THE region is set to host a first when five-time world champion for four-in-hand driving hosts a four-day instruction clinic next month.

The clinic at Warrayure will bring carriage drivers from around the country together to learn from one of Australia’s best, during Boyd Exell’s return to Australia.

Exell is based in Valkenswaard in the Netherlands, but is originally from New South Wales, and will venture to the south-west during his return home.

Local carriage driver, Elizabeth Lawrence, will host the event and said it was a big coup to have Exell here.

“He hasn’t done one for a while in Australia, this is the first time for four years and certainly the first time to Hamilton,” she said.

“He is coming straight off the back of winning his fifth gold medal in Pratoni, Italy, at the World Equestrian Games.”

The sport encompasses many disciplines, and with Exell competing at both indoor and outdoor events, he will tailor his lessons to all standards.

“He will cover all three disciplines and most drivers will get three or four lessons,” Lawrence said.

“Some people will have a single horse or pony and some will have a team.

“The demand was so high, usually he does 10 lessons a day and we sold out tickets within half an hour, so we have pushed it out to 14.

“He will start about 8am and finish at 6 or 7pm.”

The sports for drivers are already sold out, but spectators are welcome to attend for $50 a day.

Lawrence said there will also be juniors who are accommodated during the four days, along with specialised lessons across the different disciplines.

“We have 20 drivers coming, we’re also putting on a junior clinic for young drivers,” she said.

“There are no more spots available for drivers, but fencesitters won’t be capped.

“It will be combined driving, much like three-day eventing, we have a dressage day, cross country and precision driving day and person with lowest points total is the winner, and all three will be covered.”

There is also a cocktail party planned for the Saturday night, giving people a chance to meet Exell and chat to him.

It is a limited window with Exell set to travel back to Europe straight after the clinic.

“He will be in between competitions, he has been in London for the Driving World Cup, then is back here before going to Leipzig for the next round.”

The clinic is scheduled for January 14-17 with more information available from event director, Peter Lee, or contacting Elizabeth Lawrence.