VIEW FROM
BEHIND THE DASH Newsletter of The Florida Whips
Promoting all aspects of equine harness driving, by encouraging good will and emphasizing safety and education
MAY 2011
2
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
DIRECTORY
OFFICERS President ................ Mary de Greef
PO. Box 183
Parrish FL 34219
941-776-1638 - home, 941-704-2128 -
cell [email protected]
Vice President .............. Dona Love
1550 SE 120th Ave.
Morriston FL 32668
352-486-2829 [email protected]
Secretary .............. Helen Tolmach
10011 SW 67th Street
Gainesville FL 32608
352-374-8763 [email protected]
Treasurer .................. Nelie Boehle
REGION DIRECTORS
Panhandle ........... Cynthia Perkins
Northern ................... Linda Evans
352-486-3197 [email protected]
SouthEastern ............... Peg Belvin
561-798-1718
SouthWestern ........ Linda Bennett
NEWSLETTER
Editor ................ Deby Stewart
17701 SW 58 Street
SW Ranches FL 33331
954-850-3859
Advertising ..... Jeanne Abbott
14305 NW Gainesville Road
Reddick FL 32686
352-266-7994
WEBSITE MAGICIAN
Yvonne Griffiths
12551 SE 16th Lane
Morriston FL 32668
352-486-4870
REGION ALT DIRECTORS
Panhandle ....... Rhoda Icerman
Northern ...... Connie Thoreson
352-528-5646 cthore-
Southeastern..... Kathie Beeson
Southwestern ....... Katie Carris
View From Behind the Dash, Newsletter of The Florida Whips, is published ten times a year, September through June.
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Advertising copy and payment should be sent to the Advertising Manager.
Deadline for articles, letters, photo-graphs, and advertising is the 15th day of each month preceding month of is-sue. Issues will be mailed on or about the first day of the month.
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Advertising payment must be re-ceived before printing.
Make checks payable to: Florida Whips, Inc.
Send Ad and Check to:
Jeanne Abbott 14305 NW Gainesville Road
Reddick, FL 32686
ON THE COVER:
Dona Love and Rilee check out the Cones course at the
FCMR Pleasure Show.
3
Happy National Driving Month to
everyone!
We are enjoying our wonderful
(mostly) Florida weather and the
driving season is on full GO
speed. If you weren‟t able to make
it to the Live Oak International
you missed a terrific event. The
Whips again sponsored a Tailgat-
ing tent and happily served old
friends and new ones alike. Apparently our generosity (we
welcomed and fed everyone who visited) wasn‟t common as
most of the other parties were private. So I think I can say
with certainty our BBQ sandwiches, free water and other
goodies were a huge hit and introduced our club to lots of new
people. We also took that opportunity to introduce our new
Whips member window decals and license plates.
All new and renewing members will receive a free window
decal and the blue logo on white background license plates
may be purchased for $10 each (plus shipping if you need it
mailed). We will have both available at the General Meeting
at Port Mayaca on May 14th and after that I‟ll post an address
where the license plates can be ordered. Please try to make it
to the Port Mayaca HDT if at all possible - the combination of
a fun show, a great BBQ lunch and the General Meeting too is
just too good to miss!
On another note, this is the next-to-the-last printed issue of
Behind the Dash, however I am inaugurating a new “summer
lite” online/email edition to keep everyone up to date over the
summer. You will receive the July and August issues only via
email so if you haven‟t updated your email address lately this
is a good time to do it. You can send it to me directly and I‟ll
make sure you are on the distribution list.
But in the mean time - just go drive!!
: ~ Deby
PS: don‟t forget to check out our Facebook page @ “FL
Whips”
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
Editor’s Notes ...
Inside This Issue ...
Editor’s Notes ........................................................... 3
Upcoming Events at a Glance ................................. 4
President’s Corner ................................................... 5
Regional News ......................................................... 5
Events :
Steeplechase Fun Darby ~ May 7th .................. 7
Port Mayaca HDT ~ May 14&15th ................. 8
Whips Annual Spring Meeting ~ May 14th ..... 9
STRIDE Driving Camp ~ May 21&22nd ....... 12
Camp Black Prong ~ Oct 28&30th ................. 14
Articles:
Black Prong ADT .............................................. 11
Panhandle Spring Event .................................. 13
Drive a Carriage Through Europe ................. 17
Classified Ads .......................................................... 18
FL WHIPS ANNUAL SPRING MEETING
TO BE HELD AT PORT MAYACA HDT You don‟t want to miss this important meeting, as it‟s time to elect a new Secre-
tary, Treasurer and Membership Chair. Also we will be updating and amending
the by-laws.
