But all the horse and cart action wasn’t for film. Instead, it was the best horse carriage drivers from all over the country competing at Bundanoon Pony Club for the 2008 NSW Combined Driving Championship.

And despite torrential rain over the weekend, the enthusiasm of the competitors was anything but damp.

Eleven Southern Highland riders took to the soggy grounds yesterday to do battle in the 22km cross-country marathon, a fierce test of stamina, fitness, and boldness of the riders and their horses.

The marathon included obstacle courses at the pony club, before riders took to the hills for the cross-country section of the challenge.

Event director and member of the Southern Highlands Carriage Club, John Wood, said the championship was a big part of the carriage driving industry’s calendar.

“This championship is the equivalent of the three-day event at the Olympics,” Mr Wood said.

“We’re really proud to be hosting this event because we recently built a new clubhouse from a grant from the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation.

“And the championship this weekend features some of the best carriage drivers in Australia, so we’re extremely pleased to have them all here at Bundanoon.”

Competitors took the grounds in three distinct challenges at the championship.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Monday, October 6