Two Views of the Pine Hill Pleasure Show
May 24-25, 2008

Anna and Skipper’s Excellent Adventure at the Pine Hill Pleasure Show May 2008

Pine Hill is a beautiful facility. There are plenty of trees, a few ponds, some hills and lots of huge 3-day event jumps. There were several places to wash off our equines and plenty of stalls were available. The dressage
arena was flat and smooth. All the turnout and working rail classes were held in the dressage arena. The Fault and Out cones course was tricky and had some interesting terrain changes. The cross-country course was delightful - it was 3.5 km that meandered through the woods over mowed grass. There was one really steep hill that everyone walked down. The two 3-gate hazards were just right and added some fun to the course. The Pick Your Route and Double Jeopardy cones courses were set up inside the dressage arena.

The North Pole store had lots of Blue Bell ice cream flavors and served a light lunch on Saturday (sandwiches or a salad). On Sunday, there was a buffet lunch in the dining hall. The very, very chocolate
brownies for dessert were decadent!

Yup, it was HOT and HUMID but thankfully it was overcast for part of both days. And, there was a breeze most of the time. There were trees to wait our turn under that made the heat bearable.

The judge, Ruthie Graves, was very accessible, had a great sense of humor, and wrote lots of comments on the dressage score sheets. Cat Cook was an able announcer and treated us all to her lovely singing voice. Jerry McLennan did the herculean job of Show Secretary admirably - the show ran very smoothly. Sandy Smith brought the show to life as the overall organizer. Terry Arnold was everywhere, making sure that what needed to be done got done. All the volunteers were just plain wonderful! We couldn’t have had the show without them.

There were VSEs, ponies, horses, drafts and draft crosses showing. It was so nice to see some young drivers, too. I think the youngest was 9 years old.

This was my pony, Skipper’s, and my first Pleasure Show. I had a great time choosing different outfits for each class. I wore my fanciest hat for the turnout class and then changed to a straw hat with different flowers for each of the other classes. The judge waived the jacket requirement by late morning because of the heat. I wore a different jacket and blouse for each class anyway - the jackets kept the sun off my arms. Skipper had special silver bridle rosettes to make his harness a little fancier than usual. He also had a “spa day” on Friday so he was sparkling white and his mane and tail were soft and flowing. If I might say so myself, he was quite cute!

The rail classes were a real test of Skipper’s confidence. We were in the metal/marathon turnout class so there were all different sizes of equines and even some pairs in the class. There’s lots of commotion with everyone in the ring at the same time. Skipper had to deal with being passed and with having turnouts both in front and behind him. It was good for him and he handled it all perfectly.

For me, the dressage test is the real test of my communication and driving skills - I always look forward to doing them. We did the Preliminary Test #2. Ruthie Graves gave us an accurate and honest assessment of our performance to will really help us improve. Skipper does not have the physique of an athlete but he always tries his best and goes happily. I need to focus on precision and developing and maintaining a good energy level from him.

I managed to drive Skipper right over a cone in set #8 in the Fault and Out course. So, that was the end of that class! I am learning not to micromanage him and to ask for more speed, though. We just need to add some precision to that combination.

The cross-country course was really fun! I was much more confident in the hazards with my new Bellcrown Badger cart. In fact, I used the same route through the second hazard that Mike McLennan did! Skipper was in very good shape at the end of the course. I was very pleased.

The Pick Your Route cones course was a blast. It was fun to watch how different turnouts chose to go. I made a mistake though! I was thinking of my groom (my husband, Dennis) as my navigator and so he was talking to me and reminding me of my route during the course. Nope, that’s not how it works - your groom is not allowed to direct you. I’ll remember that next time.

There was going to be about an hour wait before it would be our turn to go in Double Jeopardy. So, we made the decision to pack up and leave. We were all pretty hot and tired.

I must say that I’m definitely looking forward to our next pleasure show!

