Just a 35-minute drive southwest of Ocala, Florida, between Bronson and Dunnellon, you’ll find a haven for trail riding in the Goethe State Forest. With 16 marked trails in 53,400 acres, friendly land managers, camping facilities, nearby private stables and campgrounds, and year-round sunshine — what more could you ask for?

Hit the Trails!

Goethe State Forest is approximately 20 miles long and an average of 4.5 miles wide. There are 126 miles of marked trails with multiuse trailheads; allowed are horseback riding, carriage driving, bicycling, and hiking. Trailheads are Tidewater at the southern end of the forest, Apex in the center, and Black Prong near the northern end.

Tidewater and Black Prong allow primitive camping; they offer flush toilets (no showers), hitching posts, picnic tables, and water for horses only. The Apex trailhead, for day-parking only, is located next to the Goethe State Forest office; it offers water for horses only (no potable water).

You can ride the entire length of the forest. Tidewater Trailhead offers 41.5 miles of marked trails; Black Prong Trailhead, 43.5 miles of marked trails; Apex Trailhead, another 41.5 miles of marked trails.

Trail maps are available on the Goethe State Forest website (see the resource guide) or from the office. The trails are color-coded and maps indicate trail lengths.

You’ll find a variety of footing, from deep Florida sand to pine-needle-covered, easy-going trails. You’ll ride through pine forests, open areas with palmettos and sawgrass, and under moss-covered oak trees. During rainy periods, there’s plenty of water for your horse on the trails; however, water dries up during droughts and in mid-summer.

Deer and wild turkey are fairly common in the forest. Chances of seeing a Florida black bear or an alligator are slim, but you may see a gopher, tortoise, armadillo, otter, bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker, or a large black Sherman fox squirrel.

The day-use fee is $2. You can purchase an annual day permit for $30 that can be used at any of Florida’s state forests. This permit will cover up to eight family members in your group.

Camping is $8 per night per site. Prior to arrival, you must obtain a special-use permit number by calling the Goethe State Forest office. You can also find out whether there will be conflicting event, such as an organized trail ride or endurance competition, at the time you plan to go.

While riding, driving, or leading your horse in the forest, carry a copy of your horse’s current Coggins paperwork (showing that he’s tested negative for equine infectious anemia).

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The best time to ride in Florida is November through April, because of the cool nights and warm days. Summers are hot and humid, and

bring out yellow flies, horse flies, and mosquitoes. During summer months, ride in the early morning or late afternoon, when you and your horse will be more comfortable.

Multiuse Considerations

Over the years, a diversified horse community has grown up around the Goethe State Forest. Pleasure and endurance riders, along with carriage-driving enthusiasts, frequent the forest. Some visit seasonally; others reside there permanently.

Driving is a popular pursuit. Many professional and pleasure drivers go to the privately owned Black Prong Equestrian Center to train, show, and just enjoy the forest’s wide trails and gravel roads.

If you’re concerned that your horse will react badly to carts and carriages, ride the Apex or Tidewater areas, where you’ll be less likely to encounter these users. However, there’s no guarantee you’ll avoid an encounter with a carriage.

The trails remain open to equestrians during the gun and muzzle-loading hunting seasons, but it’s best to avoid riding during these times, for safety and quietude. For hunting-season dates, check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Private Campgrounds & Stables

A number of private horse campgrounds and boarding facilities border Goethe State Forest. Here’s a listing of a few recommended facilities.

•North Star Acres. This facility, located near the forest’s southern portion, is owned and operated by 70-year-old Roberta Cogswell. It has six full hookups and large stalls. Make reservations in advance, and keep in mind that camping is primarily for retired adults who are looking for a quiet place to stay, Cogswell emphasizes.

Cogswell, who has spent her life riding, training, and competing on horses, also has a few horses for rent. "On my guided rides, the focus is on safety and having fun," she says.

•The Stables at Goethe. This facility owned and operated by Angela Tomczak, is located one mile south of the Black Prong Trailhead and is bordered on three sides by Goethe State Forest. This facility offers overnight stabling for your horse in a 12-by-12-foot stall or large paddock. It also has 10 recreational-vehicle hookups, a bathhouse, and laundry facilities. Discounted weekly, monthly, and seasonal rates are available, as well as full board for your horse. Dogs are allowed. There’s a feed store nearby.