You should have already received a ballot with the candidates for the various
offices and the up-dated bylaws. Especially if you will not be attending the Gen-
eral Meeting, please take a few minutes to either return your ballots by mail or
plan to bring it to the meeting.
Amending the by-laws requires a 2/3 vote of the entire membership so your vote
is very important. Help us to keep the Whips up-dated and ready for the future.
See page 13 for more detailed information.
4
2011 Florida Whips Calendar of Events
See Website for Entry Forms
~ www.flawhips.org ~
DATE
LOCATION EVENT CONTACT #
May 7 Northern Region Steeplechase Fun HDT Dona Love [email protected] 3
May 14-15 Southeast Region Port Mayaca HDT @ Port Mayaca FL Contact Bettina Scherer [email protected]
5
Southeast Region May 14th 4:00pm General Membership Meeting
Jun 11 Southeast Region Region Planning Meeting 11:00 am @ Kathie Beeson’s in Loxahatchee
Margaret Belvin [email protected]
4
Jun 18 Southwest Region Region Planning Meeting, Dade City FL
Kathy Maxwell [email protected] 813-991-7341
8
Jun 25 Panhandle Region Region Planning Meeting @ Hay Pond Farm in Monticello FL
Cynthia Perkins [email protected]
1
1
Jul 9 Northern Region Region Planning Meeting w/noon lunch @ Linda Evans’ in Morriston
Linda Evans [email protected] 352-486-3197
2
Calendar ~ Other Events
May 7-8 Newberry FL Canterbury Showplace, Carriage Classes
Wendy Low 352-472-6758
May 21-22 Weirsdale FL STRIDE Weekend Driving Retreat @ The Grand Oaks (FCMR) - Sched-uled clinicians: Muffy Seaton, Mar-jas Becker
Contact Su Zi email [email protected] 13
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
* area numbers are approximate locations
5
President’s Corner ...
On Sunday, April 17th I had the pleasure of volunteering at
the Spring Fling held at the incomparable Little Everglades
Ranch in Dade City. I spent the day at the start of section E
under a wonderful shady Oak tree. Section timing may not be
as exciting as working the hazards but I like it because there is
time to say hello to all the competitors, have a close look at
the horses and ponies and wish them all luck as they go on
their way.
There were many familiar Whip's faces and a few new to me.
The equines all looked ready to go although I heard later that
some of them took exception to the presence of the Kung Fu
Panda and not all were familiar with cattle on the course. Cat-
tle are something I think we can all expect our horses to en-
counter at some point but maybe not giant, blow-up pandas. I
urge you all to volunteer when you can. It's such a great way
to be fully involved in our sport even if you are not inclined to
campaign a horse or pony.
Our sport has it's own trifecta of necessities; organizers, com-
petitors and volunteers. All equally important, all requiring
hard work and all personally satisfying.
Mary de Greef
President, FL Whips
Regional News …
........................... Southwest Region Report
We are winding down on a very successful driving season. It
has been great to see the how many people have been partici-
pating at events this year. Our region has hosted a successful
show and clinic, so now is the time to concentrate on next sea-
son. Please attend our SW Regional Planning Meeting on
June 18th and come with lots of ideas to make the next driving
season just as successful. Hopefully everyone can attend the
statewide meeting at Port Mayaca on May 14th.
On a personal note, I recently completed my first training
ADT with my young pony. He seemed to have a great time
and I am hooked. You will be seeing us more starting in the
fall. If you haven‟t tried an ADT yet, it is a lot of fun.
And again I want to remind everyone that all of these events
need as many volunteers as possible, they can‟t be run without
them. Remember also if you volunteer to set up, you get a
look at things early and volunteering is also a great learning
experience.
