Message from Patrick Dubrulle (FRA), Founding President of the ICKD

A few years ago, some friends had a crazy idea: create an International Carriage Driving event for children; at this time, there was nothing for young drivers in the world.  Two years of very hard work later and 2OO4 saw the 1st International Trophy for Young Drivers in ARRAS (France); 55 young drivers from 5 nations (FRA, BEL, SUI, ITA, AUT);  Two years later, 2nd International Trophy took place in GESVES (Belgium National Equestrian School) with 65 young drivers from 4 nations (FRA, BEL, AUT, ITA).

In 2008 the International Trophy became the  JUNIOR WORLD TROPHY and took place in Austria (STADL PAURA); it was the most important children’s driving event in the world with 1OO young drivers from 12 nations (FRA, DK, SUI, ESP, ITA, AUT, NL, BEL, ENG, HUN, GER, WLS).  In Austria, it was a great honor for the ICKD to have FEI members present on the Ground Jury.

The 4th edition of JUNIOR WORLD TROPHY took place in Hungary in 2010 and the Organising Committee hosted another successful event with nearly 100 competitors.
Now, I 'm sure, children’s driving has really arrived in the Carriage Driving world.  It's really fantastic to see how the young drive their ponies in competition without difficulties. It makes me enthusiastic to see the spirit of friendship always present at the JUNIOR WORLD TROPHY.  I like this spirit in sport; competition in the arena but friendship outside.

While I was President of ICKD, I was also very happy to see my English friends organise the 2nd edition of the CHANNEL CUP (2009) with 46 drivers & 6 nations. It's very important for the future of international kids driving to have these events every year.