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The Beer Run 2006

Following privies articles in the Whisper and discussions with former MHHA chairman Ken Young, some of us decided to enter a midlands team for the event. Based at Harbridge Farm in the new forest, it was a 3 day event, 2 days of skills tests followed by a 9 section marathon in the forest using 7 horses working as 3 pairs and a single using a modern driving trials vehicle on which was a barrel – unfortunately empty, because if it had been full it was so hot I think we would have drunk it!
Unfortunately Ken’s wife was poorly at the time of the event so neither Ken or Caroline were able to attend. This virtually left us as the blind leading the blind, however we didn’t disgrace ourselves. We were called The English Carters Team, as the other 3 teams were mainly Percharon or Suffolk horses- there was even a pair of Comtois. We also had two honorary Midlanders on our team, Keith and Dan Carter who’s help and experience was invaluable.
 Our team eventually consisted of the 7 horses needed plus a crew of drivers, grooms and back up of ten people. (One of the other teams had a crew of 28 people)
We came away having won-:
1st in Cone Driving.
1st in Timber Snigging.
2nd Quick change – swapping a pair of horses.

Over all we came fourth only losing out by 6 points so for a first attempt we had every reason to be proud. It was a wonderful learning curve, and we would certainly like to do it again, hopefully with a larger crew of helpers, even none horsey people will be welcome ie, cooking, fetching water. I would like to thank our judge on the marathon a French lady Monigue Etiene – who i think my husband frightened to death with his manical driving between the marathon stages, she was very helpful to all of us.
Also best wishes to Caroline Young, I know she had put a lot of effort into the event.

Jayne Bradlay.

Kevin approaching the obstacles

Dan, Mike & Mickey