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The 2025 Arizona Driving Trial Series
This page contains information on what our AZ Driving Trail entails, as well as specific information about 2025 scheduled events. Scroll down or use the links below to take you to a specific event.
Click on event for more information & closing date..
Two ADT events in the series must be attended with the same entry combination to qualify for a Year End Award.
WHAT IS AN ADT?
Arizona Driving Trial
ADT stands for Arena Driving Trial, but for ADCS, it stands for Arizona Driving Trial as we have adapted some of the ADS rules to better serve us. This is usually an informal one day competition with most of the elements of a 3 day combined driving event (CDE). The Judge and TD are sometimes more advanced drivers, rather than rated officials. The idea is to keep costs down, while providing opportunities for learning and practice for our membership.
A dressage test is driven, a cones course is negotiated, and finally, several hazards or obstacles complete the event. There is no full fledged marathon section. The "in the obstacle" times count for all levels, except Green Drivers at Training Level. There are usually fewer hazards/obstacles compared to a CDE. If set in an arena, there may only be two obstacles, driven twice. If at a site with permanent obstacles, usually only four are used.
The ADCS usually holds a series of six ADT competitions each year. They are at various locations throughout the state. The club tracks points earned based on the results of each individual ADT, and awards Year End Awards in each class, through 6th place. Club members must compete with the same equine, at the same level, in two ADT events to be eligible for a year end award. Up to four placings will be used in the point totals – fewer if fewer are attended.
An awards banquet is held after the final ADT of the series. Usually, it is held in conjunction with the yearly Christmas Party and General Meeting. See the CLUB CALENDAR in the Menu for any upcoming ADT events. The event information page will have the Entry Form and event particulars approximately one month prior; one week prior, the Hazard and Cones maps are posted for download.
For the most recent copy of our ADT rules, classes offered, and year end points> ADCS – ADT Rules
NOTICE: Participants in ADT events in 2025 (drivers and navigators) will be required to wear a safety vest in ADT Obstacles. (Exception for first yearTraining level Green drivers -but still highly recommended.)
WHAT IS DRIVEN DRESSAGE?
DRIVEN DRESSAGE - Part 1 of an ADT
ADS (the American Driving Society) as well as FEI (International Equestrian Federaton) have designed a series of tests for each level of driver. Tests are driven in a specified size arena that is usually 40 X 80 or 40 X 100 meters. Sometimes a smaller size is used for very small equine (VSE-39 inches and less). ADCS commonly uses a 30 X 60 meter arena for VSE.
Tests include an enter down centerline at the trot, halt and salute the judge, trot and walk circles of various sizes in both directions at particular spots in the arena, working trot and lengthened trot down sidelines or across the diagonal, and a final halt and salute. The exact pattern and order of elements will change with each test and depending on what level the test is. Some Intermediate and FEI level tests include a canter.
Examples of Driven Dressage tests can be found at the ADS website. (a link to dressage tests is in the footer)
In addition to Dressage at an ADT, ADCS offers judged dressage tests as part of our Pleasure Show, and has at times offered Dressage only competitions.
WHAT IS A CONES COURSE?
CONES COURSE - Part 2 of an ADT
A Cones Course is a really fun part of a combined driving event. Course length ranges from 500 to 800 meters, depending on the area available for setting up the course. A course may contain up to 20 elements, the most common of which is a set of cones with a ball set atop each cone. Each element is numbered, with a red number on the right of the desired direction of travel, and a white number on the left side. The numbers indicate the order in which each of the obstacles is to be driven.
After the whistle sounds, the driver passes through the start gate (in the correct direction) and proceeds to drive through the numbered obstacles in the correct direction and order, then passes through the out gate. Time on course is taken. Depending on the level of the driver and the size of the equine, there is a specified allowed time for each entry. If the time on course is within the allowed time, no time penalties are given. If a driver is over the allowed time, then time penalties are figured at .5 penalties for for each second over the allowed time. In addition, one or both balls down at an obstacle adds 3 penalties to the score.
