Newbie starting in CDE

[JMS Miniatures]

I found out that there are CDE events in OK and they offer VSE classes. I have always been interested in doing this and I may get to go next year. Any help and advice you can give me I will really appreciate it. I have done small trail rides, and obstacle driving and of course done driving in registry shows but nothing like this. I'm excited.

 

[RhineStone]

That is a big question!

I would say the first thing to do is to peruse the American Driving Society rules. That will tell you all the things that you need to bring or have to do the sport, like breeching or mechanical brakes (which generally aren't on mini carts and for good reason, but that is another thread). Other things that are "different" include reflectors for your cart, helmet required for marathon, etc. Some CDEs allow pneumatic tires for Training level, but some don't, so getting a hold of this year's Prize List for the show will give you some good information, too.

Also, get a copy of the Training level dressage tests and start practicing elements of the tests. Since you may not know which test they will use next year, there is no sense in memorizing tests now, but you can practice your circles, corners, long walks, etc.

There are some very good "intro to CDE" websites out there that are very comprehensive for newcomers, even ones geared to those driving VSEs.

CDEs and carriage driving are addictive, so be careful!

You will have a great time before you know it!

Myrna (I would write more now, but I have to go do chores.)

 

[BBH]

I am also just starting into CDE events and everyone is very helpful to explain things. You may want the look at the AMHA mag this month for a very good article on basic CDE stuff......I will try one for the first time this fall after conditioning.......alot to learn but seems like so much fun. alot of difference than breed ring showing.

 

[Al B]

Yes, read the article on Combined Driving in this months issue of the Miniature Horse World magazine. It tells you everything you need to know. Then come to Stillwater in October. I plan to be there so look me up and say Howdy.

 

[JMS Miniatures]

Yes, read the article on Combined Driving in this months issue of the Miniature Horse World magazine. It tells you everything you need to know. Then come to Stillwater in October. I plan to be there so look me up and say Howdy.

I need to see if I can find that issue and buy it from somebody. I'm going to try and come down in Oct. just to watch, I'll try to look you up if I show.

I found the minihorsecde.com site and it was helpful. I also found the ADS site and was wondering can you get a rulebook without having to be a member?

 

[Al B]

The magazine is on the AMHA website. you can print the article from there. Looking forward to meeting you.

You should be able to download the ADS rule book from their website also.

 

[RhineStone]

I also found the ADS site and was wondering can you get a rulebook without having to be a member?

Eventually, when you start exhibiting at multiple ADS events, it will be cost effective for you to join the ADS. We pay for our membership countless times by just not having to pay the non-member fees at the shows.

And actually, their magazine that you receive with the membership is worth the cost, and you will get good information that you can apply towards your learning. You will also receive the annual Buyer's Guide, in which anybody who is anybody in carriage businesses advertises in there, so you will have all the suppliers in one place. You will also get the Omnibus, which is a list of every ADS recognized show in the US and Canada, along with entry forms. For $10, you can get a paper copy of the rulebook sent to you. I know that my driving skills increased considerably after I joined the ADS, because of what I was suddenly exposed to! I highly suggest that you join the ADS!

Myrna (who should get her 10-year membership pin this year!)

 

[Minxiesmom]

Martha Duchnowski has the greatest website to explain mini horses used in CDE. It is minihorsecde.com . I learned so much reading that website.

 

[susanne]

Sorry it's against the rules to post links to outside sites that have miniature horse forums attached.

Thank you.

You might also want to check the CD-L listserv and the Yahoo group, MiniHorseDriving.

 

[RhineStone]

Right you are, Susanne. Agree with you totally.

Myrna

 

[Peggy Porter]

Andy Marcoux from Coachman's Delight has a new excellent article on keeping track of time on marathon here: http://www.coachmansdelight.com/CGuidePage.asp?pg=GUI200&k=55

and LOTS of interesting guides here:

http://www.coachmansdelight.com/CGuidePage.asp?pg= &k=50

CDEs are a lot of FUN! Do a google search with "CDE" and "VSE" in the topic and you will find several great sites.

 

[JMS Miniatures]

Martha Duchnowski has the greatest website to explain mini horses used in CDE. It is minihorsecde.com . I learned so much reading that website.

I have found that along with the site [link not allowed] I also joined their facebook page. I found it pretty helpful. I'm hoping to do down in Oct. Planning on doing a couple next year. I'm sure I'll like it. It sure gives a break from the show ring.

On the harness is there anything different about it compared to like a show harness? Also with a cart is it acceptable to drive a wooden easy entry with wooden wheels? What type of harness would you recommend?

Not looking to go all out as this is just for fun but I certaintly want to follow the rules. Tried loading the rulebook but with so many pages my slow computer can't do it.

Thanks for all your help so far!

 

[susanne]

An easy entry is certainly appropriate at Training Level. You're in great shape with the wooden wheels -- some venues allow pneumatic tires at Training Level, but that is entirely up to management.

You'll need breeching on your harness. A sidecheck is allowed at the training level, but no overchecks, and no check at all is preferred. You'll want a harness that is sturdier and better padded than most show harnesses, although a few, such as the Ozark MiniTack Carriage Harness, are suitable for both, at least while you're deciding if this is the sport for you. On the other hand, the Chimicum/Camptown/Comfy Fit Sport Harness is ideal and holds its value extremely well, so you really can't go wrong with that.

