The Ian Townsend Portfolio Competition

Young drivers are encouraged to keep a driving journal so why not enter the national competition?

Every year young drivers are invited to submit a portfolio to the Ian Townsend Portfolio competition and the winners are presented with a magnificent perpetual trophy. Both winner and Runner up rosette receive fabulous ruffle rosettes and feature in the carriage driving press. There are two age groups : 14 years and under, and 15 -18 years.

Winner of the younger group Piper Thomas,10, says:

“Last year I started a portfolio and entered it in the Ian Townsend portfolio award. I’m thrilled to have come first in the 10 to 14yrs section! I love writing so it was fun to do the portfolio. I really enjoyed writing the section about my horse Flint, because he is such a character and I have quite a close bond with him. It was very interesting looking up about all the different British horse breeds and I think I have learnt a lot. I think writing my portfolio has made me more aware of what I am doing with my horse, what I need to improve and do more of.”   

What to put in your presentation..

Portfolios are your own creation and you can enjoy presenting them with photographs, drawings and in your own individual way. Of course they will be returned to you for you and your family to treasure. They can be produced on a computer and printed off to send or handwritten, with photos and drawings stuck neatly in. Whatever method it is up to you, just be sure it is well presented so it can be easily read. An index or contents page and clear sections is helpful.

You can include all of your driving activities, tell us about your pony and how you look after it, what you would like to try in driving and your aims for the future. You might like to include areas that interest you related to driving – for example looking at types of vehicles, traditions, aspects of presentation such as for a showing class or trec event.

There are so many interesting facts you could have fun finding out and could include. For example, did you know that Dalmatians were favourite carriage dogs for coachmen? Not only are they attractive and able to run with the carriage for long distances but they were considered excellent guard dogs too. At night when the coach was stopped over at an inn the Dalmatian would sleep under the carriage or in the stables with the horses. If a thief tried to approach he would be terrified to spot what he thought was a moving skull! This was the effect in the dim light the black and white markings of the Dalmatian’s face.

The BDS Brian Sims Scholarship

Scholarship Day 2020 was cancelled, due to Covid 19

Every year all the young drivers in the BDS have the most amazing opportunity- the chance to win a bursary to be used towards training. 

The day is designed to be very enjoyable with interesting activities including driving at least one safe turnout that the BDS provide. Details of what is involved can be found below.

About the Scholarship

The BDS scholarship has been running for many years and is currently sponsored by the generous legacy of Brian Sims. Brian was a keen carriage driver from Dorset who worked with young people throughout his life as a popular deputy headmaster. His legacy continues to make a real difference to aspiring youngsters and we hope you will take part!

Age is taken into account when awarding the scholarship along with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to learn more about carriage driving skills and traditions.

There is also the Barbara Stoddart perpetual trophy for the Best Driver from among all the candidates who is using traditional rein handling .

Previous scholarship winner Rachel Cottee doesn’t have her own turnout and would love to encourage you to have a go. “I hope that other young drivers will feel encouraged to have a try at the scholarship this year – you never know what you can achieve unless you try. Good luck to everyone!”

Rachel spent her bursary with three amazing action filled days training with Mark Broadbent at the Fenix Carriage Centre and drove singles, pair, tandem and team!

The winners for 2019 were Eve Watton (15-17 years) and Harriet McEntee (14years and under) and the Best Driver trophy was won by Llewelyn Chapman.

The David Snowdon Awards

There is also an additional award which the society is very grateful to The Snowdon Family for organising and sponsoring:

This is something that every single young driver can take part in. There is no need to have your own turnout, no need to qualify and no requirement to attend a specific event or venue. It’s so simple! Each year you can enter your BDS activities on a record card which the organiser signs and in February of the following year send the card in to be awarded points. The winner receives a lovely horse head plaque to keep along, with a magnificent rosette. Every one taking part receives a special certificate of achievement.

The BDS is very grateful to John and Eileen Snowdon who run this competition every year in memory of their son David. David was a very enthusiastic and talented young driver who tragically died of cystic fibrosis aged just 15. The award is a wonderful tribute to his life and one that recognises the involvement and enthusiasm of our many young drivers.

Go on take part this year! Send off for your record card and keep filling it in.

For details of this brilliant award please click on one of the buttons below