It was the first time the drivers had entered a competition.

Helen Murrell, from Riding for the Disabled Manning Great Lakes, said the drivers "were excited and had a few butterflies."

"I'm hoping they will gain the experience of driving in front of a judge," Helen said.

Consistent rain fell overhead but it didn't stop one of the drivers, Tara Copp, from gleaming with joy and anticipation ahead of her debut with trusted steed Monte.

She said her favourite part of the competition was trotting.

The art of carriage driving is a vast contrast to being on horseback.

"You feel the motion of the carriage and the wheels so it's a different experience for those with a disability," Helen explained.

"With a horse, you're sat on the horse and you can feel and guide the horse with your legs and bottom.

"With a carriage horse, the only contact you have with the horse is through the reins.

"We're about three metres away from his head and so it's a completely different experience to being behind the horse."