 

[R Whiteman]

There are several folks that are very active in ADS events going to the AMHR show next week in Tulsa, OK. If you just happen to be there, feel free to stop by and chat.

Ron

 

[LazyRanch]

Myrna mentioned some things you will need for the competition, but here are a couple other things you will need on the way there:

A slow moving vehicle triangle for the back of your cart when doing roadwork. You can buy one, but you can make one a heck of a lot cheaper - just an orange triangle. I did actually get stopped by a cop for not having one! (It's a small town)

A gear bag that will attach/detach quickly. I know some people use a fanny pack and buckle it through their basket on an EE cart. Just big enough to hold water bottle/sandwich/kleenex. I share my water bottle with PJ. I also tend to come in late from work, throw together a sandwich and toss it in my bag. Sometimes share that with PJ too.

Oh, and don't put your cell phone in the gear bag. If you take it with you, put it on your personage - preferably in a heavy duty case. If it's in the gear bag and, heaven forbid, you and cart part company . . .

A spare halter and lead in case you need it while on the road.

We have tons of goatheads, so some of us carry FastFlat.

Also, look at competition photos and see what the drivers are wearing! Plan your wardrobe carefully. You will need brown gloves! This was my first year driving, I had a heck of a time trying to figure out what to wear. PJ is leggy and not very flashy (my brother calls him "Homely Boy"), so I got a brow band that would give a little colour to his face. I drive a HyperBike, so my attire was going to be a little different - sure couldn't hide that it was a "bike" not a cart. Also, I wear a helmet from eventing days, so it has a cover. I finally went with grey slacks and a long sleeved green shirt and my green and grey cover. The shirts have changed during the season, but always long-sleeved, and in greens or blues and grey, with matching cover. Our last ADT, the dressage judge scored the Presentation very high for us. When someone asked why we'd got such a high score, and they got such a low score, the judge said because my horse was rather standardbred in shape, so the 'Bike was appropriate to his build, and my attire was appropriate for the 'Bike and well coordinated. The fact that I roll my sleeves up on the marathon portion had nothing to do with my dressage score, of course. But that score was one of those little things that helped us win our division this year. So see what is appropriate attire for your area, and especially for your horse and cart. Treat yourself to a new wardrobe! (sort of).

Gather cones or coffee cans - anything you can make a course out of and work up to 20 gates. Learn to memorize a course after a few walk throughs - not just driving through randomly.

ohhhhhh, you are in for so much fun!

 

[RhineStone]

A slow moving vehicle triangle for the back of your cart when doing roadwork. You can buy one, but you can make one a heck of a lot cheaper - just an orange triangle. I did actually get stopped by a cop for not having one! (It's a small town)

If you are going to be on the road, especially one that has fast moving traffic (we live on a town road, but it is straight and not uncommon for drivers to be going 50+ mph), do consider an "official" SMV sign. A number of carriage supplies sell them in a fabric variety that will not marr the finish on a vehicle, or there are metal ones from farm stores. Some carriage suppliers are now selling smaller ones intended for mini vehicles, but I think for the road, this is a bad idea. You want to be as visible as possible. The small ones may be fine if you have to drive on a road for a competition and it is really closed, but you still have to satisfy the law (like for a Presentation Drive or a section of a CDE).

You also might want to consider a bicycle flag (train your horse to hearing its flap in the breeze), and a bright shirt like bicyclists wear. I had also heard that some farm stores carry bright T-shirts for construction workers. Anything you can do to make your little turnout visible on a busy road where YOU are the one who "isn't supposed to be there", the better.

Myrna

 

[LazyRanch]

I am also just starting into CDE events and everyone is very helpful to explain things. You may want the look at the AMHA mag this month for a very good article on basic CDE stuff......I will try one for the first time this fall after conditioning.......alot to learn but seems like so much fun. alot of difference than breed ring showing.

I too found the article very interesting. Particularly since neither AMAA nor AMHR recognizes combined driving for points. We have one of each, and I asked both if they were considering adding a division for Combined Drivin; both said no. But maybe AMHA is testing the waters?

 

[Al B]

Can't speak for AMHR but AMHA is not considering it. The article was just to give folks interested in other uses for minis something of interest. ADS is developing a breed partnership program with the various breeds to promote cross exchange of items of interest AMHA felt that the September issue being the "performance" issue would be a good place to start.

 

[hobbyhorse23]

I too found the article very interesting. Particularly since neither AMHA nor AMHR recognizes combined driving for points. We have one of each, and I asked both if they were considering adding a division for Combined Drivin; both said no. But maybe AMHA is testing the waters?

Actually, AMHR does. CDE's count towards the Amateur Advantage program just as do open shows, parades, therapy visits, etc.

CDE's in my opinion are way too complex to add as another division to AMHA/R but are a great place to show off our miniatures in the wider driving world. I'm excited about the new breed partnership program with ADS! There are currently special awards for highest-scoring Friesian, Morgan and Welsh at our local shows thanks to their breed associations; I'm hopeful that now there will be neck sashes for the highest scoring VSE as well.

Leia

 

[LazyRanch]

I found the minihorsecde.com site and it was helpful. I also found the ADS site and was wondering can you get a rulebook without having to be a member?

You can download the rule book without being a member. I suggest downloading the version with two pages to a piece of paper, and make sure it's the portion with CDEs. There is another part that is everything BUT CDEs. Oh and the updated version, too.

It makes for some interesting reading and answers a lot of questions!