Anna Perkinson

A Trip To Pine Hill Pleasure Show

Wow! Pine Hill Ranch in Bellville, Texas was a gorgeous place to drive and or ride. The barns were nice and shady for the most part with good bedding and easy access water hoses. Way on down the hill among the huge pine trees and other trees was the open valley all mowed and kept neat with dressage arenas and nice places for cones course work and shade trees to park your horse under.

Nice clean bathrooms were available and the eating rooms were very nice with unique things to shop for the people we know who have most everything they need but always can use new innovative gifts and gadgets for kitchen and or Christmas gifts.

The food was outstanding and service was wonderful. What a nice atmosphere to enjoy your favorite horse or pony with carriage or cart and explore the wooded trials in Cross Country and open fields for arena work. Cross Country was very shady and good ground for driving.

The most exhilarating encounter on the trail of the Country was the High and steep Hill surrounded by a pond. My three-year-old Welsh pony "Dolly" said " I don't think so Ms. Whip! Not this time!” So we just did a very nice U-turn and crossed over to the next obstacle and went on trotting to the home plate.

Maybe next year we will master the steep high hill among the ponds...Ms Dolly, sister, and me.

The Pick Your Route was most enchanting as everyone was thinking they knew the BEST ROUTE to take and each tried out new and inventive ways to master the 15 sets of cones and in & out gate. This was great entertainment for the spectators as they saw many new ways to run the race and knock down cones and balls and just plain old fashion fun for drivers in the Best Possible Route.

My Way Your Way was the last adventure of the event and as the heat took its toll on many some just watched and some had to go, but from what I hear lots of new driving experiences were exciting to
behold. Dolly and her whip will be trying out new high steep hills surrounded by lakes and ponds to make ready for Next Year at Pine Hill.

Patsy Davis.

Click here for complete results.

Cedar Creek Spring Fling

Cedar Creeks Spring Fling Carriage Festival sponsored by North Texas Whip had a full house of beautiful turnouts and lots of participants in the training sessions by Larry Binker. Unfortunately, I decided a little late to go but did get a brief training session with Mr. Binker before Dressage Class. He was a marvelous and very helpful instructor who showed special interest in each person there trying to learn to be a better driver.

The weather was great and food was very very good, as usual. Everyone there was most helpful and friendly. If you missed this opportunity to be in the company of a great instructor think about signing up early for the next time he comes to town.

The cones course was a blast as it was set up in a lovely area with windmill and lots of log piles and beautiful large, loud white ducks to entertain the participants as they passed the pond area. It was a bit wet in places that day... to get to the cones course was a nice small bridge with lovely white stones on the ends to help you see the danger zones. Dolly pony was excited to get to go into the low and wet marshy area and see those wonderful looking ducks playing on the nice cool pond.

There were lots of low water crossing areas to practice on with your pony and some up and down hill driving along the pond practice area.

Dressage was set up in a nice flat field of freshly mowed grass with good areas to prepare for the test. There were lots of lovely turnouts to view. If you could not get your own camera man ready to photograph your rig, there was a good professional on the ground to capture those who took great pains and lots of sweat to get there looking there best.

Even Mr. Davis got his picture made with his first driving experience with Dolly pony as Mrs. Davis surveyed the cones course. What a wonderful groom he made as he renewed his old time mule plowing experiences of the long and almost forgotten past. His knowledge of driving astounds me quite frequently. Ha Ha!

Patsy Davis

Plum Creek CDE 2008
A Meteorologist's Dream/Nightmare

Yes, springtime in Texas is always interesting, to say the least. At no other time is it more appropriate to say, “If you don’t like the weather, stick around because something you like is bound to develop!” Between Friday morning as competitors began arriving and Sunday afternoon when we shut down the event, we experienced cool, warm, and hot temperatures with sunny, cloudy, and rainy skies – often within a few hours time -- never boring! However, as proper Texas hosts, Chuck and Nancy Leshikar had all the bases covered to make everyone involved – human and equine – reasonably comfortable.