The Stables at Goethe has a ride-out access trail into the Goethe State Forest. Or, you can trailer out for a day ride in other portions of the forest. If you stay there, Tomczak will rent you a stock trailer for $10 a day, so you don’t have to pack up your living-quarters trailer to haul to other trailheads.

"There are a number of other places to ride within a one-hour drive," Tomczak notes. These places are listed on The Stables at Goethe website, with map links.

•Black Prong Equestrian Center. This is another nice facility, whether you’re staying in your living-quarters trailer or want to rent an apartment next to your horse’s stall. Dogs are allowed. The center welcomes trail riders on its property. You can even "play" on the obstacle course used for carriage competitions.

•Goethe Trailhead Ranch. This upscale facility is located across the Goethe State Forest office. Dogs are allowed on leash only. This is a new facility owned by Lorel Molder. It has an arena, six barns with 96 12-by-12-foot stalls, 73 full-hookup RV sites, a round pen, and a convenience store that even offers tack and feed.

"You have everything you need here for your trail-riding adventure," says Molder. And, if you want to explore central Florida with family or friends, your horses can receive full care during your absence of a day, a week, or more.

Some of the Europeans are cranky about having to fly their horses and carriages over here (though of course we have always flown ours over there for the championships and WEGs.) The sinking Euro has made it even tougher, so a number of countries will have teams of two rather than three (the third person enables a squad to have a drop score) and others won't send individuals. We won't know who's coming and who's not for a few months, but in the meantime, competition here is hot and heavy to be a part of the first WEG that is affordable for a broader cross-section of American four-in-hand enthusiasts.

Chester Weber won the marathon at the Garden State Driving Event as part of his sweep of the four-in-hand section.

© 2010 by Nancy Jaffer

They're all still going, and yes, even before the selection committee has spoken, I think it's safe to say that it will be Chester, Jimmy and Tucker who will be vying for a team medal this fall at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

But having the WEG in our country for the first time has had a very healthy effect on the U.S. four-in-hand ranks, because America will be able to send at least four, and possibly six, drivers as individual competitors. As a result, this weekend's Garden State Driving Event, a WEG selection trial, drew an amazing 11 teams. I can remember the days when it was considered sensational to have even five or six teams.

Enthusiasm has spread across the country from the East Coast, where most of the four-in-hand drivers have lived. Both Tucker and Bill will be retiring from competition after the WEG, so it's nice to think that maybe the interest will continue and younger competitors, such as Arizonan Josh Rector and Montanan Joe Yoder (both in their 20s), will continue to beef up the division after this year.

Chester Weber crosses the finish line in triumph and a cloud of dust at Garden State.

© 2010 by Nancy Jaffer

As expected, Garden State was a coronation for Chester, the eight-time national champion. He won all three phases, finishing on a score of 116.64 penalties to 140.67 for runner-up Josh; 163.47 for Bill and 168.05 for Joe, who was fourth.

Lizzy Staller, who is the director of driving for the U.S. Equestrian Federation, called Joe and Josh "really exciting" and was proud of the way they finished. She pointed out that Joe has been driving a four-in-hand only for six months, while Josh, who has been getting help from Chester, "really figured it out."

Chester didn't even use his A team, leaving superstar Rolex at home in Ocala, Fla., to rest, as he tested other horses and kept his focus.

Jimmy, who is sponsored by U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation President Jane Clark, was giving Chester a run for his money. In the dressage, Chester scored a respectable 41.7 penalties, but Jimmy wasn't too far behind with 45.44, a big improvement courtesy of two horses he is leasing from Keady Cadwell, who used them in the World Pairs Championship.

The marathon was far closer. Chester won with 75.05 penalties, while Jimmy was just 0.02 penalties behind that. Going into the cones, Jimmy was unlikely to win unless Chester had a disaster, but those things do happen. This time, though, the disaster happened to Jimmy. The New Jersey driver completely missed obstacle 18 of 20 pairs of orange cones topped with yellow balls. He went directly from 17 to 19. Going off course means elimination, so that was it for him, though he now heads to Europe to hone his game and I'll bet he won't be making any more mistakes on cones courses. Chester knows how it goes; the same thing happened to him at the 2006 WEG in Aachen Germany.

