What is a combined driving event?

As the mail coaches were replaced by mechanic means of transportation, a number of enthusiastic English drivers decided to continue an old tradition. Together with their four-in-hands and coaches they followed various former routes starting at the London post office. They drove different duties, each with their own timetable. Of course they ran into road obstructions. Serious problems could occur for instance when a bridge had broken down, or trees had fallen over, or holes had ruined the roads. These obstacles resulted into time loss for the mail coaches, and the drivers urged their horses to gallop to catch up. This game resulted in the recognition of the Four-in-hand driving as official equestrian sport.