The British Heavy Horse Driving Trials Club was formed in 1997 to promote the driving of all breeds of carthorses for pleasure. The members of the club take part in several one-day events across England and this year have been invited to take part in the 1999 running of the Fish Race in France.

This event is a re-enactment of the Route taken by the Mareyeurs (fishmongers) of Boulogne to get their fish to the markets of Paris whilst it was still fresh enough to eat. They used to do this with Boulonnais horses changed at regular intervals and arrive in Paris within 16 hours of leaving Boulogne. The coming of the railways and refrigeration meant that the route fell into disuse and the Boulonnais returned to farm work. The route was re-opened to promote the use of the French carthorse breeds in 1991 and is held every other year.

The route is run by teams of ten pairs of carthorses from all over France and Europe a total of 320 horses will take part in this years run on September 24th, 25th, 26th from Boulogne to Paris in approximately 24 hours. The pairs do a stage of approximately 12 k in 60 minutes they then change with the next pair in their team. Each change has to be accomplished in 3 minutes, so speed is of the essence. The next teams time starts from the moment the finishing pair crosses the line.

Each pair has at least six hours between stages and a pair can only do 3stages or two stages and a special such as the cone or marathon competition. In all there are 21 stages on the 300km route. The route is mainly on side roads and farm tracks and finishes at Vincennes Race Course on Sunday which is the French National Day of the Horse. To get 20 horses to Boulogne is quite a feat and we are actively seeking sponsors if there is any one out there who can help in any way do contact us.

Our next trial event for the run will be held at Dounhurst Carriage Driving Centre on 11th July, starting at 11.00. This competition will include dressage cones and a cross-country course. Dounhurst is situated at Wisborough Green, near Billingshurst in Sussex.

For further information please contact: