User:Alison Burgess

Alison Burgess (founder member)
Horses and dogs have been a large part of Alison's life since she was ten years old. At the age of 15 she fell in love with the Dalmatian, but it wasn't until years later as an keen carriage driver she finally fulfilled her ambition of owning one. After reading a chapter in Patches Silverstone’s book about road trials in America, she decided the trials would have to come here to fulfil her dream of competing!

After several years of research and a visit to America to shadow an organiser, Alison established the current team and put on the first UK trials. She is committed to the trials’ ongoing success in this country and to encouraging all participants – old and new.

Alison attends dog training classes and her dogs have been involved in demonstrations including at the very busy CLA game fair. She has qualified two dogs as road and carriage dogs up to silver and gold level respectively, being one of the first people to compete and succeed in a gold class. She was honoured to help run the first Swedish event and to judge at Scotland’s inaugural trials. She also tries to attend American trials whenever possible.

Alison is a qualified riding instructor and has headed up several equestrian committees running events. She has been the local TROT agent (charity committed to providing off road riding and driving) for about 15 years and set up the first TROT route solely for carriage drivers. She has a strong commitment to safety and with the training she has received, has implemented the CDT health and safety policy and conducted risk assessments for each trials.

As founder of the UK trials, Alison has been the driving force behind their development and success.