I’ve had the honor to be involved – one way or another – with all four of the Plum Creek events these past couple of years, and I can honestly say it just keeps getting better every time! Chuck and his crew continue to clear more trails for us and make each obstacle/hazard more accessible and esthetically pleasing. The challenge is there at each one and so are multiple safe options for negotiating them. Chuck continues to pay attention to details evidenced by his building of two covered stands from which dressage judges may safely and comfortably observe the tests. The permanent stalls he erected kept our equine partners safe and dry during Friday night’s thunderstorms. The dressage field is completely covered with grass, so the water from Friday night’s rainstorm was absorbed rather quickly leaving minimal muddy spots. The wisdom of the Technical Delegate (Keith Yutzy), President of Jury (Muffy Seaton) and Ground Jury (Nancy Tomlinson) was apparent when the decision was made to delay the
start of the dressage and cones segments for 2 hours Saturday morning, thus allowing the sponge-like grounds to dry out to a more suitable condition.

The cones course was relocated to a park-like setting cleared in the woods last October by Chuck and his grounds crew. A stylish gazebo was built from which the judge can easily observe all 20 sets of cones while plenty of room for spectators to watch safely is easily accessible.

We all thought we’d dodged the proverbial bullet when no rain fell Saturday night, however, it did make its way to us during the opening daylight hours Sunday. Once again, the TD and judges were faced with a dilemma – cancel, postpone, revise? The latter two options were chosen after Keith walked the course, and he along with Muffy and Nancy polled the competitors. The legendary “hill” and its obstacle/hazard were eliminated due to slippery conditions. Another obstacle, “The Bridge”, also had to be cut out of the course, indirectly due to the weather. Many volunteers were unable to get to the site due to heavy rains and hail in their areas the night before as well as the threat of more dangerous storms approaching them. If you ever make the mistake of underestimating the importance of volunteers, let me remind you now – the event cannot live without them!! If it weren’t for a “faithful remnant”, we would have had to cancel the marathon at Plum Creek this year. As it was, we were able to carry on with the cancellation of only 2 obstacles/hazards – God Bless Volunteers!!

The competitors came from near and far to enjoy the hospitality of Chuck and Nancy and to test their metal at the Plum Creek CDE this year. Three entries were from Louisiana! I also noticed what I thought was another interesting tidbit – several entries were husbands and wives. The McMurtrys, McLennans, Langseths, and Moores worked as teams with one spouse driving and the other navigating. Then we had couples who competed separately in different divisions/classes like Sandy and Lew Smith, Alan and Louise Fox, and John and Cathy Merritt. The really “secure” couple, however, was Susan and Al Bulgawicz. They competed against each other with their Miniature Horses, Fanny and Star, and took home first and second place, respectively.

No article about Plum Creek CDE would be complete without mention of the wonderful cuisine to which our palates were treated – thanks to Nancy Leshikar! Can you say, “Food for the Gods!”? It all began Friday with the snacks prior to the Wine & Cheese party. Nancy whipped up a homemade banana pudding (a true Southern delight) and her famous Toffee Cookies totally from scratch – what a woman! The breakfast tacos prepared fresh each morning would’ve made Poncho Villa change his wicked ways if only he’d had the chance to taste one! Nancy and her staff also prepared hamburgers and a special recipe for both pimento cheese and chicken salad to which the volunteers were treated, and competitors made good of their opportunity to purchase. Chuck found a great caterer for the competitors’ party Saturday evening, so Nancy got a brief break, and we all enjoyed fried catfish with all the traditional trimmings – Yum, Yum!! We may just have to revise the event name to Plum Creek CD-DE – combined driving and dining event if they keep this up!

