Mid-Atlantic Region

Regional Director: Danute Bright, E-mail: cdeponyz@comcast.net Phone: 717-246-2351 New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Washington DC

Area Clubs

Registration Information and MORE...

July 31-Aug 3, 2008: Mid-Atlantic Recreational Driving Weekend: Fairhill MD,

You must either be an ADS member, or a member of an ADS club to participate.
All participants must be registered in advance. To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have added an extra day; the weekend officially starts on Thursday !

Please read the information form and fill out registration form carefully. This weekend is run on a not for profit basis, you are charged what we need to pay Fair Hill and our other suppliers. The only fee we don’t know yet is for commemorative polos and T shirts, sure to be another collector’s item to add to your FH wardrobe. Estimated prices from $10 for T shirts, $25 polos.
Our tentative schedule is :

Thursday, July 31
11:00 am Weekend officially open
Mandatory Presentation on “Finding Your Way Around Fair Hill”
Maybe, a late afternoon surprise. . . . .
Pit Beef /Pork Barbecue Dinner & Mid Atlantic Trivia Challenge
Friday, August 1
Wheel and Brake Maintenance Demonstration
Regional Clubs Meeting
“Finding Your Way Around Fair Hill”, (repeated)
Lasagna Dinner and Jerr and Rita Trapani's Horse Tales
Saturday, August 2
Mary Warner Brown Memorial Breakfast
1:30-3:30 pm Susie Buchanan presents “The Schooling Wheel” We will take 8 participants,
Everyone one else welcome to audit.
Wheel and Brake Maintenance Demonstration, (repeated)
Regional Organizer’s Meeting (ADS and non ADS activities)
Presentation on the Carriage Association of America's Proficiency Program
Crab Cake dinner & Silent Auction
Sunday, August 3
Weekend officially closes 3pm

Do You Have Questions About Carriage Driving?

HERE ARE SOME ANSWERS!

In carriage driving there is a place for every equine; be it pony, horse, donkey or mule. You’ll love the many options and traditions within driving, such as cross-country driving, skill activities, pleasure, carriage collecting and presentation. Where else will you find minis and drafts at the same show and a variety of classes, with some taking place outside the show ring? Driving clubs also host a variety of pleasure drives, as well as educational and informal fun events. For some horses, carriage driving can be a glorious second career. The outgrown pony retains its usefulness to the family. The horse who has trouble staying sound under saddle may get a new lease on life. Driving is excellent cross training for other disciplines, especially dressage. Families for whom keeping multiple animals is not an option will find driving is a great way to extend a single horse’s utility. If you have health problems that prevent you from riding, driving may be the answer for you. Carriages can even be customized to accommodate wheelchairs. Driving allows you to take a friend with you, making pleasure driving a sociable pastime.

WHAT KIND OF DRIVING DO YOU WANT TO DO?

Do you want to drive with friends or by yourself around the farm? Do you want to compete in pleasure shows or combined driving or endurance events? The happiest combinations are those who can match their driving preference with their horse’s talent and suitability. You may love the look of a Clydesdale, but be disappointed when he can’t trot all day in the summer heat. That American Shetland might not be happy pulling six people in a vehicle. The bright ex-show Morgan you wanted may be too competitive on line drives at club events. Check out your local driving club or driving instructor for advice on appropriate activities.

COULD MY HORSE BE A DRIVING HORSE?

This is the good part! Horse, pony, donkey or mule — any breed can be driven, but not all individuals may be safe driving horses. For example, a horse that is spooky or inclined to bolt can be dangerous and is not suitable. The key factor is temperament. The horse cannot be unpredictable or nervous. He should be easily controllable, respectful and responsive. Note that gaited horses can be driven with no problem; however, if you want to compete in shows, the animal must be able to exhibit a trot in classes where required, unless special classes are offered. Your horse must have manners, manners, manners! The carriage horse must be prepared to stand quietly for long periods of time, and to submit to prodding and adjustment of harness without objection. This is where your well-mannered pasture pet can really shine. Every driver understands the value of a steady, sensible animal, no matter what he looks like.

HOW DO YOU START A DRIVING HORSE?

You should always have a trainer or competent assistant when you are teaching a horse to drive and working with a green horse. Horses may be exposed to the equipment at a fairly young age. Easy work, such as pulling a lightweight, two-wheeled cart on level ground is appropriate for a young, green horse. A benefit of early schooling is that your horse will trust that you will get him out of any jam, whether it is a dog rushing him, equipment breaking or other spooky situations. As your horse gains strength and experience, he can graduate to a heavier or four-wheeled vehicle. Given a good start, horses can be reliable, happy driving animals well into their geriatric years.

HOW SHOULD MY HORSE RESPOND TO THE AIDS?

Unlike riding astride, drivers are limited to using the voice, whip, and the horse’s natural inclination to move forward, as the riders’ aids of seat, leg, crop and spur are not available. For this reason, basic training for driving horses may take longer than training for riding. You will be amazed though at how much you can communicate through your reins, whip and voice.

SHOULD I GET A TWO- OR FOUR-WHEELED VEHICLE?

Before investing in a vehicle and harness, you must decide what type of driving you enjoy. A simple two-wheeled vehicle with safe, modern harness is always a wise investment and a good turnout for beginners. Road carts and Meadowbrooks are easily available, popular and cost effective. Unless your breed competition requires a jog cart with wire wheels, a wooden wheeled vehicle is safer and more durable. When you and your horse become more skilled, you may decide to purchase a fourwheeled or fancier two-wheeled vehicle. Note that harness, carriage and the horse’s style of movement should match to make the best use of your horse and vehicle. When purchasing a vehicle, consider modern reproductions. Antique vehicles or restorations of antiques may have defects such as rotten wood or weak joints. If you want to take this route, get help from someone who has the experience to make a knowledgeable assessment.

WHERE CAN I DRIVE?

Driving on public roads is becoming increasingly hazardous. In most states, you may legally drive on public roads as long as you display a slow-moving vehicle sign and remember that like a car, you are subject to the rules of the road. Be careful to determine if or when it is safe to proceed. Trails and field driving are another option. Before driving on new trails, inspect them first without your carriage for hazards. Look to parks and natural environmental areas (like Fair Hill and Morgan Run in Maryland) for suitable driving roads. Ask your local orchard owner or neighbor for permission to drive on his property. Driving clubs love to put on pleasure drives. Make plans to join them! A great time could be only a short trailer haul away.

AREA CLUBS