Mid-Michigan drivers! DeVries Nature Center and Carriage Museum in Owosso, MI is hosting a two-part series on carriage driving. The first is on November 5th and will cover harness. The second is on November 19th and will cover carriages. Information is available here.
In August 2019 the Secrets of the Ice Facebook page shared a new find from the Lendbreen Glacer in Norway. You can read about their finds in Antiquity, Volume 94, Issue 374. American Farriers Journal reported:
"The snowshoe, which traditionally were made with a ring of juniper. as well as withe that were made from the twisted root shoots of birch. The shoe would have been attached to the foot with a fastener made from withe — a tough, flexible root shoot from a birch tree. The withe was not found with the snowshoe. Researchers will study it further to determine the materials that were used."
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Viking Era Equine Snowshoe - from Secrets of the Ice Facebook page
Attempt 1
Our first try using common grapevine, iris leaves and some binder twine.
Sadly this attempt fell apart rather quickly as the grapevine kept popping open.
Attempt 2
This leather, grapevine and iris leaf combination held up much better. Examples of miniature horse walking in the snowshoe are below. We thought we might have snow to see how well they worked but we only got frost. There is always this coming winter.
Snowshoe Test 1
Snowshoe Test 2
Many thanks to Joyce Haak for her assistance in this Covid-19 project.
This is a project that I've been working on for quite some time - how the carriage industry affected Michigan cities and towns. How did the rise of labor unions affect carriage manufacturers? Were safety features being implemented to prevent fires, which were a major issue for the carriage industry? Thus far I've written two articles for The Carriage Journal on the topic and have presented two talks.
This is a copy of one of the talks. I suggest starting at the 4 minute mark as there are some sound issues prior to that.
It has been a few years since this blog has been active, I'm looking forward to getting it up and running again. The focus will be less on clinics that I'm doing or putting on and more about actual driving. At this time I'm experimenting with pre-17th century equestrian activities through the SCA and 18th century to present through the CAA. I've been particularly interested in doing reverse engineering on some projects including creating a Viking inspired snow shoe for a horse as well as looking into full collars for driving.
The Three Rivers Carriage Club is hosting a clinic with Jessica Axelsson on April 23rd. Need more information? Visit their site at www.ThreeRiversCarriageClub.com/events
Kathleen Haak, in conjunction with Tipperary Farm, will be hosting the following clinics this summer. Private lessons are also available.
Carriage Driving Clinics
Learn the basics from a knowledgeable driver -- from harnessing, hitching the horse and types of carriages to driving techniques. No experience necessary for Driving 101 and the Adult Driving Clinic.
May 17th - Driving 101
Carriage driving is an incredibly fun sport. Whether your interest lies in pleasure driving or combined driving events it all starts with the basics - your harness and cart. We will be looking at three different types of harness and carts and discussing what may work best for you and your horse.
June 21st - Reinsmanship
Time to drive! Join us for a morning of long lining and driving. Space is limited. Driving horses provided.
July 19th - Cones and Marathon
One of the funnest things about driving is cones and marathon. Learn how to make your own obstacles and drive them. Space is limited. Driving horses provided.
August 16th - Adult Driving Clinic
If driving a horse is on your bucket list this is the clinic for you! This class is specifically for adults 55+ who would like to experience driving but aren't necessarily looking to enter the show ring. We'll cover the basics of harnessing and then get right to driving. Driving horses provided.
September 20th - Driven Dressage Clinic
Learn the basics of driven dressage. We'll walk the tests, explore the different gaits and go over attire. Horses will be provided, open to outside horses on a limited basis.
October 18th - Halloween Driving Clinic
Join us for a fun day of working on 'scary' objects for driving horses. Open to outside horses, space is limited.
The Clinician
Kathleen Haak - Kathleen has driven singles, pairs, tandem and a four-in-hand. She has achieved her Level 2 Proficiency certificate with the Carriage Assoc. of American. Kathleen achieved a high level of success with Draken, her Standardbred, winning three National Championships. Following the retirement of Draken, she started Against the Best in his pleasure-driving career. 'Best' was awarded his first national title in 2012. Currently she is driving Aiken, a multi-talented Fjord. You can learn more about Kathleen at www.KathleenHaak.com.
The Horses
K.O. Aiken - Aiken is a 10 year-old Fjord who rides and drives. He has competed at a variety of shows including the Saratoga Driving Trial, the Finger Lakes Fjord Show, and Tri-Valley Horseman Assoc. shows. Additionally he has participated in the Parade of Breeds at the KY Horse Park, Carriage Round-up and the National Drive. He's also been known to haul a light log or two out of the woods. Aiken currently holds the title of 'cutest horse in the barn' at Caustelot Farms where he is boarding.
TAF Rowan (Romeo) - Romeo is a Kerry Bog Pony who has been driving for over a year. Kerry Bogs are a rare breed that originated in Ireland. Romeo loves the cones!
The Facility
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.