All in all -- even with the extremes in weather changes -- the joint efforts of the hosts, jury, competitors and all important volunteers – Plum Creek CDE, 2008, can be marked in the “success” column. If you didn’t have the privilege of experiencing it with us this year, you will have another chance – April 25-26, 2009, to be exact. And if you just can’t wait ‘til then, make plans to join us for a one-day Swap Drive scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2008, at the Agarita Ranch – home of Chuck and Nancy Leshikar and the Plum Creek Carriage and Shooting Society ( www.pccss.org)

Catherine “Cat” Cook

Good Hands Training Center CDE Training Level Workshop

In the May/June 2008 issue of Driving Digest, several readers write to the editor bemoaning the fact that there are few “beginner” shows and few classes for the novice drivers. We, in Texas, are fortunate to have such instructions available. There are several Beginning Drivers Clinics offered every year and,
most recently, a Workshop for Training level CDE participants.

I had the opportunity to attend Tom O’Carroll’s 2-day CDE workshop in March. The number of Training Level participants was limited to 10, affording us plenty of individual attention and the luxury of a relaxed, uncrowded venue.

Walking the cones and obstacles courses as well as the dressage arena, Tom instructed us on the finer points of preparing for and competing in a CDE. He emphasized the driver’s responsibilities to analyze and really know the course before the events begin. He effectively described the little known nuances of the sport, thus instilling in us a new- found respect for the preparations required to participate effectively.

To complement Tom’s classes, Marlene gave us an excellent presentation of the ADS rules for CDE and revealed to us the importance of using the ADS Handbook as a reference tool. I thought the book was just something that came with the membership card and used only by high officials. Now I appreciate its value and I have actually used it!

Following the lectures, we had hands-on practice and instruction with our horses. The culmination of the workshop was an abbreviated CDE competition, complete with score sheets evaluating our
performance. As Tom explained the scoring process and its meaning to us, we had much to ponder. Everyone received a good dose of both positive and negative news.

Most of the participants found that the most eye-opening aspect of the workshop was a step-by-step explanation of the evermysterious dressage course and its requirements. In my previous observations of Training Level CDE’s, it seemed to me that the dressage section was something that novice drivers simply endured in order to be allowed to participate in the more exciting cones and obstacle courses. Not so! The precision required in dressage is the precursor to all driving success. To loosely quote our instructor, “If you can place your horse’s nose on an exact spot, you can do anything in driving.” Clearly, the communication required between driver and horse is most markedly demonstrated in the exercises of dressage. My horse and I are eternally grateful for that lesson.

The Training CDE Workshop was a great success, and I sincerely thank Tom and Marlene for giving us fledgling drivers a chance to flap our wings in our efforts to eventually soar. Hopefully, novices in
other areas of the country will receive a similar opportunity.

Mary Shemanski


The Royal Mews

Early this spring I was fortunate enough to spend a week in London doing exactly what I wanted. High on my list of things to do was a visit to the Royal Mews, one of the finest working stables in the world
and a place I hadn’t visited for many years.

The Royal Mews houses the Queen’s collection of historic carriages and automobiles as well as about 30 horses used in traditional ceremonies. The horses are of two breeds, either the Windsor Grays, traditionally used to pull the Queen’s carriage, or Cleveland Bays. Each horse is even named by the Queen! When not being used the horses are “on holiday” at Windsor.

The most magnificent coach has to be the gold state coach, (pictured below) used in every coronation since George III. It is housed in its own room and only rarely used. On those occasions a wall has to be removed to get the carriage out. Eight horses are required to pull this magnificent coach that weighs four tons and was built in 1762. Because of its great weight, it can only be pulled at awalk!

Question the value of keeping your harness clean? Some of the stunning harnesses on display date back to the 1700’s!

The most interesting aspect to a carriage driver like myself was the training of the horses. Each horse is given four years of training beginning at the age of four. After that, the horse is used for eight years, followed by a long and welldeserved retirement. Part of the rigorous training involves de-spooking to an extent we‘d find incredible. For instance, among many other things, the Queen’s carriage horses are trained not to spook at soldiers who faint from standing so long!

