In 1983 a group of 18 driving enthusiasts met near Aldby Park near York and formed the North East Driving Club. At that time there were several national 3-day Horse Driving Trials being held throughout the country but there were no intermediate events. It was a question of “in at the deep end”. The founder members felt that a local group of enthusiasts could organize one day events to encourage and improve standards without incurring the expenses of traveling long distances and without the need to provide overnight facilities for humans or horses.
As with all progress, the very informal initial competitions have changed significantly and have become much more sophisticated. We hope the early objectives are still fundamental today:

1. To enjoy friendly competition.

2. To maintain the welfare of our horses.

3. To improve our standards of driving.

4. To arrive home safely having had a pleasant weekend with friends.

Initially horses, ponies, harness and vehicles were selected by what we had. Some were family ponies, harness was old leather or cheap imported sets, vehicles might have been governess carts or home-made adaptations! All were transported as best we could.
Today, “you get what you pay for”. There are favored breeds and we have had Shetland's up to Clydesdales. Harness can range from patent leather show sets, dual purpose webbing sets, or starter packs. There are many types of vehicles manufactured by reputable carriage builders, making sophisticated reproduction vehicles, specialist marathon vehicles, all purpose vehicles and exercise vehicles. Alternatively you may be able to purchase second hand from a club member who advertises on the club website or notice board at events.
NEDTL is affiliated to the British Horse Driving Trials Association.