As Chester helped dismantle his carriage for shipping, we talked about the weekend and what happened to Jimmy.

Equestrian communities designed for trail riders are springing up all over the country. Is such a community right for you? Read on for pros and cons, property-hunting tips, and profiles of several top communities around the country.

Pros & Cons
Like any horse property, equestrian communities have their pros and cons. Here, we list the most common. For help, we consulted Michael Donovan, principal of Equestrian Services, LLC. This company provides turnkey equestrian amenities for communities and assists in creating efficient, well-planned equestrian facilities. We also checked in with Don Warner of Warner Realty Group, who's been working with equestrian communities in the Tennessee area for more than 40 years.

Equestrian-Community Pros
• Ease of trail access. Are you experiencing decreased opportunities to ride either due to time constraints, increased family commitments or even simply lack of land to ride on? Equestrian communities offer miles of trails throughout the community, which makes day rides easier. "The Oaks [in Lake City, Florida] has over 15 miles of trails," says Donovan. "You have all these riding opportunities within your community. You may never ride the same piece of ground twice."
• Consistency of care. If you live in a community that has a central barn with staff, you can have your horse cared for by fully trained and certified barn managers. "There's no drama," says Donovan. "It's very professional. You have guaranteed consistency of care in our communities."
• Well-maintained trails. Equestrian communities are known for their immaculate trails dedicated to trail riders. "You don't have to worry about a three-wheeler behind you, or running into a pack of dogs," Donovan points out. "In our communities, the trails are professionally maintained."
• Safety. We all hope that our neighbors will look out for our house and vice versa. But sometimes that's difficult, especially if you're living in an isolated area. "The nice thing about being in a development is that you have the protection of a gated community," Don Warner tells us. "When you go out of town, you have someone there to look after your property and, in some cases, care for your horses. They are very safe places to live."
• Covenants. You might be turned off when you see the word "covenant." The last thing you want to think about when you're planning your dream home or vacation getaway is a long list of do's and don'ts. However, Warner says these covenants, such as minimizing tree clearing, can actually be a blessing in the long run. "When you don't have those kinds of restrictions, you're going to be sorely disappointed," he notes. "You've got to protect what's next to you, etc. If you choose to be behind a gated community, I highly recommend [covenants]. It just takes the worry out of it. It truly does."

Equestrian-Community Cons
• Lack of variety. Living in a community may give you acres to ride on, but, says Donovan, "a lack of variety is a problem with the trails in some of these communities. No one wants to ride the same trail around the property over and over, or on a trail that only runs alongside of the road. These are things to look out for."
• Equine care. Just because someone has an equestrian community, doesn't necessarily mean they have the know-how to care for your horse. "It used to be that you'd get some land, put up a barn, and call it an equestrian community," says Donovan. "But many people didn't know what they were doing. The barns don't have proper ventilation, for instance, or there's simply not enough pasture. The health of the horses is something that has been overlooked."
• Cost. The price of equestrian paradise can come quite high. Some of these communities run in the $500,000-plus range for the land and home. This, of course, doesn't include the yearly homeowner's fees, which depend on the extent of care for your horses.
• Covenants. On the flip side, restrictions imposed by covenants can be suffocating, because life is always changing. One structure per plot of land might be fine today, but down the road, you might want to build a guest house. It's nice to have some flexibility.

]]> http://www.equisearch.com/uncategorized/slice-heaven/feed/ 0 http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/morgan-horse/ http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/morgan-horse/#comments Sat, 01 Jul 2006 01:00:00 +0000 Heidi Nyland http://www.myhorse.com/morgan-horse.html

Carole Mercer of Eagle Point, Oregon, kept track of the hours she rode her Morgan Horses on the trail until she tallied a whopping 10,000. "Then I stopped - logging hours, that is - I'll never stop trail riding!" she says emphatically. "I suspect I'm probably up to 20,000 by now."

The Northwest horsewoman fell in love with the Morgan breed nearly 30 years ago; today, she has three registered Morgans in her barn. In addition to trail riding, Mercer drives her Morgans, does ranch work, and performs dressage musical kurs, which she calls "line dancing with horses."

One of Mercer's favorite pastimes is to pack up her Morgans and her two dogs (a Jack Russell Terrier and a Labrador-Schipperke cross), and head for nearby Mt. Ashland, in the Siskiyou Mountains.

