ARTHUR Sheane’s passion for driving took on a new dimension last week as he competed in the over 138cms private driving class at Balmoral Show on Friday afternoon followed by a two-day event at Lusk Equestrian Centre on Saturday and Sunday.

Arthur, 12-year-old son of Cooley Farm’s Richard and Georgina Sheane, should have competed two ponies at Balmoral but the smaller of the pair, Cherrymount Goldilocks, didn’t travel north so he had to rely on his former show jumping pony, Essenar Cooley (aka Essenar Luizza), who he broke to a trap himself.

The young driver may have been disappointed with his showing against far more experienced rivals at Balmoral Park but he was really more concerned with the two-day event.

The virtually unbeatable Boyd Exell is one of his heroes and Arthur regards carriage driving with its dressage, cones and cross-country phases as far more exciting than going around a show ring.

More frightening might be the words Georgina would use. “As Richard was up and down the road to and from Balmoral with our performance horses and a show jumper we had and then heading over to Ard Chuain with (daughter) Ellie while the others went to Hillcrest, I had to go to Lusk on my own with Arthur. Luckily, I was able to take the lorry so we could more easily load up the pony and carriage (a Hartland Criss Cross).”

Georgina’s tasks didn’t stop at driver, groom and chef as she also filled the role of backstep. “I was fine for the dressage and cones but absolutely terrified going cross-country, especially through the water!

“Arthur on the other hand was thrilled and is already dreaming big. I have to say everyone involved with the event, and with carriage driving in general, has been extremely nice, very welcoming and hugely supportive and encouraging.”