I joined GB POD Training Group three years ago, and in that time my ponies and I have flourished thanks to the superb, well-structured, and comprehensive training on offer. The pair of dubious little tearaways I started with are now becoming balanced, confident athletes under Robert Buck’s patient and exceptional guidance.

Robert is deeply committed to developing horses and ponies so they can perform safely, happily, and in harmony with their handlers. As a hands-on trainer, he often takes the reins himself, demonstrating exactly what’s needed to achieve the results we’re striving for.

Behind the scenes, Julie Camm ensures everything runs seamlessly. Her exceptional

organisational skills and genuine care for members create a truly inclusive and supportive environment. Every GB POD member values her dedication and personal touch immensely.

There’s a wealth of knowledge, experience, and camaraderie within the GB POD community. Through local monthly clinics, regional camps, national training events, and the Festival and Certius Championships run alongside POD by Julia Liles, there are endless opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun.

I can’t recommend GB POD highly enough. It’s inspiring, exhilarating, and thought-provoking, and it’s without doubt one of the best ways to become a more skilled and confident horseman or horsewoman.

 - Carolin Gibbs

We arrived to the GB Pod training camp at Lincomb Equestrian with unsettled weather but a VERY warm welcome and after bedding down the ponies we went to the fabulous club house to enjoy a lovely home cooked meal and then went to our beds to try and get some sleep (through the wind and rain) for the following days training. Waking up to a deluge of rain I had the pleasure of driving Mat the amazing schoolmaster (owned by Julie Camm) and despite the weather I got so much out of my session having the pleasure of learning from such an experienced horse (and Robert of course). The weather then brightened and the sessions continued throughout the day, ending with another fabulously prepared meal and an informative talk from Robert including the different frames of the horse during a schooling and working session.

All three phases were covered over the course of the two days training with both Robert and Lucy working tirelessly without hardly a break and offered their dedication and enthusiasm to each driver whether they were the first or the last in the day, sharing their knowledge which I and everyone else found invaluable.  The drivers also had the opportunity between their sessions to watch the other drivers to continue their learning with the help of a speaker, enabling them not to miss a word of the training. Amongst the participants of the camp were RDA and Para Drivers, some of which are aiming for the World Championships in Germany later this year. Watching the drivers just showed how committed Robert and Lucy were to EVERYBODYS different needs, training and aspirations.

 The whole team worked together seamlessly with Julie, Chris and Gisselle in the background ensuring everything ran to plan! So I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all and I cannot wait till the next Pod training and meeting friends old and new.

- Ellen Kilchmann

I've had two sets of lessons now with Robert over the last few years with two different ponies and I can confidently say I have found the coach for me! I've enjoyed both sets equally but have learnt something new every time I've driven into an arena with him. Robert has a sympathetic coaching style; I feel that I am allowed to make mistakes so that I can learn from them and improve for the next time. I feel that I'm understood as a driver and what my strengths and weaknesses are and I've walked away from each lesson with a new set of skills. I don't have my own driving pony yet but plan to have more lessons over the coming year with Robert so that I'm in the best position possible when I come to buy my own. I know that I'll be in good hands to execute this plan with Robert's coaching. The GB POD Training Group is full of such like-minded people and the results truly speak for themselves. I'm very grateful for the support and coaching Robert has given me and now my husband Mark as he begins his journey with Carriage Driving after spending so many years as a rider. Julie's organisational skills to manage these clinics so well are five star and she ensures everyone is accommodated and looked after throughout.

Thank you GB POD Training Group for allowing me to enjoy carriage driving all over again and learn each and every time I train with you.

- Callum Dugan

Hannah llston-Barsby

Our journey with GB Pod Training Group began during the uncertainty of Covid, when like many equestrians we were searching for ways to stay connected, motivated, and progressing. What started as regular online Zoom training sessions quickly grew into something far more meaningful — a supportive, knowledgeable community brought together by a shared passion for horses, carriage driving, and riding.

As the world reopened, we were proud to bring the training home, hosting in-person clinic days at Langton Farm Stables in Leicestershire. These days provided hands-on learning, encouragement, and a place where both drivers and riders could develop in a positive, forward-thinking environment.

Our journey began with my husband and his young pair of Dartmoor Hill Ponies, Hope and Star. They were sharp, sensitive, and full of character, but through the consistent and patient training within the Pod, we have gained invaluable skills, confidence, and partnership. This has allowed us to progress onto the driving trials circuit, something we are incredibly proud of.

The Pod has also given me the confidence to step into the driving seat myself, taking up the reins under Robert’s expert guidance. This has opened new doors, including supporting para driver Vicky Nurcombe, and being part of an exciting future within the sport.

What makes the GB Pod Training Group truly unique is its versatility. It is not solely focused on carriage drivers — it equally supports ridden work. Through the training, I have developed enormously as a rider, gaining a deeper understanding of the horses, improving my skills, and progressing up the levels to get the very best from them.

The GB Pod is more than a training group. It is a community, a support network, and a place where ambitions grow — whether behind the carriage or in the saddle.

Suzanne Dicketts

For the past 17 years, scurry driving at major shows across the country has been more than just a sport to me – it’s been a passion and a way of life.

In 2020, I welcomed a new pony to the team. Although still a teenager and new to driving, she was fast, sharp and definitely opinionated! We’d only had her a month when Covid hit, and suddenly shows, training and everything in between came to a standstill.

It was during lockdown, scrolling through Facebook, that I came across GB POD and their series of Zoom training sessions. It couldn’t have come at a better time. Tailored specifically for the driving horse, the sessions provided fresh ideas and practical ways to overcome challenges. It really reinforced that, whatever your discipline, the fundamental basics are the same.

Over those months of online training, my confidence grew massively – especially with my new pony. The support from the team was incredible; they were always just a phone call away, and I could send videos for feedback and guidance whenever I needed it.

Once restrictions lifted, I was able to benefit from invaluable face-to-face lessons. That continued support has helped me develop not only as a driver, but also in improving my ponies’ way of going. They’ve become fitter, more athletic and more in sync, and it’s shown in competition – better sheets, tighter lines, more speed, and improved placings.

Years on, I’m still proud to be part of this training group. Their ethos always puts horse welfare first, and they offer everything from in-person lessons and online training to individual critiques, training plans, competition support and camps. But above all, it’s the community – a group of like-minded, supportive people all striving to improve and do the very best for their horses.

Residential Training.

Quinn is my mini cob who had a chequered start in life. I decided on residential training to start his sixth year because he needed a systematic revision of the basics. He has spent a month with GB POD trainer Lucy Scott, working in the progressive way POD advocates. l have received weekly updates of his progress and seen how his rhythm, straightness, and suppleness have developed. He is now showing balance in all three paces both on the lunge and in the carriage.
Quinn has a cheeky side to his nature, but also a super work ethic. He absolutely thrived on the regular structured training Lucy gave him and made progress that l could not have achieved at home. The icing on the cake was watching him being introduced to cones and obstacles at The Unicorn Trust. Seeing him so confident and settled in his work has been hugely motivating and reassuring for me and a great start to 2026 for him. I'm now looking forward to a year of consolidation through our monthly POD Training, CDSG camps (May & Sept), Lincomb Camp (June) and Certius (Aug). I feel strongly supported in bringing on my youngster because l know the best help is always at hand thanks to GB POD.