Both horses and drivers got dressed up in their finest Christmas outfits for a special festive round of carriage driving last weekend.

The Manx Harness club organised the Winter Driving Trial, which saw 10 teams hurtle around the indoor arena at Ballavartyn Equestrian centre in carriages, guiding their horses and ponies through a series of obstacles and hazards at break-neck speed on Sunday afternoon.

The event was a three-phase competition, comprising of dressage; a cones competition, where the carriages had to negotiate a weaving course, and a round that featured two hazards which had to be driven twice.

Chairman Libby Priest said: ’There were 10 entries which is the biggest entry we have had at this type of show.

’Everyone made a mega effort with their costumes, and indeed they were some of the best we’ve seen to date.

Rowan Caley, partnered with groom Lizzie Lennon, guided her pony to first place in the dressage class, with Margot Dahn in second and Jessica Clague third.

Margot, driving her pony Fluffy, showed her skills by winning the cones and the hazards section, which led her to being named overall winner of the trial.

Two second places in those sections gave second place to Rowan.

However, the most important award, for the best fancy dress costume, went to Lynda Christian, dressed as Cruella De Vil, and her team of four Shetland ponies.

’Thanks to all the dressage judges and writers Ivan Kelly , Jane Watney, Freya and Hilary,’ said Libby, who also took part, as groom to Suzanne Colquitt and her horse Rocky.

’We also give our thanks to all the committee members who stewarded, Colin and Sharon Materaghan for supplying the mince pies and Linda Kneale for being in charge of refreshments.’

The next indoor trial takes place at Ballavartyn on Sunday, January 27