We have a great region and let‟s make next year even better
Linda Bennett
Southwest Region Director
........................... Southeast Region Report
April 9th was our Recreational drive at Caloosa Horse Park,
Palm Beach Gardens. The day was perfect and the park was
manicure ready! We are able to park our trailers all together,
and set up a main compilation of pop-up tents so we could all
be together. Once everyone signed the required releases and
paid the per hitch entrance fee, it iwas off to harness up.
We set up our beautiful regulation cones center field, each of
us practiced cones, after a good warm up. It reminded me of a
big swimming pool, we would watch each other take a turn at
the cones course and then all of would compulsively drive
around the huge grass fenced course. It handled 11 turnouts
quite nicely. We all followed out on a trail walk, with Kathie
Beeson's Paso pair in front, Bettina and Rio, and Kathleen
Alston drove Izzy, Isabell drove the marathon cart with
Chocolate, Susan Lozano with Alfie, and Jan and Sali Petri
brought the new-kid Jack! Jack looks like he will be a great
driving horse! Also, Deb Bennett, Johnni Robb, Anna
Crothers and myself rounded out the party! Oh, I did say 11
turnouts! Oh, that was you I counted, you didn't make it? But,
we were looking for you! Next time we hope you come!
Next Happening is Port Mayaca HDT and Whips General
Meeting on May 14th & 15th, hope to see you there! Then,
last but certainly not least: Regional Planning Meeting for
SE Region, June 11th, 2011 at 11:30 am at Kathie Beeson's
Residence ~ 13359 Marcella Boulevard ~ Loxahatchee FL
33470. 561-795-1377 please RSVP & bring a dessert, salad or
dish
Thanks everyone for making this a wonderful driving club!
Peg Belvin
Southeast Region Director
.................................... Northern Region Report
The show season is winding down now and is now just a
memory. Hopefully, good ones! I just returned from the
Spring Fling at Little Everglades. For those of you who have
never been there, it rivals Live Oak for beauty and FEI class
hazards.
This was the first event I have competed at where competitors
HAD to volunteer. Does this speak to anyone that maybe we
could be doing more to support our sport of Combined Driv-
ing when we are not competing? This could become the future
of the sport if volunteers continue to be sparse.
There are still driving events for us diehards to keep our
horses fresh during the upcoming summer heat. Check out our
calendar. The Steeplechase HDT is coming up May 7th. This
should be a FUN event and a great place to bring out horses in
training. I hope ya'll come so get those entries in.
Port Mayaca HDT is May 14th & 15th. This is held at an-
other beautiful venue, the Port Mayaca Polo Club. It is truly a
blessing to have such wonderful venues at our disposal to sup-
port our sport of carriage driving.
Canturbury Showplace has 3 driving shows scheduled on
5/22, 6/19 & 7/17. Check their calendar at
www.canterburyshowplace.com for entry forms and informa-
tion. Stride is hosting a driving camp at the Florida Carriage
Museum & Resort (now renamed The Grand Oaks) on May
21st - 22nd which includes 1 lesson each with Muffy Seaton
and Shelly Temple.
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
(continued on page 6)
6
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
(continued from page 5)
I'm trying to get the dates for the regional planning meet-
ings so I can schedule the ours. I'd like to wait until the
other regions are done so we don't conflict dates. I do have
two future events in the works, one is Camp Black Prong.
This is not a Whips event. Connie Thoreson and I are orga-
nizing that. It will be Halloween weekend.
Watch for details on this on the Other Events calendar.
The other is a weekend at Doe Lake in Ocala Nat'l Forest.
This is the most beautiful horseman's camp that I have ever
been too. It should be a relaxing weekend of riding or driv-
ing. It is set on a beautiful lake where you can actually
swim your horses, it has showers and flushable toilets,
electric and a beautiful pavilion with a kitchen.
I have reserved the facility for December 16th-18th, the
only weekend available between now and the end of the
year. I hope the Northern Region members approve the
rental fee so it will be a free event for all who want to at-
tend. I like to give back to the members. After all we are a
not-for-profit organization.
Please consider organizing an event for the Northern Re-
gion and come to the planning meeting. Watch for the date.