Each entry has the track width of their wheels measured. Then depending on the level and horse size, a value is added to that track width, and the course is adjusted to that value; i.e., the distance between the cones making up each obstacle is adjusted to the setting for that driver. This way, drivers in the same class with different sized carriages, all have the same amount of clearance in an obstacle for their vehicle.
In addition to cones driving at an ADT, ADCS offers various cones competitions as a part of our Pleasure Show.
VIEW A SAMPLE CONES COURSE
Monica Phillips and Miss America
driving a cones course.
WHAT ARE OBSTACLES/ HAZARDS?
OBSTACLES - Part 3 of an ADT
Obstacles is the preferred term, but this part of an ADT is also referred to as "hazards." In a CDE, the obstacles are the last portion of the Marathon Course. In an ADT, this is the only portion of the marathon that is used.
An Obstacle is comprised of a series of “gates” that are set up in a defined area that may have natural elements like trees, or man made fences, upright poles, barrels, barriers made from other objects, and so forth. The gates are lettered A through E. A red letter goes on the right side of a gate, and a white letter on the left side, to show the required direction of travel (red must be on the right to pass through a gate in the correct direction), and to define the sides of the “gate.”
The level of the competitor determines which of the gates must be negotiated correctly. Training Level is required to do A, B, and C, for instance. There is also an “In” and an “Out” and time is taken in the obstacle as the horse nose breaks the “In” gate, and until the nose passes the “Out” gate. For the time to count, all required gates must be taken in the correct order (A, then B, then C) and in the correct direction. Gates become “dead” after they are driven correctly, and may consequently be redriven in any direction to get to the next required gate. Corrections of course may be made, but add penalty points to the score. Usually, an ADT uses four Obstacles, or may use two and drive them twice.
The elasped time in all Obstacles is converted to penalty points by multiplying the time by .25. Penalties in Obstacles are added to the scores for the other parts of an ADT to determine a final penalty score. Should an Obstacle be driven incorrectly (a gate is missed or driven in the wrong direction-and no correction is made) the competitor is eliminated and they do not place in the competition.
Here is an Obstacle using posts and rails sections to make the "gates."
This map is incorrect. Do not turn where shown on Cheryl Lane if coming from the North. Stay on 79 for another 2 to 3 miles. Grounds are on your west side of the highway. Use Google Maps and not Apple Maps for correct location.
INFORMATION FOR 2025 ADT #1 & #2 at Florence
Saturday ADT #1 Results Sunday ADT #2 Results
Rules are updated. Please take time to review. 2025 ADCS – ADT Rules/Info
Date: Jan. 17-19, 2025 17th is set up day, ADT #1 is Saturday, ADT #2 is Sunday
Location: Charles Whitlow Arena, Florence, 11608 AZ-79, Florence, AZ 85132 Driving directions map: Click on map above for Florence, then zoom out to see possible routes from your location.
Entry: Mail in Entry Online Entry Now closed.
OFFICIALS
Dressage Judge for ADT #1 & ADT #2: Amy Star - Bio
Cones Judge: Sue Foree
Technical Delegate: Rita Self
Organizer: Julie Mitchell
Waiver to be signed by all attending unless you signed on a competitor's Entry Form: General Waiver
Want to Volunteer? Contact Organizer
Dressage Tests for this event: ADS Test A at all levels. Presentation will not be scored.
Arena Size: 40 X 80 for all
Other Rules
HELMETS MUST BE WORN BY ALL PERSONS AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON ANY VEHICLE. SAFETY VESTS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL DRIVERS & NAVIGATORS WHILE IN OBSTACLES. (Exception for Green drivers.) CURRENT CDC GUIDELINES FOR COVID ARE TO BE FOLLOWED-Do not come if sick or exposed/positive to COVID within the timeline in effect on event dates, etc.; maintain distances, mask up if not vaccinated, and so on.