"Near the summit, there's a ski-resort parking lot where I unload, then I have the choice of heading out on Forest Service roads or the Pacific Crest Trail," she says. "Either way, we ride through forests of tall Douglas fir and huge ferns. At the top, there's a breathtaking 360-degree view, which takes in Mt. Shasta. Morgans are perfect trail partners, with the stamina, courage, and willingness to share every adventure with you."

Mercer is just one of the several thousand avid trail riders who enjoy the American Morgan Horse Association's Pathways Program, which rewards its members for hours spent pleasure riding and driving, and the AMHA Open Competitive Program, which awards participants in endurance and competitive trail events.

The AMHA also touts the breed's rich history, which traces back to the late 1700s and Justin Morgan, a music teacher in Randolf, Vermont. Morgan owned an eye-catching bay colt named Figure. (See "Morgan History" on page 52.) The Morgan horse's ability to outperform every horse in the area, whether trotting, running, or pulling, soon became the stuff of legends. And his ability to pass his remarkable talents to the next generation ensured his place in history.

More than 200 years later, we still celebrate Justin Morgan's gallant little horse in books and in film, while his descendants are cherished by trail enthusiasts for their versatility, hearty constitutions, and kind natures. Read on to learn more about the Morgan Horse, a true American original.

Good Sports
MaryAnn Schafer of Lake City, Florida, owns Bowood Elusiv Dream, the first Morgan mare to earn the AMHA's Sport Horse Award, and trail was a large component of it. In their quest for the award, the duo had to post top honors in competitive trail, combined driving, and combined training. In the latter, they had one horse trial with three components that stood between them and the coveted Sport Horse Award. They aced the dressage, went clean in the cross country, and had just the show jumping left to tackle.

Paint Horses are the Masarati of the equine world," Paint Horse owner Alice Singleton says, smiling. "With all their chrome, they're simply a little snazzier and flashier than any other 'model.' I just love them!"

The former city girl, who spent 20 years working in investment banking, had never been on a horse until she met and married cowboy veterinarian Jerry Singleton. "He had a Quarter Horse, but it was Quarter Horses with spots that captivated my imagination," she says.

Eventually, Alice brought home an eye-catching sorrel overo gelding, with medicine-hat and splashed-white markings. And, she discovered what many Paint Horse aficionados profess: While the Paint Horse's colorful coat initially attracts their attention, the breed's easygoing temperament, sturdy conformation, versatility, and natural aptitude for the trail are what capture their hearts.

In 1992, when Alice took her favorite Paint gelding, Sir Jeta Moon ("Kacee") on their first trail ride - the American Paint Horse Association Wilderness Lodge Ride in southern Missouri, she knew she'd found her niche. She's been on every Lodge Ride since. Today, the Singletons have 11 Paint Horses on their Arkansas farm, and Alice and Kacee have logged more than 5,380 miles on the trail. Alice also serves on the APHA Executive Committee.

The APHA (817/834-2741; www.apha.com) encourages trail enthusiasts with its Ride America program (www.apha.com/rideamerica). Nearly 5,000 participants log their trail miles to receive national recognition and prizes. The APHA also sponsors several annual wilderness rides (www.apha.com/trailrides). Read on to learn more about the Paint Horse, and to see whether this colorful breed might brighten your time on trail.

A Work Horse

Iowan Pat Meade has owned Paint Horses since 1952, when he was a sophomore in high school. Like many, their color first caught his eye, but it was their disposition, working ability, and versatility that made him a lifelong champion of the breed. As a teenager, he competed in local playdays and later roped calves off his Paints in rodeos.

Today, Meade and his wife, Nancy, use their eight Paint Horses both for trail rides and to work the cow herd on their farm. They favor Paint Horses with either Mardele Dixon or Judy's Lineage bloodlines, as both have earned a reputation for strong, well-conformed horses with good minds.

In 1990, Meade and former APHA executive secretary Ed Roberts united to establish the organization's trail-riding programs. Every year, Meade and his wife attend at least five APHA-sponsored extended day rides (3 to 5 days long), and he often serves as trail boss.

Riders enrolled in the Ride America program can earn double credit for their hours in the saddle when they participate in APHA-sponsored rides. The most popular is the Fort Robinson Ride held every year over Labor Day weekend. Routinely, between 120 and 150 horses and riders enjoy spectacular scenery in the Ponderosa Pine forests and tall-grass prairies of Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford, Nebraska.