Linda Evans
Northern Region Director
7
Steeplechase Fun Darby Drive
Saturday, May 7, 8:30 A.M. at the Salty Dog Arena, 1550 SE 120th Ave., Morriston FL
Another day of fun and games in the „Hood‟. Something different, sort of like cones, hazards and a cross country
pleasure drive. It should be a perfect venue for green drivers or green horses and ponies. Of course, experienced
entries are also welcome.
Entries will be scheduled a time to start and will follow the numbers and letters to the end. First will be a series of
cones and then a hazard, followed by a trot around the entire Salty Dog property, coming back to the arena for some
more cones and a hazard. Entries must trot, no cantering allowed, and the fastest time will win. The course will be
well marked and can be driven blind, though you can look at it ahead of time also. There will be divisions for mini,
small pony, large pony, and horse. Multiples will fit into whatever division they measure. Drivers and passengers
must wear helmets and be members of the Florida Whips.
Entry $15, Awards to first and Ribbons 1st thru 6th .
Sweet Deliveries South (You have seen them at FCMR and Black Prong) will be available for snacks. Bring your own
chairs, please.
Entries will close May 1st. Please mail check made out to Dona Love, copy of your coggins and the following entry to
1550 SE 120th Ave., Morriston FL 32668. You will need to sign a release for the Florida Whips and the Salty Dog
Arena when you pick up your number at arrival.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Division: _______________________________________Training ____ Prelim _____
Address: _______________________________________________________________
Phone number _________________________________
Email address: __________________________________________________________
Times will be emailed by May 5.
Directions: Steeplechase Farms is off of 326 just east of and before 327. Turn in on 114th and come to the end, turn
right, and then turn left on 120th up the hill to the field in back of the mobile. Parking will be in that field next to the
cones and hazards.
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
View Your Newsletter in COLOR
Visit: www.flawhips.org & Catch Us On Facebook @ “FL Whips”
8
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
PORT MAYACA MAY DRIVE Port Mayaca Polo Club 27005 Chukker Circle, Okeechobee, FL May 14 & 15 A Nonrated HDT - Sponsored by the Florida Whips Entries Open April 1st Entries Close: May 1st
Method of Accepting Entries: Limited number
First come, first served.
Levels/Divisions: Training, Prelim., Intermediate and
Intermediate II (Interm. II is offered to drivers who are
moving up to Advanced)
Classes: Single, Pair, Tandem, 4 in hand, VSE
Prize List? No
Organizer: Bettina Scherer & Port Mayaca Polo Club
Mail Entries to: B. Scherer, 4656 South Shore Blvd,
Wellington, FL 33414. For info call 561-301-9548 or
[email protected]. also Peg Belvin 561-798-1718
OFFICIALS
Show Secretary: Ellen Marie Ettinger;
Course Designer: Barry Hunter;
Judge: Sem Groenewoud, R Judge
Veterinarian: Palm Beach Equine On Call;
EMT: Tim Boyd Announcer: Alyce Michelabrink
FEES
Entry/Class Fees: $110; Post Entry: $50 additional to
the above; Entry Fee Refund Policy: Entry Fee will be
refunded prior to closing date. After closing date entry
fee only will be refunded, with a vet certificate, minus an
office fee of $50. Stall Fee: $60. No deposit, no
separate check, no refunds on stalls. RV Hook-ups:
$40; Vinceramos Charity Luncheon Sat, $50 per
person . Make Check Payable to: Bettina Scherer
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Stable & Office Opens : Friday, May 13
th, noon;
Course Walk & Briefings: Friday, 5pm; Dressage
starts at 9am on Saturday, Cones after dressage.
Marathon starts 9am on Sunday. .
DRESSAGE
Grass Rings 80x40 & 100x40. Training -- Test 2,
Preliminary – Test 3, Preliminary Teams -- Test 5,
Intermediate – Test 3, Intermediate II – Advanced FEI
Test #9 for Singles. Advanced Test 10 for Pony Pairs.
CONES
Grass Polo Field - Training Level Clearance: 40 cm;
Preliminary Level Clearance: 35cm; Intermediate 30cm;
Intermediate II 20cm;
ENTRY FORM AND RELEASE
FORM CAN BE FOUND ON THE WHIPS
WEBSITE -CALENDAR
MARATHON
Polo fields, farm fields, gravel roadways, flat terrain.
