Each item was introduced into the arena by ring guard Allan Bowen blowing the coach horn in full uniform which certainly added a touch of class and colour and his expert calls made one or two ears prick up – large ones in the case of the driven donkeys who were not sure they were in quite the right place. But the members of the Donkey Breed Society gave a display worthy of any crowd and the brilliantly driven tandem, a novice pair who took it all in their stride and several singles were much appreciated, particularly the immaculately restored trade vehicle driven by its owner, the current DBS driving chairman Alan Larner from Essex.

It was good to see Jeff Osborne and members of his scurry group taking time out to give an interesting insight into this fast moving sport. Several people were heard to comment that they`d always wanted to know more about the technicalities of scurry and how to start. Now was certainly the time to learn !

There`s always thought to be a star of any show, but at `Strictly` it`s hardly possible or fair to identify any one in particular.
Barbara Stockton brought along the amazing hackney coaching team driven by Bill Ginns into the arena complete with `Dick Turpin` who tried to have his way with an intriguing lady (?) passenger in Victorian garb bearing more than a passing resemblance to good sport Mr Chris Rawlings.

International FEI driver, Boyd Exell stunned everyone present with his expertise and control whilst negotiating an obstacle. His must surely be one of the very best looking and most elegant horse teams, a total pleasure to watch.

Many saw the `Drivers of the Future` as the stars, when BDS panel judge John Walker spoke about them and their past successes, including Lucy Smith from Hertfordshire who won four Championships at Towerlands 2007. They are all most accomplished whips already and are of course the absolute future of driving.

Then of course there was Amanda Saville, her ponies and young helpers who had again travelled down from Scotland, worked all day ensuring no one was disappointed if they wanted a chance to drive in the Bennington arena, then all of them found another rather faster gear later on to give a display of driven games that was such great fun to watch.

Perhaps the real stars were those who so freely gave their time to steward or help in whatever way so that many others could enjoy the day. Thank you all !

Pictures from the day can be viewed in the gallery section.

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NEW Comprehensive Zilco Brochure out now.
To request a copy please conatact Bennington on 01400 281 280


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Bennington Drivers in the USA

Brandon began driving when he was between 10 - 11 years old. My friends owned some mini ponies and introduced him to the world of driving. He and their pony, Emmy, did very well together in breed shows and pleasure shows. I got interested in combined driving and bought a large pony. Brandon also showed interest in combined driving, so we ended up buying some property, built a house and barn, and brought two more ponies. Brandon is now 14 years and has been practicing with Fancy for the last 4 - 5 months. Brandon has his first show with Fancy, who is only 3.5 years old, in Tampa, Florida, at the Tampa Trials. Because she is not old enough to compete at an ADS show, they were classified as "HC", but it was good practice for both. His dressage score was 58.48 (not too shabby for his very first dressage test). Cones were a little slow, but clean. He picked up the pace somewhat in the obstacles with his brother, Joseph, as navigator. He had a great time and found out there is a bit more ! to it than pleasure driving. Brandon will be navigating for me at the Nature Coast HDT being held at the Black Prong Equestrian Center in Bronson, Florida. By Joan Ianiero


Brandon Ianiero driving Fancy to a Bennington BX4 - Tampa, Florida

Thank you for sending your story in. We are always delighted to receive news of Bennington drivers from all over the world enjoying their Bennington Carriages.
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Bennington Carriages
featured in "Made in Britain" by James Fielding -
a celebration of British Manufacturing

Bennington Carriages are delighted to be featured in the book which features the best of quintessentially British companies. Bennington are featured along side many famous British brands including Swaine Adeney Brigg, Aga, JCB, Walkers Shortbread and Hovis.
Available from Bennington and priced at £ 9.99



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NEW from Bennington - The Bennington Carriages Bench



The Bennington Team inconjunction with their sister company Bennington Metal Furniture have created the ultimate gift for the driving enthusiast - the "Bennington Carriage Bench", incorporating a stunning silhouette of a driving turnout.

Handcrafted by the Bennington Team, the bench incorporates the quality and elegance supplied as standard for all Bennington Carriages and will make a statement in any setting, in the garden, stable yard or even a hall way.

The bench comes as 4 ft long and is powder coated in satin black for a durable outdoor finish.

Price ; £ 475.00 including Vat, excludes delivery

For further details contact Bennington on 01400 281 280

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NEW from Bennington

Bennington Pony Pairs XL - (No stainless steel tube work)
Available as a 3 phase driving trials carriage, weighing in at 225 Kg
For further details contact a member of the Bennington Team on 01400 281 280


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World Pony Championships - Denmark 19th - 22nd July 2007

Congratulations to Miranda Cadwell from the USA, on winning Gold in the Pony Pairs section. Miranda drives a Bennington Presentation Carriage for the dressage and cones as pictured below and a Bennington XL for the marathon. Well done to all her support team.



Photograph courtesy of www.mikewatts.com
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Fun Bug Website www.fun-bug.co.uk The Fun Bug's own dedicated website is up and running and awaiting feedback, pictures and stories from Fun Bug owners. This exciting website includes a route planner, gallery, specifications, updates & news, merchandise and much more. Click above to view.

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The Bennington Team

Artistic Iron Products celebrate 40 years of business.
Bennington Carriages – Artistic Iron Products Ltd celebrate 40 year of business, October 2003. Michael Mart Managing Director 'An experience I would never have missed. We have all met some super people and proud to be associated with some incredible projects. The business is going from strength to strength with our pride for manufacturing quality products, after sales service and leading the field in innovation. Over the years we have built up a very loyal and dedicated team of craftsmen and women all passionate about our products which I am proud to be associated with– here’s to an exciting future'