"The 2000 ride was unforgettable," Meade says. "First, it's always an incredible sight to see so many colorful Paint Horses together on the trail. But that year, lightning strikes started eight fires in the area, and the government sent 500 firefighters to work out of Fort Robinson. So all of our Paint trail riders pitched in every day to make sandwiches and meals for the fire crews - but we rode every day, too. Paint Horse people are the greatest!"

Fellow trail riders think Pat Meade's pretty great, too, and not just for his cowboy expertise. A talented crooner, Meade has recorded country CDs, such as Come Ride with Me (see Hot on the Trail on page 12), and when persuaded will serenade trail companions with his Marty Robbins' repertoire.

"Paint Horses will always be my family's choice, because they're versatile at home and adapt to trail riding with ease," says Meade. "Our APHA trail rides are laid back, and our common-sense rules maintain the safety of horses and riders. The quality of the people and the family orientation has kept me involved in the APHA. And on the trail, we've been fortunate to meet many skillful horsemen, devoted to the breed, who have become lifelong friends."

]]> http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/paint-horse/feed/ 0 http://www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/sports/driving/driving021503/ http://www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/sports/driving/driving021503/#comments Sat, 15 Feb 2003 22:43:00 +0000 admin http://www.equisearch.com/driving021503

Nothing is more stirring than a traditional "coach-and-four" making its stately progress through a sun-dappled autumn landscape. The creaking carriage is a marvel to behold, its driver resplendent in top hat and apron. The horses jog in perfect harmony, their harness jangling with every stride.

If you suddenly feel swept back in time, you're not alone. Once a vital form of transportation, driving is believed to pre-date horseback riding as the earliest form of equestrian conveyance. Its history is part and parcel of the human experience, and its practice is still cultivated around the world.

Long before there were carriages, there were chariots. As early as 1600 BC, war horses were hitched to these two-wheeled vehicles in parts of Syria and Turkey.

Horse-drawn vehicles remained an essential part of life until halfway through the last century, with their European heyday occurring from the seventeenth to early twentieth centuries.

Although most equine breeds can pull a vehicle, certain strains became renowned for their abilities "between the traces." Massive draft horses like Belgians, Percherons and Clydesdales became the musclemen of the driving world, hauling the heavier loads at a slow but reliable pace. On the other side of the spectrum were lighter, faster breeds such as the sturdy Cleveland Bays, the high-stepping Hackneys and the speedy Standardbreds. These animals pulled passenger vehicles with both animation and style. Last but not least were the trusty ponies and mules that carted many a family to church.

With the advent of the automobile, driving enthusiasts kept the tradition alive through various regional and national clubs.

Enter the Michigan-based American Driving Society, incorporated in 1975. A national organization 3,000 members strong, it seeks to promote both competitive and pleasure driving. Working with such groups as USA Equestrian (formerly the American Horse Shows Association), the Carriage Association of America and the United States Equestrian Team, the ADS organizes and approves driving events and sponsors educational clinics. Over 60 local driving clubs are currently affiliated with the ADS, affording multiple opportunities to learn about the discipline.

Another major force is the Carriage Association of America, located in New Jersey. Founded in 1960, it is the oldest and largest international organization devoted to the preservation of historic horse-drawn vehicles. It boasts over 3,500 members in more than 25 countries.

Hitches and Such
In driving, as in automobiles, one basic rule applies: the bigger the load, the more horsepower is required to move it. "Once a vehicle is moving--especially on a firm surface--the horse can just trot along, not much encumbered by the vehicle; that is, if the weight ratio is okay," says California driver Linda Fairbanks, who is chairman of the ADS' local clubs and membership committee.

The most common types of "hitches" are the singles and pairs, which involve one and two horses, respectively. As top driver Gary Stover once said, four-in-hands (four horses arranged in two pairs, one behind the other) are ".the ultimate as far as driving horses goes."

When it comes to draft horse and mule teams, however, hitches of six or more are not uncommon. Less usual are the tandems, with one horse harnessed in front of the other, and the unicorns, with one horse in front of a pair.