VSE Course - 2 -3 km with 3 obstacles to C
Training Level - 4 - 5 km with 5 obstacles;
Preliminary Level - 4- 5 km with 5 obstacles;
Intermediate Level- 5 -6 km with 6 obstacles;
Intermediate II – 5- 6 km with 6 obstacles to E;
CLINICS AVAILABLE
Barry Hunter will offer private and group lessons.
Please contact him directly for times: 352-629-0862
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
COGGINS will be required
HELMETS will be required for Marathon;
ATTIRE - proper dressage/cones attire marathon attire,
as appropriate.
PNEUMATIC WHEELS permitted in training level,
single only.
AWARDS-Ribbons, Championships & Special Prizes.
DOGS permitted. Leashed during competition.
DRIVERS/NAVIGATORS are permitted twice around
schedule permitting.
FOOD – Whips Light Breakfast; Vinceramos Charity
Luncheon on Saturday. The Flying Cow wagon will
provide Lunch on Sunday. Saturday Night BBQ –
We‟re going to set up a grill at the pavilion, bring
something to grill and a side to share. BYOB.
STABLING: Permanent Stalls with Gates.
SHAVINGS – may be available for purchase.
VOLUNTEERS: Please e-mail Bettina Scherer.
LOCATION
Port Mayca Polo Club, 27005 Chukker Circle,
Okeechoobee, FL. Physical location: Off of Conners
Highway (441), on eastern shore of Lake Okeechobee.
North of Kanner Highway (76) and South of SW Martin
Highway (710) GPS ADDRESS: 12499 SW Connors
HWY., Okeechobee, FL
ACCOMODATIONS
RV PARKING - 8 spaces available first come first
serve basis. $40. per space. (Additional Hookups
under construction) Additional Hook-Ups 1 mile
away no services. Rustic Camping Permitted.
HOTEL CENTRAL – Okeechobee Travelodge
Suites. Continental Breakfast, Pets welcome with
Deposit. Call Manager Laura Parker 863-824-3431.
Mention Port Mayaca Driving Trials for
$59.00 rate.
FLORIDA WHIPS GENERAL MEETING TO
FOLLOW VINCERAMOS CHARITY
LUNCHEON ON SATURDAY -- STAY TUNED
FOR MORE INFORMATION
9
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
Looking Back …
PORT MAYACA POLO CLUB
presents its
May
Horse Driving Trial
May 14 and 15, 2011
Vinceremos Charity Luncheon to benefit Vinceremo’s handicapped driving program
Also hosting the Florida Whips General Meeting on Saturday, May 14.
Pegasus Photography
Beginners to Advanced Drivers
please join us for a fabulous weekend
in Okeechobee, Florida!
For more information:
www.flawhips.org
10
View From Behind the Dash
5030 Fan Palm Ave. ~ Cocoa FL 321-205-9353 ~ 321-480-4216 cell
www.dyerbuggyworks.com
YOU ARE INVITED!!
WHEN: SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2011 AT 4:00PM
WHERE: THE PORT MAYACA POLO CLUB, 27005 CHUKKER CIRCLE, OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA
WHAT: THE FLORIDA WHIPS ANNUAL SPRING GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The meeting will start just about 4:00pm. Snacks and drinks will be provided at the meeting and there is a BBQ to
follow. Those attending the BBQ are asked to bring something for the grill and a side dish if you can but the club
will also provide something for the BBQ if it‟s not possible.
We will be electing a new secretary, treasurer and membership chairman at this meeting and also voting to amend
the bylaws. Everyone will be receiving a ballot in the mail during April and we strongly urge you to return the
ballot if you cannot attend.
Yes, it‟s a long way down to south Florida, but the Southeast Region has made great strides the past few years and
it‟s a wonderful opportunity to support our southern members. Volunteers for the HDT would be welcome and
you could make a weekend of it.
For further information you may contact Mary de Greef at [email protected] or Peg Belvin at 561-798-1718.
More information about the HDT is on the web-site calendar.
HOPE TO SEE AS MANY OF YOU THERE AS POSSIBLE.
