Southern Carriage Driving Club (SCDC) was created on 1st January 2019 as South Downs Harness Club (Est 1978) merged with White Horse Harness Club (Est 1988) to ensure a successful future and the growth of carriage driving.

The purpose of the club is to support new and experienced carriage driving enthusiasts across Hampshire, Wiltshire and West Sussex. With a range of events to suit all interests and abilities we pride ourselves on creating a friendly and encouraging environment where everyone is welcome.

You can read our full SCDC constitution HERE.

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South Downs Harness club history

For 40 years, since 1978 when the club was founded as an offshoot from a local riding club, South Down Harness Club has been changing the balance of its events and activities, whilst encouraging all types of carriage driving for all types of people at all levels. Initially affiliated to the British Driving Society, starting with around 200 members, it moved to British Carriagedriving and grew to cover West Sussex and Hampshire. Two events have held strong throughout. The Lisa Joyce One Day Event, held annually in remembrance of founder members Bob and Mona Joyce’s daughter and the annual Open Show.


  • Peter Linfield with his London trolley

  • Founder member Dr King at Parham

CLICK HERE to read an adaptation of “South Downs Harness Club celebrates 40 years” by Lynne Hamill that appeared in Carriage Driving in December 2018.

White Horse Harness club history

One January evening in 1988, Neil Swanson invited a group of carriage driving enthusiasts to a meeting with the object of starting a harness club. A club that would bring many people together across the Hampshire and Wiltshire areas and a club that would cater for all levels. From juniors to seniors and from pleasure drivers to serious competitors – everybody was welcome, and this is how the White Horse Harness Club was born.

Over the years the Club went from strength to strength holding a variety of indoor and outdoor events throughout the year across one or two days including inside-out events, training days, talks and demonstrations. The success of the club climaxed with the annual 2-day Regional Qualifier at the beautiful Redenham Park home grounds in Andover – with the kind permission of Lady Clark.