Any driver who competed in two or more ADTs in “green driver” in the past year’s series may not compete as a “green
driver” in 2025
An HC entry pays full entry fee.
All horses brought on site must be entered.
Refund Policy for this Event:
All refunds do not include any PayPal fees. Cancelation before the close of entries, will get a full refund. After close of entry, but prior to Jan. 17, full refund minus $30. Jan. 17 and day of events, no refunds.
Junior Driver Information: 10 and under drivers must have a knowledgeable adult horseman in the cart with them at all times, on the grounds and in the rings.
11-13 year olds must also have a knowledgeable adult horseman in the cart with them at all times, on the grounds and in the rings.
There is no exception at this venue for single VSE with a capable driver in dressage and cones, as those rings are not fenced in.
For 14-18 year olds, the requirement for an adult horseman in the cart is at the organizer‘s discretion, and will be decided on an
individual basis after consulting with the parent or trainer of the entry and knowledge of the equine. Juniors this age need to ask at
the competition (see TD) if they require an adult with them.
Note: Single VSE and Small Ponies do not require a navigator in obstacles (hazards), but this may not apply to all junior drivers over
13 (Organizer’s discretion). Ask the TD at the event to see if your over 13 Jr. driving a VSE needs a navigator.
FACILITY FACTS
Overnighting
Uncovered stock pens available for horses to overnight on Friday and Saturday @ $20/day per pen. Bring your own shavings.
Overnighting on site is dry camping only @ $20 per night.
Vendors on site: NEWS! Concession stand will be OPEN!! Menu: Hamburgers (with or without cheese) - double or triple patties at additional cost - green chilis an option - lettuce, tomatoes, onion & pickles; Hot Dogs, Nachos, Popcorn, Soda, Water, Gatorade, Candies, Pickles, Coffee, Hot Chocolate.
Motels: There's a Greentree motel not to far away.
FILES FOR ADT #1& #2: (added as available - course maps 1 week prior). Links are active when underlined.
(On a smart phone, files may appear on the bottom of the page, not in this section.) Please print off your own copies. None will be provided for you.
Safety Check Sheet: One needed each day. Turn in at your Safety Check which is prior to your dressage time.
If there are no Intermediates competing, the Letter E gate, even though shown on the obstacle diagrams, may not be used.
Obstacle 1 Obstacle 2 Obstacle 3 Obstacle 4 Grounds
Just some reminders about downloads/printing copies. The browser you use, and the device, affects how files appear and the quality. With some, when you click on the file link, only a screen view will appear, which may not be the best quality. Better quality results from actually downloading the file to your computer before printing. Again, the browser may determine how you get the file to your computer. Some have a small window with a download icon that will appear if you hover over the bottom of the screen view with your cursor. Others require going to the FILE menu at the top of your computer screen and using the "export as pdf" under that drop down menu. Some browsers may download the file to your computer just by clicking on the file and to view the file you will have to open it on your computer. This requires knowing the destination of your downloads on your computer, which can usually be set through your browser's preferences.
INFORMATION FOR 2025 ADT #3 & #4 at Apache Junction Rodeo Grounds.
Event Date: ADT 3 - Saturday, February 8, 2025. ADT #4 Sunday, February 9, 2025
2025 ADCS Membership is
required for entering.
Location:
Rodeo Park Event Center
1590 E. Lost Dutchman Blvd.
Aerial photo Get Directions General Park Rules Grounds Map (see files below ) Quick Link to Files
Links are active when underlined.
Rules are updated. Please take time to review. 2025 ADCS – ADT Rules/Info
Entry: Entry is now closed. Results for ADT 3 and ADT 4.
OFFICIALS
Dressage Judge for ADT #3 and #4: Nathalie Eikel-Baughman, USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medalist in ridden dressage as well as a USDF L-Graduate with Distinction! Born and raised in Germany, Nathalie started early at age 4 in classical dressage riding school and competed up to 3rd level in Germany. She moved to the USA in 2005 and runs a small private Dressage Training Barn in Glendale, AZ.
