The theme of the 2008 Pleasure Driving Clinic was safety, correctness and fun for horse and driver sponsored by the Great Lakes Haflinger Association on May 3rd and 4th at the Armada Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds were ideal for a driving event with stalls, covered arena, large outdoor arena and several acres of graveled roads to drive. Less ideal but typical was the Michigan Spring weather: breezy, rainy and cool temperatures which failed to dampen the 30 plus attendees’ enthusiasm. This event was open to all breeds and acts as an ambassador for the Haflinger horse and GLHA fundraiser.

Participants drove from as far away as Sault St. Marie, Michigan, Marysville and Ridgeway, Ohio and all points between to hone their driving skills. Thanks goes out to clinic organizers Sandy and Mike Butts, Maxine and Bob McCrory for manning the entry booth, Ron McKiernan for set up and food preparation and Dennis and Marie Yancho for ringside assistance. Professional photographer Rebecca Baucus was there to take photos and donated all fees to the GHLA. The biggest thank you goes out to our Clinician, Carol Becker of Unicorn Farm, Oxford, Michigan.

A dynamic speaker, Carol Becker kept everyone’s attention riveted by illustrating her points with real life experiences from her past 30 years training horses. She boards and trains, gives lessons in both riding and driving, operates a carriage driving business and competes too. Her warm manner encouraged questions and the knowledge she shared.

Two articles she recommends are a neck strap and a bucking strap. Both can be made by any harnessmaker and are simple insurance for horses in training. With a neck strap a horse can be tied or led with a bridle on or off, and the bucking strap requires the horse to lift the carriage and occupants in order to kick the carriage. Every time you go out have a spares kit that includes a knife, hole punch, rawhide, duct tape or binder twine, lead and halter and put your cell phone on your belt or in your pocket. Every horse has about 8 gallons of blood and can bleed to death pretty quickly, so carry an equine wrap kit (gauze and vet wrap) to stop bleeding in case of accident. LED lights and a slow moving sign are a must for any vehicle going off the property. The whip you carry should reach to the horse’s shoulder and it should be in your hand, not the socket, every time you drive.

The use of a reinboard to improve the whip’s hand strength and dexterity was demonstrated with volunteer “horse” Dennis Yancho as well as one handed reining and a correct salute.

Finally the rain abated and individual lessons with horses began. Mrs. Becker kindly brought a lesson pony for those who were unable to bring a horse. Bob McCrory, who brought 2 mares and their handlers from his Northern Michigan farm, Charlotte Ridge, had this to say: “It was worth every penny and every mile driven! Both our horses and our gals gained so much in confidence and communication skills. It was amazing watching how Carol could improve their performance in just minutes with simple harness adjustments and rein guidance. The gals are using those skills at home now.”

Lynn Henschell commented,“ We raise and have shown Tennessee Walking Horses for many years and Mickey-D is my first Haflinger. When we show at the Michigan State Fair, the Haflinger classes are interspersed with the TWH classes and from that exposure, I became interested in the breed. I have had Mickey for less than a year and hope to show him in pleasure driving classes. We really enjoyed the clinic and learned so much from Carol. She is a pro at assessing the level of proficiency of each individual and adjusting her instruction accordingly which really helped us because we are brand new to this discipline. The clinic has given me added incentive to be more goal directed and still have fun with Mickey. Everyone was positive and helpful and we hope to spend more time with them in the future.”

It was a very full two day schedule with just the right balance of fun, fellowship and knowledge. Additional participants included: Charlotte Kachigian, Angie Pfeiffer, Debbie Sabisch, Suzanne Morrisse, Heather Moran, Tom and Rosemary Mundy, Cara and Bunny Van Brimmer, Deborah Moody, Taylor Sylvester, Jean Pitch, Kristi Bergen, Steve Andres, Lynn Henschell, Susanne Kuntzman, and Jake McKiernan.

Click photos to enlarge. All photos are courtesy of Rebecca Baucus.

Carol Becker of Unicorn Farm, begins the seminar portion of the GLHA Pleasure Driving clinic.

Students gather round as Carol Becker points out the safety features needed for a safe driving experience.

Dennis Yancho stands in for a horse, as Carol Becker demonstrates the value of using a rein-board to build driver dexterity.

All attention is on Carol Becker as driver Debbie Sabisch, groom Suzanne Morrisse, and three year old Miss Mandy CRHF, silver classified mare, strive to get it right.

Miss Mandy steps out in front of the crowd of auditors and Debbie and Suzanne cruise on.

Lynn Henchell and the 5 year old gelding Mickey-D begin to learn the art of pleasure driving.

Angie Pfeiffer and the imported Austrian mare, Ulma from Charlotte Ridge Farm, prepare to follow Carol’s advice for the Cones Class.

Ulma, 10 year old daughter of Alpenstein, warm up for the Practice Turnout Class with Angie Pfeiffer at the lines.

This antique wicker governess cart is perfect for the Practice Turnout Class with Sandy Butts at the lines and Abbey Welsh cross mare in the traces.

As the GLHA Clinic winds to an end, the sun finally comes out with a wave and smile from Sandy Butts.