Scurry driving will form part of the exciting line-up of international show jumping and equestrian entertainment at this year’s British Open (3rd – 6th April at Birmingham’s NEC). The thrilling competition sponsored by Osborne Refrigerators is ranked high amongst the most exhilarating equestrian sports for both the participant and spectator.
Pairs of ponies pull a scurry vehicle round a twisting course at break neck speed and the fastest pair clear wins. The aim of the competition is for the drivers to steer their ponies through a series of gates made up of between 12 to 14 pairs of cones. Each cone has a ball placed on top so if a pony or scurry cart makes contact with the cone the ball will fall off. When a penalty of 4 seconds will be added, for every subsequent ball which is knocked down a further 4 seconds are added. The winner is the team with the quickest overall time.
Drivers Horses
Jeff Osborne TBC
Gemma Millman Code Pooh Bear & Piglet
Alison Millman Code Branston & Pickle
Gareth Roberts TBC
Esther Cope TBC
Richard Griffiths TBC
Chris Orchard Carriage House Insurance Rough & Tumble
Osborne Refrigerators, established in Bognor Regis, have been at their West Sussex base for more than 45 years and are the leading British manufacturer of refrigerators designed for the chilling and storage of wines, beers, cold beverages and foodstuffs. In 2008 the company celebrates its 22nd year of involvement with scurry driving through its countrywide support of the event.
Managing Director, Jeff Osborne, a keen scurry driver who will be one of those at Birmingham to contest the title, said, “We are delighted to be involved with the British Open Scurry Challenge and it gets better and better every year. It’s always hugely popular with the crowds; the competitors and the horses love it and the atmosphere is fantastic.”