The apparatus attaching a horse to a driver and vehicle is a complex affair divided into four systems. The communication system consists of the harness, bit, bridle and reins, which connect the horse to its driver. The other three systems--the vehicle support and steering system, the draft system and the braking system--connect the horse to the vehicle via a neck or breastcollar, padded driving "saddle," numerous leather straps, and the vehicle's own shafts.

Over the ages, styles and sizes of carriage have varied according to the needs and wealth of the user. The array of traditional vehicles is quite extensive--from the ultra-practical buggy to the luxuriously appointed coach designed for use with a large team.

According to Ann Pringle, executive director of the ADS, "Carriages are generally divided into the following categories: Family Carriages, Sporting Carriages, Park Driving Carriages, Coachman-Driven Carriages, Park Drags (Private Coaches), Road Coaches (Public Coaches), and American Buggies, Runabouts, Road Wagons and Buckboards."

Carriages frequently seen in competition include the Phaeton, the Meadowbrook, and the Gig, as well as streamlined marathon vehicles. Some of the most collectible vehicles are sleighs, as well as the highly decorative commercial carts and wagons of centuries past. Many a fancier prides himself on the faithful restoration of these antiques.

The Thrill of Riding - and Then Some
Why put a horse to a cart? Simply put, it's fun. "There is nothing more thrilling than traveling through the countryside behind a horse that trusts you and is happy in his work," says New Yorker Billie Hill, chairman of the ADS' pleasure driving committee.

When age or disability halts a riding career, driving can offer a new way to enjoy horses. "There is less impact on the body, particularly the lower body," said Linda Fairbanks. "People who have back problems, for instance, can usually drive without difficulty.. [and] the need for excellent balance is lowered."

Plus, non-horsy folk can share in the fun. "My son, who won't even handle the reins, is able to understand, appreciate and enjoy driving," Fairbanks explains. "And our time together while driving is something we both cherish."

Ponies too small to ride can be driven using the appropriate vehicle. And a horse's useful life can be extended in harness, since driving causes less stress to the front legs, while developing the back and hindquarters. "Horses are made more for pulling than for carrying," Fairbanks noted. "And most of them prefer to be driven once they get properly introduced to the idea."

Driving offers all the thrills of riding, with some added challenges. "Contrary to what you might think, it is much more difficult to drive a horse than to ride it," says Billie Hill. "The only aids you have are your hands, voice and whip!"

Showing a horse in harness requires smart appointments and brilliant presentation--which is why "gaited" breeds such as American Saddlebreds, the "peacocks of the show ring," often steal the spotlight. But breeds from miniatures on up to drafts can all compete in a variety of classes.

"Pleasure driving" can mean anything from an informal solo junket or a multi-carriage camping trip to competition in a Pleasure Driving class. Among the most popular events are cross-country classes involving natural obstacles like railroad crossings, numbered gates and covered bridges; "scurry" classes featuring a self-designed, timed course of eight cones topped by balls; and "fault and out" classes, also involving a course of cones.

Part of the fun, Hill noted, is researching the traditional turnouts of antique carriages, harness and appointments.

Combined driving--popularized by the British royals over 30 years ago--is now a hotly contested international sport. Any breed can participate, but warmbloods and Morgans are particularly popular.

Based on the ridden sport of combined training, the combined driving event (or CDE) is divided into three phases--driven dressage; marathon; and obstacle (or cones)--all of which are scored on a penalty system. In the dressage test, precision, elegance and obedience are key, with marks also for overall presentation. The faster marathon phase takes its contestants cross-country, where they negotiate a variety of unusual obstacles (called hazards) that challenge the stamina, fitness and judgment of both driver and team. The final phase, the obstacle or cones competition, tests a team's ability--after the previous day's grueling marathon--to handle a course of narrowly spaced traffic cones, raised rails and other obstacles with multiple changes in speed and direction.

Thomas Hilgenberg of Georgia, a former show rider who is now a world-ranked driver, was quickly sold on this thrilling sport. "The competitive nature of the CDE really got me hooked after our first one at Rowlett Creek, Texas," he recalls. "The real selling point, however, was the friendliness of the carriage competitor. It is still that way today, and that is why I still compete!"

Hilgenberg--a member of the US Silver Medal Team at the first World Singles Championships in 1998--also confessed, "Riding in a carriage is easier on my 65-year-old body [than horseback riding]. I spend over an hour a day with my friend Gus, and we know every bump in our pasture!"