Cones Judge: Lyle Brown
Technical Delegate: Rita Self
Organizer: Tiah Bialik and others
Waiver to be signed by all attending unless you signed on a competitor's Entry Form: General Waiver
Want to Volunteer? Contact Organizer
Dressage Tests for this event: ADS Test B at all levels. Presentation will not be scored.
Arena Size: Horses and Ponies will use a 40 X 80 meter arena (also a 4-up VSE multiple). VSE will use a 30 X 60 meter arena.
Refund Policy for this Event:
All refunds do not include any PayPal fees for online registration. Cancelation before the close of entries, will get a full refund. Refunds, if requested, for cancellation after close of entry but before the event, are at Organizer’s discretion and may incur a penalty fee; no shows on event days receive no refund.
FACILITY FACTS
Rest rooms on site. No vendors. Lunch/water provided for volunteers and officials.
Dressage, Cones and Obstacles do not have separate fencing around them, but entire event area is fenced. Gate to main parking area is left open. Parking area is a large area and rigs should keep extra distance between them due to Covid.
FILES FOR ADT #3 & #4: (added as available - course maps 1 week prior) Links are active when underlined.
(On a smart phone, files may appear on the bottom of the page, not in this section.)
Safety Check Sheet: One needed each day. Turn in at your Safety Check which is prior to your dressage time.
Obstacle 1 Obstacle 2 Obstacle 3 Obstacle 4 Grounds for 2025
INFORMATION FOR ADT #5 & #6 OF THE 2025 SERIES
2025 ADCS Membership is
required for entering.
Rules are updated. Please take time to review. 2025 ADCS – ADT Rules/Info
DATE: ADT #5 MARCH 15, 2025 - ADT #6 March 16, 2025 Results Course Maps
LOCATION: Dale Creek Equestrian Village, 13424 W. Camelback Rd., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
OFFICIALS: Saturday Judge - Lois Whittington Sunday Judge - Cynthia Ganem
TD - TBD Cones Judge - Trish Demers Organizer - Rita Self Entry Secretary - Julie Mitchell
Tentative Start Time Saturday is 8:30 am. Sunday is 8:00 am.
ENTRY FORM: Entry is now CLOSED.
Waiver to be signed by all attending unless you signed on a competitor's Entry Form: General Waiver
More Volunteers Needed: Contact Organizer
Dressage Tests: ADS Arena Trial Test B at all levels: AT Training B, AT Preliminary B, AT Intermediate B
Arena Size: Horse and pony dressage ring is 40 meter wide and a little short of 80 meters long. VSE dressage ring will be 30 X 60 meters.
Other Rules
HELMETS MUST BE WORN BY ALL PERSONS AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON ANY VEHICLE. SAFETY VESTS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL DRIVERS & NAVIGATORS WHILE IN OBSTACLES. (Exception for Green drivers.) CURRENT CDC GUIDELINES FOR COVID ARE TO BE FOLLOWED-Do not come if sick or exposed/positive to COVID within the timeline in effect on event dates, etc.; maintain distances, mask up if not vaccinated, and so on.
Any driver who competed in two or more ADTs in “green driver” in the past year’s series may not compete as a “green
driver” in 2025. An HC entry pays full entry fee.
All horses brought on site must be entered.
TRASH AND MANURE: Everyone is expected to pack out all their own garbage. Please do not put trash in any barrels, but rather bring a garbage bag with you and collect all your trash and take it with you. Manure from stalls is to be put in designated piles between the barns. Stall is to be left free from manure when you leave. Shavings do not need to be removed.
Refund Policy for this Event:
All refunds do not include any PayPal fees for online registration. Cancelation before the close of entries, will get a full refund. Refunds, if requested, for cancellation after close of entry but before the event, are at Organizer’s discretion and may incur a penalty fee; no shows on event days receive no refund.
FACILITY FACTS
Rest room on site. No vendors. Fast food available close by. Lunch/water provided for volunteers and officials.