Phoebe Lake

The Big "E"
Tales of a Proudly Earned Scarlet Letter

I received my first Big E in my first show. I was very much a novice then (and some would argue
now) and was eliminated in cones. I have since learned (many Es later) that one can be eliminated
in dressage but I actually made it through my first dressage test . . . but not my first set of cones.

I had invited my whole family for my first driving show - not just my husband and kids but my
parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and a crazy aunt from Austin. They all watched as Biscuit and
me boldly trotted through the start gate and cleared Cone 1 and made a beautiful turn and cleared
Cone 2. But, someone blew a whistle. A whistle - what did that mean??? I thought it must not be
meant for me but as I proceeded happily toward Cone 3 that whistle kept blowing and folks were
waving. It turns out, Cone 1 had two elements and I had cleared 1A but completely missed 1B. I
was very upset. Yet, as I left the course, I was greeted by the smiling faces of folks who I did not yet
know telling me tales of their first Big E.

Bonnie McMurtry

20 Things I Learned While Volunteering at a Driving Trial

1. Volunteer - really! What you'll learn is worth at least two, maybe more, private lessons.
2. Remember that the judges see you while you're warming up and you make an impression on them -
either good or bad.
3. You're still "on stage" in dressage after the last salute - drive like you know it.
4. Go into the dressage arena and measure back from X to where you, seated in your turnout, should be, then memorize some landmarks. Do the same for every place there's a transition. Precision
counts, a lot.
5. Salute like you are proud of your horse/pony and yourself! No hiccupping salutes.
6. Drive your horse/pony like you are proud and not like you're going for a meander through the woods.
7. In dressage, no counter-bend. Ever. Period.
8. Straightness is important. It's really obvious when you're not.
9. Moving your hand out to the side to get your horse/pony to move sideways (towards the rail or to
make a circle larger) is a form of wishful thinking that does not work. And, doesn't get you any
points for driving.
10. Count, one-one thousand, two-one thousand, etc. for the halt. Three to five seconds is a long time
when you're excited. If you don't halt long enough, you haven't done the movement.
11. Don't rush the rein-back, and count the steps - be exact.
12. Learn what a good rhythm for your horse/pony's trot is. Strive to achieve a correct rhythm for the
trot rather than speed. It's not a race.
13. When your horse/pony stretches and lengthens his/her walk, make sure there is actually a change -
that the back foot steps further forward.
14. If something unexpected happens, your hat flies off, your horse/pony gets their tail over the rein, etc. - stay calm - ignore the hat, fix the problem - you'll get points in the Driver section.
15. Don't lose points in Presentation by not paying attention to details, e.g., brown gloves, not yellow gloves.
16. Know the rules - e.g., if and where you are allowed to canter.
17. In the hazards, smooth is almost always faster.
18. Enjoy yourself - that's why you started driving in the first place!
19. Plan to come back and do it again.
20. Oh, and the comment "Holding the reins." from the judge is NOT a compliment!

Anna Perkinson

The Picnic Basket
Recipes for Horse and Driver


Black-Eyed Pea Salad
From Bonnie McMurtry

5 cups cooked (don't let them get mushy) and drained black-eyed peas
4 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled, fat reserved separately
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (1/2 medium onion)
1/2 cup red bell pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapenos
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons Tony Chacheres
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Combine the black-eyed peas, crumbled bacon, 2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat, and all
remaining ingredients in a large bowl, and toss well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4
hours, or preferably overnight, stirring occasionally.

Allow salad to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Toss well just before serving.

CHEESE STRAWS
From Bonnie McMurtry

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
Mix the butter, cheese, flour, salt and cayenne until a smooth dough is formed. Alternatively, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes and roll on a lightly floured surface into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Cut into smaller rectangles, about 2 by 3-inches, with a pizza wheel or sharp knife. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to racks to cool. These freeze very well so you can make ahead.

