A "gate" is a set of cones. At Combined Driving Events, the cones course is about 20 sets of cones. We work our horses on cones even when we are line driving, so that they get used to seeing them and understand that they are to go in between, not over, them. Working up to 20 gates means for your horse to have the stamina to drive around that much (a CDE is NOT a 5 min. breed show class!), and for you to remember where 20 gates are. (I almost got lost this year finding a "blind" gate.)
For a green horse, you might want to consider an ADS pleasure show first or an Arena Driving Trial, which is an abbreviated CDE. A full CDE with a green horse and a "new to CDEs" driver might be more than you really want to take on. I know I wouldn't have wanted to do that! (I had my husband do it instead!
) At a pleasure show, the cones courses are usually only ten or so gates. Your horse doesn't have to be in immaculate shape to take the stresses, and you can opt in or out of certain classes. Granted, you can opt in and out of phases of the CDE, too. I know of drivers that have done only Dressage and Cones, and skipped the Marathon with their green horse. It takes a bit of a commitment from drivers to get their horse in good enough shape to drive a marathon. I know that a few years ago, we did not drive our horses enough to have them in that kind of shape. It means 3-4 times a week at least, for at least an hour if not more of mostly trotting. Horses need to be worked UP to that.
I have a green mare that I am working right now to be ready for next year's CDEs. We are working on bending properly (not only for Dressage, but also for obstacles), accuracy in not running over cones (we start with $1 soccer cones before we make our way to the expensive ones. Ran over two last night. OVER, smushed, flattened...she is NOT ready yet!
), transitions, etc. She already has GREAT relaxation, much like your mare. Maybe a bit too relaxed. I need to get her a bit more responsive. She also doesn't have much stamina. I work her about a half an hour to maybe 45 min. My "finished" gelding works for an hour and a half at mostly a trot. (Yes, we work on the walk as well.)
However, I could take her in a pleasure show today. I'm not saying that pleasure shows are easier, just easier for green horses that you don't have a lot of expectations for. In order to place well, you usually have to have more than just a green horse.
The nice thing about green horses and CDEs is that you are the only one in the ring at a time, so you don't have to worry about running anyone else over!
The above mare went to an ADT for her first driving show, and that was great! She got exposed to the show environment without a lot of stress (ADTs are pretty laid back) and heavy driving. The dressage test is shortened (I got lost and they blew the whistle on me, but the mare did good!), the cones course was right after dressage, and the hazards were after lunch. There is no long, drawn out walk or trot section so her condition was OK for the requirements.
Another option to help everyone understand the CDE is the get a hold of the video Combined Driving 101 with Muffy Seaton. That would give you a visual on what the whole thing is about.
Myrna
