That translates roughly to an hour’s drive from the centre of Launceston to Entally House.

In a car these days that trip might only take 15 minutes, but for some people the slower route, trotting steadily behind one or two horses, is preferable.

The Tasmanian Horse Drawn Vehicle Foundation is preparing to host the 2017 D’Attelage de Tradition at Entally House, testing the quality of the state’s carriage drivers and their horses.

The D’Attelage de Tradition is a combination of three events: presentation is judged first, followed by a 7-kilometre technical route around Entally, and a time trial.

In the first test, horses must stand quietly for 15 minutes as the judges inspect every inch of the harness, carriage, and uniforms for accuracy and quality.

Then the technical challenge involves driving one-handed while holding a glass, walking past a running tractor to test the horses’ nerves, and backing carefully into a garage.

The time trial is purely focused on speed and accuracy as drivers race around cones on a tight course.

Carriage driver and former president of the Foundation Michael MacDonald will be judging the competition, his two young mares Fly and Flute too inexperienced to compete this year.

He said one of the great attractions about carriage driving is that it’s a “true family sport”, with one pony able to carry a whole family in a single jinker, or pony carriage.

The D’Attelage de Tradition requires the competition to be held at a beautiful traditional estate, reflecting the art and history of carriage driving. In 2015 it was held at Clarendon House.

About 12 drivers are expected to compete this year.

Vice-President of the Foundation, Norma Potter, said the D’Attelage would be a rare opportunity for the public to see Tasmania’s finest carriages and horses on display.

It will be held at Entally House on Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3, from 10am.