Doc's Happy Horse Treats
From Stella Gordon

Great for Horses AND Humans
Prepared by Dr. Larry D. Milham
Old Yella Dog Ranch & Cattle Co VYA, NEVADA
Makes 72 treats

4 Cups Grain ( Oat meal works best )
8 Tablespoons Flour
1 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Cup Wet Molasses
3/4 Cup water

1. Combine ALL ingredients in Large bowl.
2. Stir with large spoon until mixture has the consistency of thick Cookie Dough. If too dry add more
Molasses, NOT water.
3. Lightly roll into grape size balls and place on cookie sheet. There is no spreading so 1/2 inch of
space is fine.
4. Bake at 300 degrees for approximately 30 mins. Adjust time so they are a bit squishy when
squeezed. Elevation makes a big difference. Horses won't eat if too hard.
5. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes.
6. Do not eat all yourself. Share some with your horse.

Driving News From Around the State

The Brazos Valley Driving and Riding Club has had three events in the first five months of 2008. First,
the traditional New Year's drive and pot luck on Valley Circle, which was well attended and enjoyed.
Second, was a Valentine's Day gathering that started with a drive from Royal Legend Ranch to the party room of Kathy and Jason Williams for a meeting and potluck, and then back to Lisa and Ron's Royal Legend where the trailers were parked. The event had been planned for the following week but was changed to avoid conflicting with another equine event. For the first time in three tries, the weather cooperated, which would not have been true had the event taken place on the original date. The third event celebrated National Carriage Driving Month (May) with a meeting, lunch, and drive/ride at will at Birch Creek State Park, Somerville. Again the weather cooperated and the well- attended event was a great success. Coming up is a member-only play day for riding and driving at the arena in Caldwell, June 21; Equestrian Market Day at Louis Pearce Arena August 23 in College Station; and a pre-Halloween despooking clinic on Saturday, October 25, at Still Creek Ranch, Bryan.

Vita Pariente

Upcoming Events

Classifieds

For Sale: Katie, an 11 year old 16.2h bay Irish Sporthorse mare. Katie has been my combined
driving partner for the past 4 years; we have also done pleasure shows and won turn-out classes which require elegance and grace. Katie fox-hunted and competed successfully in ridden dressage with her prior owner. If you are interested in learning to drive, Katie is the perfect choice. I purchased her to learn how to drive and she has done that job brilliantly. Most recently, we won the Arizona Combined Driving Event placing first in both dressage and marathon (Best Preliminary Marathon) and at the Southern Pines CDE were 3rd out of 14 again winning the marathon. For the 3rd year in a row Katie has won the Irish Draught Horse Society Year End Award for Driving. We have competed at training, preliminary and intermediate levels. Katie has the stamina, athleticism and mind to compete in a variety of disciplines including eventing and hunter/jumper. Please contact Karen Garrett at 979-324-0048 or kmgarrett@prescottfarm.com for photos and video. Additional photos are also on our website at www.prescottfarm.com under "Performance Horses". Asking $15,000.

For Sale: Moss Rock Wind Dancer AKA Cody. gr. g. 12 yrs. Double registered Morab and Half Arabian. Top Sporthorse breeding. Experienced & winner at CDE's, Combined Driving, pleasure driving and distance driving. Is at Prelim level but could go Intermediate with experienced driver. Also rides English & Western and works as a therapy horse. Disposition & manners are impeccable. Guaranteed 100% sound with no vices or health issues. Would consider a package deal with carriage & harness. Contact Sherry Cardinal, 713-594-0859. for more pictures, go to my website, www.CriticalIncidentStress.com and click on the Therapy Animals page.

For Sale: "Warlander", Friesian/Andalusian cross 2003 gelding, dapple grey. Driving beautifully, great disposition, trained by Tom O'Carroll. Very willing to work, sane and safe. $10,000. Contact Tom at 281-731-5202 or tom@tocarroll.com.

H A C A BB Y L A W S