11
May is National
Carriage Driving Month Rep. David Davis, R-Tennessee, on April 22, 2008 introduced
a resolution (H.Res. 1128) "expressing support of the goals
and ideals of National Carriage Driving Month."
The resolution was co-sponsored by Reps. Bart Gordon, D-
Tennessee, and Heath Shuler, D-North Carolina. It was re-
ferred to the House Oversight and Government Reform Com-
mittee.
For more information about this report, contact US Fed News
through its Washington, D.C.-area office, 703/304-1897 or by
e-mail at [email protected].
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
Looking Back …
Black Prong Arena Driving Trial Cypress Keep and Black Prong Equestrian Center sponsored a
schooling Arena Driving Trial (ADT) on April 2nd and 3rd at the
Black Prong facility. The weather was beautiful all week-end,
truly one of the times we all remember why we are here in Flor-
ida. Run over two days with driven dressage and cones on the
first day and arena obstacles on the second day, the format used
gave all participants a great opportunity to hone their skills.
Throughout the two days you could choose whatever tests or lev-
els you wanted to work on and did not have to stay within a par-
ticular level but could actually try, for example, a preliminary
dressage test and then drive a training level arena obstacle course.
Another unique and great aspect was the ability to drive the arena
obstacles more than once for time.....this enabled drivers to test
different routes and note the differences between longer flowing
routes or shorter sharper turning routes.
Fred Merriam was also available throughout the week-end for
private lessons. While there was no actual placings, all scores and
times were posted allowing participants to guage their own im-
provements. It was great to see all the new and old horses and so
many friends and
drivers enjoying
themselves.
Kudos to John Por-
ter and Ericka
Matulich for all their
work on putting to-
gether such a fun
and educational
event and of course
a special thanks to
the Aulsons for the
use of their wonder-
ful facility.
Margy Cox driving the pony pair of Devin & Quinn...affectionately known as "the Lead Sled and
Linda Fritschle and her Welsh Cobb/ Dartmoor pony -- Goodnight Moon at the Live Oak International CDE. They took 4th place in PreLim Single Pony with Cheryl Cearley as navigator. Photos by Kathleen Haak
12
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
FARMS ♦ HOMES ♦ ACREAGE
30 Years Experience!
2455 NW 44th Avenue
Ocala, Florida 34482
(352) 732-FARM
Greg Lord Cell: (352) 266-6180
Carla Lord Cell: (352) 266-6181
www.homestoranches.com
April „10
Linda Bennett and her pony Wilbur at the Black Prong
Schooling ADT on April 3rd.
STRIDE Driving Camp
May 21-22, 2011 at the Florida Carriage Museum
and Resort (The Grand Oaks), Weirsdale FL.
Clinicians are Muffy Seaton, Aiken, SC. and Shelly
Temple, Winsdor SC. 2 other lectures will be given
each day.
$225 STRIDE members, $250 non-members. Price
includes 2 continental breakfasts, 2 box lunches and a
Bar-b-Q dinner. Housing and stabling are not in-
cluded. Arrange directly with the FCMR at (352) 750-
5500, Ext. 221, Susan.
Thank you.
Barbara M. Brown
STRIDE Driving Camp Coordinator
13
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
On April 23rd about 20 driving enthusiasts from the Panhan-
dle region gathered at Endeavor Farm in Kinston, Alabama for
a fun-filled day of learning, doing, and getting better ac-
quainted. We had people from Pensacola, the Dothan area,
the Tallahassee area, and points in between!
The day's activities began with three well-presented demon-
strations: As Beth Sparkman drove a training level dressage
test, Nancy Ziegler explained what was happening; then,
Nancy took the reins to drive a preliminary test, with Myrna
Brown making the commentary. Finally, Myrna presented her
tandem team that was a phase of driving that many of the
onlookers were seeing for the first time. (Having a micro-
phone available let the spectators interact with the presenters.)
After the demonstrations, drivers could choose to work in the
dressage arena, take a lesson, or try the cones course.
And, the cones course got especially busy! There was also a
lot of horse talk going on among the spectators sitting in the
shade of the patio! It was amazing how much experience and
expertize was shared as folks became acquainted or re-
acquainted!