Dressage, Cones and Obstacles may not have separate fencing around them depending on areas used, but entire event area is fenced. Entrance gate must be kept closed. Parking is in various locations. May be assigned. Stabling available on site. Shavings are optional, but must be purchased from facility on the entry form at $10 a bag. You MAY NOT bring your own shavings.
Overnighting: Allowed on site for a fee of $10 for one night or both Friday and Sat. nights. Electrical is available in various locations and if you plug in, you will be charged an additional $25 for the weekend. This is to be paid directly to the facility by check or cash and will be collected at event check in. Electrical spaces are limited, first come, first served.
Junior Driver Information: 10 and under drivers must have a knowledgeable adult horseman in the cart with them at all times, on the grounds and in the rings.
11-13 year olds must also have a knowledgeable adult horseman in the cart with them at all times, on the grounds and in the rings.
Exception at this venue for single VSE with a capable driver in dressage and cones, depends on area used being fenced.
For 14-18 year olds, the requirement for an adult horseman in the cart is at the organizer‘s discretion, and will be decided on an
individual basis after consulting with the parent or trainer of the entry and knowledge of the equine. Juniors this age need to ask at
the competition (see TD) if they require an adult with them.
Note: Single VSE and Small Ponies do not require a navigator in obstacles (hazards), but this may not apply to all junior drivers over 13 (Organizer’s discretion). Ask the TD at the event to see if your over 13 Jr. driving a VSE needs a navigator.
FILES FOR ADT #5 & #6: (added as available - course maps 1 week prior) Links are active when underlined.
(On a smart phone, files may appear on the bottom of the page, not in this section.)
Safety Check Sheet: One needed each day. Turn in at your Safety Check which is prior to your dressage time.
Revised 3/11 Grounds Map Cones Course Obstacles 1 & 2 for VSE Obstacles 1 & 2 for Horses & Ponies Obstacles 3 & 4 for All
Just some reminders about downloads/printing copies. The browser you use, and the device, affects how files appear and the quality. With some, when you click on the file link, only a screen view will appear, which may not be the best quality. Better quality results from actually downloading the file to your computer before printing. Again, the browser may determine how you get the file to your computer. Some have a small window with a download icon that will appear if you hover over the bottom of the screen view with your cursor. Others require going to the FILE menu at the top of your computer screen and using the "export as pdf" under that drop down menu. Some browsers may download the file to your computer just by clicking on the file and to view the file you will have to open it on your computer. This requires knowing the destination of your downloads on your computer, which can usually be set through your browser's preferences.
INFORMATION FOR ADT #7 OF THE 2025 SERIES
Event Date: May 24, 2025 Entry to be received by May 17.
Organizer: Peter Atonna Please contact Peter to volunteer at this ADT.
Location: Paulden, Az Directions will be sent to all competitors.
Stabling: Limited number of stalls available @ $10 per day/night
Dry Camping: Folks are welcome to overnight Friday and Saturday
Saturday lunches: Order on entry form @ $15 each.
Dressage Judge: Sandy Joyce
Dressage tests with diagrams on back: TBD ADS Training Level C; ADS Preliminary Level A; ADS Intermediate Level A
Cones Judge: Carol Stearns
Technical Delegate (TD): Wayne Kramer
Entry Form: PDF Entry Form for Mailing Check back for Online Entry Form - available soon
Ribbons donated by Sandy Joyce will be given out as follows at this event.
Best Dressage Score:
-
Training VSE, Small Pony
-
Training Pony, Horse
-
Preliminary VSE, Small Pony
-
Preliminary Pony, Horse
-
Intermediate VSE, Small Pony
-
Intermediate Pony, Horse
General Waiver: To be submitted by Navigator or anyone in the party who did not sign on the Entry Form. General Waiver
Files for this Event: Safety Check Sheet: Turn in at your Safety Check which is prior to your dressage time.
Available 1 week prior: Cones Course Obstacles 1 & 2 Obstacles 3 & 4
(links underlined when active)