The Equestrians' Institute Driving Division is made up of enthusiastic devotees to the sport of horse carriage driving. They are affiliated with the American Driving Society, which recognizes several forms of competitive driving: Combined Driving, Pleasure Driving, Driving Trials and Show Driving. The emphasis of E.I.'s Driving Division is Combined Driving. Combined Driving Events (CDE) is modeled after Three Day Eventing, which proves the overall condition and versatility of their horses. Thirty years ago HRH Prince Philip was a major force in the design of the CDE rules now adopted by the American Driving Society; and he remains an active participant. CDE competitions are held over three days: Day 1) Driving Dressage; day 2) Cross Country Marathon with up to eight special obstacles or hazards; day 3) Cone Driving Competition which equates to the show jumping phase of eventing. Driving Trials, one or two-day competitions, include each of the three phases with a shortened Marathon. Horses, ponies, and the surprising recent emergence of VSE (Very Small Equines), compete separately in singles, pairs, and four-in-hand teams. Historically, the Driving Division sponsors educational clinics for beginning and experienced drivers with an emphasis on safety. There are a number of "fun" drives during the winter and fall, and an annual Christmas party which includes a parade of horses, ponies, and carriages through the neighborhoods of the party host. The Driving Division continues to contribute to the growth of carriage driving sports in the Northwest. Please see the website driving calendar to learn about local driving events, including those in Oregon and other neighboring states. Check out show pictures here. If you are interested in Driving in Washington State, please contact one of our officials found here. or look at the Calendar or the Driving ShowOffice for current events.