Then we had lunch which included two of Myrna Brown's
home-made cakes: carrot and key lime. It isn't often that you
have a trainer like Myrna who can "treat" the ponies and the
people!
Following lunch, there was a trail drive in the Geneva State
Forest which is close by the Endeavor Farm. One of the
neighbor's came with his very handsome mule and escorted
the trail drivers.
It was very encouraging to have several newcomers, who had
learned of our event through the online newsletter. Our next
event will be the annual meeting on Saturday,June 25, at Hay
Pond Farm in Monticello, Florida.
PANHANDLE SPRING EVENT
PHOTOS: (bottom left) Crowd beginning to arrive (right top to bottom) Myrna Brown answering questions about tandem driv-
ing; Lauchlin Waldoch and Boo getting a lesson from Myrna Brown; the newest style of country-style carriage.
Photos provided by Myrna Brown
17
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
Boca Raton, FL( April
19, 2011) – High
Pointe Equestrian
Tours has created a
unique opportunity for
drivers to sharpen their
skills while testing
their talent driving thru
the beautiful Bavarian
Alps and Tuscan coun-
tryside.
In Germany , FEI-level instructors teach pairs driving; in
Italy , the clinic focuses on four-in-hand. Both are designed
for beginning through advanced students and are taught by
graduates of the German and Swiss horsemanship programs.
After the clinic, the travelers take to the road, driving through
their chosen destinations, accompanied by their instructors.
In Italy, the four-in-hand shooting brake carriage travels from
three and four-star hotels and B& Bs through places not acces-
sible by bus or in some spots by car, following pastoral coun-
try roads, fording streams and taking paths through oak for-
ests. From Siena through the rolling countryside to Maremma
on the coast, travelers are hosted by countesses and princes, as
if returning to historic times, while enjoying the delightful
accommodations of private guesthouses and three star hotels.
In Germany pair drivers journey from inn to inn much in the
manner that the 19th century fairy tale King Ludwig II trav-
eled from castle to castle, touring medieval towns, following
along brilliant lakes and flowing rivers, and traversing quiet
farmland to reach King Ludwig‟s famous castles in the Bavar-
ian Alps.
The horses are Ger-
man Oldenburgs, Aus-
trian Kladrubers, and
Swiss Haflingers.
“Imaging driving a
carriage through these
romantic and historic
countrysides, all with
the instructor at your
side,” explains Cathy
Mann, president, High
Pointe Equestrian
Tours.
Mann has been a
horsewoman most of
her life. She created
High Pointe Eques-
trian Tours as a blend-
ing of her two pas-
sions, travel and
horses.
“We pride ourselves
on being available to
our customers 24/7
when they are over-
seas,” says Mann who
has been in the travel
business for over 20
years. “We spend a lot of time with our clients to determine
what they like for their equestrian experience, as well as what
they like to do before and after the tour.”
Details for these horsemanship holidays are:
Tuscany Four-In-Hand Carriage Driving Courses run from
April 26-May 17 and September 20-October 11. Pricing is
$3576 per person, double occupancy, and includes a horse
drawn carriage, a six-day clinic, a four-day self-driving tour,
services of the instructor/guide and groom, nine nights at three
and four star accommodations, and breakfasts.
Bavarian Carriage Pair Driving Courses run from July 2-19,
and October 13-22.
Priced at $2383 per person, double occupancy, the trip in-
cludes the four-day clinic, the four-day driving tour, the
horses and carriage, services of the instructor/guide and
groom, nine nights lodging at three star hotels, and breakfasts.
Prices fluctuate with the dollar/euro exchange and are fixed at
final payment.
DRIVE A CARRIAGE THROUGH EUROPE
WITH COACHING FROM MASTER TRAINERS
Photos from www.highpointetours.com/ website
18
Classified Ads ...
FOR SALE: Reg. Morgan Gelding, well broke, 15 yr, black 15.0
hands, former Res. Champion Harness Horse, would be great
CDE horse loves to GO!! High action trot $1800. Rick 727-421-
2387
Mar „11
FOR SALE: Lovely 10 acre gated farm in Williston, FL with 4
bdrm house with pool and lanai; 14 stall barn with offices, full
bathroom, carriage shed and tack room all with heat and a/c. Ad-
ditional 5 bay carriage shed. The farm has perimeter fencing and
all 9 paddocks, of varying sizes, have water.
