Trials Driving, allowing them to gain experience and develop confidence before progressing.
Very Small Pony Class

For turnouts 10.2hh and under
Small Pony Pair Class

For pony pairs up to and including 12hh

Large Pony Pair Class

For pony pairs over 12.1hh up to 14.2hh

Single Pony Class

For ponies over 10.2hh up to 14.2hh

Horse Class

For horses over 14.2hh

The British Scurry & Trials Driving (BSTD) Grand League represents the highest level of season-long competition within the sport, allowing competitors to accumulate points at each event they attend. Points contribute towards end-of-season awards, with overall champions crowned in each class based on consistent performance across the year.

The Grand League provides competitors with a clear pathway through the sport, rewarding consistency, commitment, and performance across the season. With classes ranging from junior and novice through to open championship competition, the structure offers opportunities for competitors of all experience levels.

While highly competitive at the top level, BSTD remains committed to encouraging and supporting new competitors entering the sport. BSTD events bring together a supportive and competitive community, with competitors travelling from across the UK throughout the season.

For further guidance regarding classes, turnout standards, and Grand League participation, please visit our How to Get Involved page.

Book British Scurry & Trials Driving Ltd. (BSTD), the governing body for the sport in the UK, as your main arena attraction and bring a unique, high-energy spectacle to your event. From lightning-fast pony teams to tight technical turns and water obstacles, BSTD delivers exciting, family-friendly entertainment that keeps spectators engaged from start to finish.

With a proven track record at over 25 major events, including the Royal Norfolk Show, British Scurry & Trials Driving has become a recognised and reliable attraction for county shows, country fairs, and equestrian events across the UK. BSTD appeals to both equestrian and non-equestrian audiences alike, making it a proven attraction for family-focused events and large public shows.

Combining speed, skill, precision, and a wide variety of ponies and turnouts, BSTD offers a visually impressive and crowd-pleasing display suitable for audiences of all ages. From traditional native ponies to specialist competitive turnouts, the sport provides visual variety and exciting competition throughout the day.

British Scurry & Trials Driving regularly attends events ranging from one-day shows through to four-day county shows and championships. Sessions can be tailored to suit individual event schedules, with display or competition slots typically running from 30 minutes to 1 hour, up to three times per day.

Professionally delivered commentary helps keep audiences informed and engaged, while displays and competitions can be adapted to suit arena size and show requirements. Whether as a competitive class, feature display, or full championship event, British Scurry & Trials Driving brings professionalism, atmosphere, and unforgettable main arena action to every show.

 Have a question, enquiry, or suggestion? The team at British Scurry & Trials Driving (BSTD) is always happy to help.

Whether you are a competitor, show organiser, sponsor, or simply interested in learning more about the sport, we welcome enquiries from across the British Scurry & Trials Driving community.

Please use the contact form on our website to get in touch, and a member of the BSTD team will respond as soon as possible. We are committed to supporting competitors, organisers, and supporters of the sport, and are always happy to provide further information or guidance.