OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The sport of combined driving has taken Ocala’s Boots Wright around the world.

The USEF combined driving season kicked off Jan. 9, 2025, at the Florida Horse Park with the first leg of the Florida Driving Triple Crown. Wright was among the participants, competing in the United States Equestrian Federation’s Combined Driving Event and Combined Test at the intermediate level with her pony pair, Schermeer’s HOF Figaro and Nostradamus, or Dom as he’s known around the barn.

Change of Scenery

Before becoming deeply involved in combined driving, Wright had already been exposed to the worlds of polo and show hunters. She eventually moved to Middleburg, Va., where some of her closest friends participated in pleasure driving. Another friend, however, influenced her decision to try combined driving.

“She said, ‘You know, you really should try combined driving,'” said Wright.

Virginia’s cold winters prompted Wright to seek warmer climates. She relocated to Southern Pines, N.C., but ultimately found the friendliest environment for her and her horses in Florida. The deep and strong driving community in Ocala made her decision to move there an easy one.

“It’s (Ocala) horse country, just like the license plates say,” said Wright. “The water and the climate are very beneficial for horses. It’s a horse town for sure.”

Seeing the World

Wright previously drove a four-in-hand of ponies and participated in the first-ever Pony World Championships in Austria. She also competed in England but faced a setback when she lost one of her best ponies and couldn’t find a suitable replacement. This led to her transition to pairs driving. Traveling the globe allowed Wright to meet people from all over the world, but it was also physically demanding.

The Challenges of the Sport

Combined driving tournaments consist of three phases: dressage, the marathon course, and cones. The partnership between horses and driver is especially evident during the dressage and marathon phases.

“You have to have an understanding of your animals, and they have to have an understanding of what you expect of them, and that’s where all of the hours of training go, is in the dressage,” said Wright. “But because you’ve put all the hours into dressage, that makes the marathon that much more enjoyable because you can actually steer. Steering is pretty integral.”

|The Wright Stuff: Boots Wright races into the new season at Florida Horse Park

Wright noted that the abundance of venues in Florida provides competitors with ample opportunities to participate in events. She will compete in the first CDE at the TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, Fla., Jan. 21-25.

Florida Driving Triple Crown Events

  • January 9-12: Florida Horse Park CDE and Combined Test
  • February 13-16: Spring Fling CDE and CT at the Grand Oaks
  • March 27-30: The Grand Oaks Winter Finale CDE and CT
Roster Addition

Wright’s new pony, Nostradamus, has a unique story. Originally a spare pony for a youth driver at the world championships in Sweden, Nostradamus was later sent to the Netherlands. A friend eventually called Wright, offering her the pony.

“This pony stayed at our friend’s farm, and he called me up, and he said, ‘Do you still need a pony?’ and I said, ‘Yes,'” said Wright. “He said, ‘I’m going to send you a video.’ At which point I said, ‘Book his flight. Put him on the plane.’ He was a single pony. He’s such a funny, cheeky little person, that I’m not entirely sure that he likes being part of a pair. I think he’d rather be by himself.”

Wright’s veteran campaigner, the 17-year-old gelding Schermeer HOF Figaro, is described as a pro without price.

“He’s (Figaro) endlessly patient,” said Wright.

Judging and Competing

In addition to competing, Wright is a Fédération Équestre Internationale 3-star judge, which allows her to travel the globe in a judging capacity.

“Judging is fun; it’s completely different from actually competing,” said Wright. “I’m one of the few judges that are still competing.”