16 July 2014

Heinrich Berning Prize for Bram Chardon

Heijenrath in the Netherlands hosted an international driving event for pony singles, pairs and four-in-hands for the first time from 11 to 13 July 2014. The In Memoriam Heinrich Berning Prize for the best pony four-in-hand driver was won by Bram Chardon for the third time. Bram won this prize also in 2010 and 2011.

Heinrich Berning was one of the German drivers who pushed the international pony four-in-hand driving sport at international level. His ideal was to initiate a European or World Championship for pony teams. Heinrich Berning died unexpectedly in April 1983. His dream came true in 1995 when the first European Championships for pony teams took place at Breda.
Several pony team drivers initiated the 'In Memoriam Heinrich Berning Prize’ to memorize the sportive and sympathetic four-in-hand driver. This prize, a china statuette of a Welsh A pony, is presented once a year at an international pony four-in-hand competition. The overall winner will also be the winner of the Berning Prize. He or she will receive a keepsake item. The 'In Memoriam Heinrich Berning Prize’ was awarded for the first time in Beekbergen by Mrs. Berning.
Bram Chardon's fellow competitor Jan de Boer, who won the prize in 2012 and 2013, presented the prize to Bram in Heijenrath.