The Nations' Cup is an event begun by the Certius committee in the UK. The Certius Championships is an exciting arena based event held in the UK, Australia, Canada, some European countries, New Zealand and three locations in Australia.
It is an event for everyone with 16 different classes, from beginners to experienced, small ponies up, plus Disability drivers.
This round is being held at Nanango Showgrounds from lunchtime Sunday to lunchtime Monday.
Each class includes a basic dressage test, a cones round and four obstacles that are driven separately.
It is a great way to be introduced to the sport of Driving, and a great way to start your horse or pony.
We have FEI judges and Julie Camm and Robert Buck, from UK (who have been involved in the Certius program from the very beginning), as well as being the Chef D'Equipe and trainer/coach for the UK Para Driving team, coming to help us run the event.
For more information, please contact Corby on 0427632732 or email [email protected]
Undercover yards and camping are available at the showgrounds. Please call them on 07 4163 1273 to organise this.
This event follows the 2026 Queensland State Driving Championships, Friday and Saturday, and follows a week of clinic sessions with Robert Buck for those interested.
Q and A
1. What size ponies can compete?
Any size provided the pony's ideal weight is not less than the weight of the carriage and occupant/s.
2. Who needs a backstepper?
Every single horse/pony over 120cm needs at least one backstepper. Pairs of any size must have at least one backstepper, and four-in-hands need at least two backsteppers. Ponies under 120cm may have either an on-carriage or off-carriage groom, dedicated to the role, and standing within 70m from the horse and driver at all times.
3. What age do you need to be?
Drivers - from 8 years old with an on-carriage groom, and from 14 years old with an off-carriage groom
Backsteppers - from 14 years old
Horses/ponies - must be five years old
4. Do you need to be an EA competitor member?
No, you only need to be an EA Participant membership OR a member of SBEG ($35). If you are already a financial ACDS member or another EA-affilated Club member, or a Pony Club member, your SBEG membership will be free for this event.
Your backstepper/groom must also be a member of EA or SBEG.
5. Are helmets and body protectors mandatory?
Yes. EA tagged helmets are required for all on the carriage. A helmet tagger will be available all weekend. Body protectors Level 2 or 3 are required for Disability and Junior (under 18 years) drivers/backsteppers on a carriage. All others on a carriage must wear a body protector of any level. SBEG has many body protectors available to borrow in every size, on the day.
6. Are formal clothes, jackets and plaits required?
No. You just need neat, tidy, sunsafe clothes, eg jods or long pants, and long-sleeved collared T-shirt, with covered in shoes/trainers/boots. Plaits are optional. No clipping of sensory whiskers on horses.
7. Can you have a caller in any phase?
Yes, in all phases, either your on- or off-carriage groom, either by traditional calling or using bone conduction ear piece/s or a phone on speaker, test called by an off-carriage team member on a smart phone. Our aim is to get everyone through without elimination.