Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Driving Games

Driving can be a lot of fun but sometimes driving in a ring or down the road can get a bit boring. Spice it up with cones, hazards, or games.

Cones classes are regularly found at pleasure shows and can range from the basic driving between two cones to Gambler's Choice, Progressive,Pick Your Route, etc. Joyce Haak will walk you through the basics and talk to you about how the rest are set up.

Interested in CDEs, HDTs or Arena Driving? Hazards are, for many, the funnest part of those types of competition.  While we probably will not have room for a true hazard we will talk about them and look at some diagrams of how to create one.

Games - oh, what fun you can have!  We've done games with everything from dunking for apples to hula hoops.  Don't discount traditional gymkhana games either!  Driving horses can weave poles, run barrels and basically turn and burn with the riding horses.

Joyce doing a hazard at the Saratoga Driving Trial
Pole Bending


Registration form

Need a registration form?  This is the link to the registration form, everyone should be able to open it.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6VS1ALS00owODdSRXJXS3pTVlU

Monday, November 26, 2012

Show Clothing

Whether you show in hunter seat equitation, western pleasure or carriage driving, attention to detail often makes the difference between a good performance and a ribbon-winning one. As exhibitors, it is important to realize that when two competitors are tied in performance, turnout is often considered as the tie-breaker.

Following “traditional” fashion guidelines,  driving attire not only has to fit well, and be complimentary to the individual’s figure, it must also coordinate well with their harness, vehicle, and of course, the horse.

Kathleen Haak will discuss competition show clothing, and how to put outfits together, as well as:
  • Where to Buy Clothing in the Pittsburgh area
  • Driving Aprons
  • Footwear
  • Makeup 
  • Shopping on a Budget
  • Rain Gear and Waterproofs
  • The Proper Hat and How to Wear It
A variety of hats will be provided so that you can see how the shape and color of a hat accents your face.





Tipperary Farm

Tipperary Farm is located on over 150 acres in North Fayette Township, western Allegheny County, in southwestern Pennsylvania. 

The farm is only 30 minutes (non-rush hour) from downtown Pittsburgh and a short drive from The Pointe, The Mall at Robinson, and the North Fayette Township Municipal Complex. The 28 stall equestrian facility with attached 80 ft. x 200 ft. indoor riding arena enjoys beautiful views of the surrounding countryside from its ridge top location. Tipperary Farm specializes in Kerry Bog Ponies and Irish Draughts.  

Their goal is to provide a safe, educational and fun environment where children will be taught in group lessons on school owned horses and ponies. While we realize that many children dream of having their own pony, we have decided to focus on our lesson program using school owned "equine instructors". This means that our students will benefit from riding different horses and the horses will benefit from the school managed routine of regular exercise and care.

For more information on Tipperary Farm visit http://www.tipperaryfarm.com/

Many thanks to Tipperary Farm for allowing us to use their wonder facility for this event.

Tipperary Farm
1185 Stewart Road
McDonald, PA 15057