Besides shows, pleasure driving events and CDEs, there are numerous exhibitions by the famed Budweiser Clydesdale, Heinz Percheron and Coors Belgian hitches. And for those who prefer more speed, harness racing might appeal. In this sport, Standardbred horses--their movements restricted to the trot or the pace--are driven to lightweight sulkies, or "bikes."

Driving is certainly part of the Kentucky Horse Park experience. Draft and mule teams pull the park's trolleys on tours of the facility. Carriage rides take visitors through the park's back roads for an unparalleled view of the countryside. And lessons in basic, obstacle and team driving are even available through the park's equine education programs. "We have an entire draft and carriage horse division," says Breeds Barn Manager Denny Chapman. And don't miss the team of Norwegian Fjords driven by Horse-Drawn Tour manager Tracy Walker. For general information on driving, contact the American Driving Society at P.O. Box 160, Metamora, MI 48455, 810-664-8666, www.americandrivingsociety.org; or the Carriage Association of America at 177 Pointers-Auburn Road, Salem, New Jersey, 08079, 856-935-1616, www.caaonline.com.

British Driving Society
The official website of the British Driving Society, promoting carriage driving in Britain. The BDS has qualified instructors and a proficiency testing program for all levels.

British Horse Driving Trials Association
Official site of the BHDTA, with listings of affiliated driving clubs, dates and results of BHDTA-affiliated events, points rankings and more.

British Driving Society - Wales
Contact information for BDS-Wales, as well as a list of instructors, driving meets and more.

Carriage Association of America
The oldest and largest organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration and use of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs. Find calendar of events, CAA driver proficiency program, CAA chapters, more.

Scottish Carriage Driving Association
Fairly extensive Web site for carriage driving enthusiasts in Scotland. Lots of news, results and photos, as well as basic membership information and articles on carriage driving.

REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Alberta Carriage Driving Association
Promotes all types of driving, including pleasure and recreational driving in addition to the exciting sport of combined driving, for all members of all ages, skill levels and equine breeds. Includes listing of regional chapters, calendar of events and membership forms.

The High Country Driving Club
News and calendar dates from the High Country Driving Club in Calgary, Alberta.

Houston Area Carriage Association
Promoting the enjoyment and education in all aspects of the sport of carriage driving including carriage restoration, pleasure driving, and combined driving. Find calendar of events, member information and more.

North Texas Whip
Affiliated with the American Driving Society and the Carriage Association of America. Find membership information, events calendar, photo gallery and more.

The Oaks Driving Club
News from this driving club in East Sussex, England, as well as a calendar of events and some great photographs.

Canadian Horses were used for all manner of farm and transportation work. They endured the harsh conditions of their new land, but adapted by becoming a little smaller in size than the foundation horses sent over from France. They became known for their strength and durability and earned the name "The Little Iron Horse." The hardy Canadian became very popular with British colonists in America and were used extensively as carriage and stagecoach horses and as pack and draft animals in the civil war. They were crossed with the colonists own horses producing horses that could be used on the farm, or as riding horses.

By the end of the 19th Century, so many Canadian Horses had been shipped into America and the West Indies, the pure Canadian was in danger of becoming extinct. In 1886 a stud book was started to help preserve them and in 1895, the Canadian Horse Breeders' Association was formed.

Appearance

Ranch Lac G Fanfaron Zipper, class "A" inspected stallion owned by Cherry Creek Canadians
Photograph © Cherry Creek Canadians. Used with permission.

Today, the average Canadian Horse stands between 14 and 16 hands. They are very well proportioned and sturdy horses. The ears are small and the eyes are wide set, giving an intelligent and bold appearance. The neck is well arched and set in high to a well-sloped shoulder.

The body is deep with a round barrel and the hind quarters are well muscled, with a high set tail. The mane and tail are luxuriant and the feet are renowned for their hardiness. Black is the most common color, but Canadian Horses may also be bay. brown or chestnut.

Uses
The Canadian Horse is extremely versatile. As has already been mentioned, they have been used for farm work and transportation, Nowadays they are gaining in popularity with competetive driving enthusiasts and can be seen taking in part in carriage driving and combined driving competitions. They can also just as easily turn a hoof to jumping, dressage, western and endurance.