The farm‟s majestic live oaks combined with views over cattle
fields and woods surrounding two sides provide for idyllic setting
and plenty of privacy. It is an easily accessible drive to Gaines-
ville, Ocala or the Goethe Forest.
Fenced schooling arena and ridden dressage arena with sand/clay
footing and driven dressage arena grass paddocks provide ample
opportunity to practice driving or riding your horse.
For photos, please visit our Facebook page, restandbethankful-
farm, or call Joe Delfino @ 352-528-3858 for additional infor-
mation.
Mar „11
FOR SALE: 1996 Featherlite 3-horse slant gooseneck trailer
7‟ hi x 7‟ wide, Saddle & bridle racks in carpeted dressing room,
2 clothes rods & 2 brush boxes in dressing room, 12‟ awning on
curbside, 1 small awning over each gooseneck window, 1 roof
vent per horse, 1 feed/escape door per horse, 2nd partition is
hinged so can be left in the trailer if not being used, upgraded
hubcaps, ramp was changed to a step up and can be changed back
to a ramp if prefer a ramp, 1 owner – excellent condition – great
for showing, trail riding or camping! Asking $10,500 Joanie,
Ocala – 352-427-5657
Apr „11
FOR SALE: Mini or small pony easy entry cart (Jerald); 54” oak
shafts - 26” wheels - bench seat; Excellent condition - $500
(New: $750 + shipping) Joanie Baur – 352-427-5657 (Ocala)
Apr „11
FOR SALE: AMHA- VR Americus, 6 year old Morgan Mare-
14.3h- may mature to 15h.World champion bloodlines. Dark bay,
no marking, beautiful. Great confirmation. No vices. She is an
excellent mover. Trained to drive by Bob Giles. She is doing
great and just needs more miles to become your next great show
horse. $3800.00. Call Bobette Ross evenings 591-4239, Daytime
425-2766. Apr „11
FOR SALE: Easy Entry cart with wooden floor and pneumatic
tires. Biothane harness with brown reins. Fits Mini 35" to pony
43". Good condition. $700.00 for both. Email Sioux at
[email protected] for photos.
Apr „11
FOR SALE: Wood pony cart suitable for 10-11 hand pony. 60"
shafts and 26" inch wheels. $400. Email Emily Phelps
[email protected] or call Margaret at 850-545-1840.
May „11
WANTED: Easy Entry Cart for a miniature. Need 48" shafts and
prefer leaf or c-springs over coil. Will pay $400 for the right cart.
Please send photos to [email protected]
May „11
FOR SALE: Paint pony mare 6yrs old. Stands 11.2 hands. She
comes with 2 carts and leather sports harness. She is a very quiet,
safe pony. Would excell in CDE'S and pleasure shows. Have
shown local and play day cones. Been down roads and trail driv-
ing. Please call Carol Trammell if you have any questions.
$2500.00 772-571-8390 / 772-321-4416
May „11
FOR SALE: 6 yr. old Dutch Harness Horse gelding (out of
Nando). Black with four white socks 16.1 h. He has had 60+ days
of driving training with professional trainer and did extremely
well. Fun and easy to drive, soft mouth, very quiet, lovely tem-
perament. Would excel in pleasure or would make great addition
to CDE team. Safe, sound, easy keeper, no vices. Email
[email protected] for more pics and video. Price
reduced to 6,000.00. Must sell due to owner health problems.
Contact Colleen at 813-679-9346. See photo on the Whips web-
site.
May „11
FOR SALE: $8,500.00 - A 4 year old Omega marathon carriage.
It has only been used about 15 times. The carriage has always
been stored under roof and carriage cover. It can be used for a
single horse or pair. Contact Mary Robinson at 321-689-1569
cell phone or email [email protected]
May „11
FOR SALE: Wood pony cart suitable for 10-11 hand pony. 60"
shafts and 26" inch wheels. $400. Email Emily Phelps
[email protected] or call Margaret at 850-545-1840.
May „11
View From Behind the Dash May 2011
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