Backstepping at Skunk River

One of my friends once commented that combined driving events looked like motocross with horses. This weekend at Skunk River Driving Trial it seemed like he was right on the mark. With all the rain we've been having lately, the Wellies worked overtime and Tim Maloy would have been in filming heaven. The horses, the vehicles and especially, the backsteppers were covered in mud, head to toe.

The course at 3G Farms is quite challenging and pretty, with lots of rolling hills, an idyllic water crossing and tight turns around trees. The hazards are well designed with interesting angles and complex gates. You can tell that a great deal of thought, care and work has gone into this course and it sits well into its surroundings with a very organic feel.

Gaining experience as a backstepper [OK: navigator. I just don't think that has as much kudos as backstepper] is a great way to get a perspective from the back of the vehicle. As a whip, it gives me a unique insight into how I drive or rather how I should drive. I also have even greater respect for those individuals who keep the vehicle on track and on the ground. Today, I did not want to end up on the ground, or rather in the mud. Thakfully, I stayed on the backstep.

Humidity was an additional trial, too. Some of the horses came in from the marathon puffing and all of them very hot. Bless them, with the muddy conditions, pulling the vehicles on a challenging course was even tougher. Slather on the humidity and it was hard going. Thankfully, there was a slightly overcast sky, a whisper of a breeze and cool showers to refresh all the equines. Not to forget to mention the bevy of volunteers it takes to put on a combined driving event, who have to sit in the sun or be eaten alive by mosquitoes to do their jobs.

The show was not without incidents, but these were handled with apparent seamlessness, which, of course is the hallmark of a really great show. So, a big "Thank You" and "Congratulations" to BITS [Best of Iowa in Traces Society], everyone at 3G Farm, and all the volunteers for their endeavors to make Skunk River Driving Trial a show of which we can be very proud.

Kind Regards,

Michelle Blackler

Serendipity

www.hossbiz.com

Serendipity is an Accidental Sagacity Corporation company.

Which Carriage?

Indian summer, what a gift! The weather has been sublime here in Iowa these last few days. Perfect weather for working horses makes my job envious. Soon we will be relegated to long lining in the indoor arena for months. But for now, we revel in the soft sunshine. Today it is off to Jester Park for a practical application of skills on the trails. Oh, joy.

I have been advising a new driver on the purchase of a show carriage. Two wheeled, four wheeled, modified road cart, wicker phaeton, buy modestly or make an investment, hybrid or antique? So many questions need to be addressed. I was lucky when I was in her position, I had Harold Ault to advise me. I hope I can be as much use for her as Harold has been for me.

The sport of carriage driving is evolving so quickly that making that decision is even more difficult now than it was 10 years ago. Combined Driving Events are eclipsing Pleasure Shows and vehicles have to do double duty. The number of classically styled original vehicles is dwindling and hybrids are prolific. Horses are required to canter in dressage tests and let me tell you that is not comfy in my gig.

It is an exciting time, history is being made in front of our eyes.

Kind Regards,

Michelle Blackler

Serendipity

www.hossbiz.com

Serendipity is an Accidental Sagacity Corporation company.