Welcome to the PHC website

The Poacher Harness Club was originally started by a small group of friends as a private organisation in which they could participate in driving events, drives out and social events which had a distinctly "fun" ethos with less emphasis on competitive point scoring.

Welcome One & All

We are constantly looking for the opportunity to welcome new members, driving or non driving. If you are interested in seeing what goes on, either before committing self and pony or as a helper/steward, we would be delighted to see you.

Friend of Poacher membership is only £5 per year and you will be included in all Poacher events and socials, receive regular newsletters and find a rewarding and interesting activity in the great outdoors. Youngsters and oldies are made equally welcome, so come on down!

You can contact the Secretary direct by email.

Although the Club has now grown beyond the original members the atmosphere is still centred around having fun with horses and ponies in a carriage driving situation. We have proved to be a good "jumping off" point for complete novices who want to go further in the competitive world outside the scope of Poachers, but the essential core of long-term members still remain the backbone of the Club. These core members range in ability from complete novice to experienced, knowledgeable drivers and grooms who undertake their activities with zeal and pleasure.

The Poacher Harness Club's Aims and Objectives are as follows:-

1. To promote the art of carriage driving, by holding events, shows, lectures, demonstrations, drives training sessions and rallies.


2. To promote the safe and enjoyable use of horses, ponies and other driven animals.


3. The well-being of the horse shall be above the demands of breeders, trainers, riders, drivers, owners, dealers, organisers, sponsors or officials.


4. All new members must be appraised by a designated person, for safety and suitability of turnout.


5. The Club is affiliated to the British Horse Driving Trials Association and may adopt BHDTA and FEI rules for competitions and may make local variations for Club events.