Tara Copp was named grand champion, Ebony Pressnell reserve champion while Pei Yong Forbes was second "In Action".

The annual competition is aimed at involving as many RDA carriage driving centres in NSW to participant in events at their own centre.

Manning Great Lakes drive, with the permission of the Taree Showground committee, at the showground once a month.

There are eight classes in the competition to choose from:

1. Photo class - 'best on parade'. The carriage and horse standstill,

2. Photo class - 'carriage driving in action',

3. Preliminary square bending race, (needs assistance)

4. Open square bending race,

5. Preliminary precision cones course, (needs assistance)

6. Open precision cones course,

7. Preliminary flag race, (needs assistance)

8 Open flag race

Photographer Paul Murrell, attended classes one and two, while all enjoyed practicing for class four.

The photographs and times of the cone races were forward to the convenor last December, who in turn passes them onto an independent judge.

Points gained for each class are then added up and the driver with the most points is awarded the prize.

The girls worked hard all year practicing their driving skills, learning how to hold the reins, keeping the horse in a straight line and then how to drive the horse through the cones, at a walk.

Tara managed to trot around the cones without knocking any down which gained her extra points.

"Of course this activity would not be possible without our beautiful horse, Monty. He is well trained to harness work and thoroughly enjoys his outings,'' Helen Murrell from Manning Great Lakes RDA said.

"Volunteers are in great need for carriage work, with a minimum of three needed for each session. A 3:1 ratio is high for one activity.

"Volunteers are trained as full support staff and assist the Whip in all aspects of driving.

"Lessons could not proceed without them and I unreservedly say thank you,'' Helen added.