Old Bell Farm Driving Trial-2007

[Dream]

I just wanted to let all Ontarions (although anyone can come) know that Old Bell Farm is planning a new type of driving competition for next year. The show will be run as an MHCO event but will be open to non-members as well. Members will pay a smaller entry fee<G>.

The details are still to be worked out but it will be held in June and is basically a one-day CDE. There will be a dressage test, a cross country course, and a cones course. The horse and driver with the fewest penalty points from the 3 phases combined will be declared the winner (ribbons to 6th and a highest dressage score ribbon).

The purpose of the day is to teach people about CDE's in the hope that many will consider the real CDE at Checkmate in July (which will be adding a VSE division in 2007). Guided course walks will be offered to explain how to negotiate the cross country course. Competitors are invited to walk the course the day before and camp out in the field overnight (bonfire party!).

Eve will be hard at work preparing the grounds and building the gates for the obstacles of the X-country course. She's even putting in a water crossing! With all the new driving horses hitting the show circuit I am hoping for a great turnout at this show so it can become an annual event (yes Littlefoot 4H that means you!).

Non-registered Minis are also able to compete (38" and under).

Keep an eye on www.mhco.ca for details and rules.

I welcome your feedback. So who's coming?

 

[EAD Minis]

Oh wow!!!I was hoping some one would do this!!!!

: Thats amazing!!!!!Thanks!!And keep us updated!

 

[Devon]

My Boy Just Learnt To Drive this year and If hes Calmed Down enough to do Cross Country Ill be There!! Great Ideo I am Definatly Considering it!

: Great Idea! Wonderful!

 

[MiLo Minis]

I have already marked the tentative dates on my calendar and will be there with bells on! :bgrin Everyone interested in coming should also attend the MHCO spring clinic with their horse where Eve is going to introduce us all to driving trials. It will be tons of fun!!!

 

[Dream]

Devon,

For those who have horses that are not ready for the XC or those that don't have breeching (we are requiring breeching since there are hills on course) we are giving the option of driving just the dressage and cones for fun. You wouldn't be in for the overall title but you could get the best dressage score ribbon.

Lori is right that the spring clinic is a great place to be as Eve will be introduce the concept and rules AND the obstacles will be set up for people to practice (including the water!).

 

[stormo41]

thats so cool. Can people come to watch? I would bring a horse if I had one.

-Vanessa

 

[hobbyhorse23]

Wow, that's great you guys! :aktion033: Be sure to post pictures when the time comes.

:

Leia

 

[Devon]

Well Ill Give it a Try at The Clnic And See What He Thinks :bgrin

 

[tifflunn]

If the date is published early enough- I will schedule the day off to come and see what it is about

: Don't have a driving horse yet- maybe by them

:

 

[Mini Lover]

Oh wow. This sounds like so much fun.

: Count me in! :bgrin I can't wait.

See you at the spring clinic.

-Nicole

 

[Dream]

We are hoping to choose the date this October but pretty much know it will be one one of the 3 middle Sundays in June. We are having it on a Sunday so people can come up Saturday for the course walk and camp out. We are hoping if it goes well that we will eventually have an October one too!

Vanessa, spectators are absoutely welcome AND we will need volunteers to time the obstacles on XC.

BTW the judge will be Jeff Kohler (no relation to the faucet family) from Barrie, a very experienced trainer/driver from the Pleasure/ADS world who has recently developed a real appreciation for the Minis and is very excited about this show.

Any of you in New York, Ohio and Michigan...it's worth the drive to Ontario!

 

[Mnmini]

Wheew!

Went to mapquest to see how far away your clinic was...over 1100 miles, ouch! Does your club ever do anything on the west side of the lakes, like Thunder Bay area?

Sounds like a great clinic, so wish I could come.

 

[Dream]

1100 miles is a long drive! Sorry but we don't currently do anything on the other side of the great lakes.

 

[lilfoot]

:aktion033: [SIZE=14pt]I gotta say the MHCO is the best!![/SIZE] :aktion033:

Love the idea & any event where we get to enjoy our minis....

Littlefoot 4-H will definitely be there!

:

(thanks for the invite!)

The campout/bonfire sounds like tons of fun too!

 

[Sunny]

I'm definitely interested in this!! If I'm available that weekend, I'll be there!

 

[midnight star stables]

Nitro and I will be there :saludando: Oh and Sandy, that campout/bonfire sounds so good, I'll be with you all night!

Oh, what kind of tack & cart are needed? Any or reall show-y or easy entry or?? Thanks MHCO :aktion033:

 

[MiLo Minis]

The MHCO is going to allow any cart provided it is of safe construction - easy entry or not, wire wheels or not. Wire wheels are usually not acceptable but because we know a lot of you have them we are going to let you use them. Breeching, as Michelle mentioned, will be mandatory as there are hills and it is for the safety and benefit to the horse. You may or may not use a check - your preference - but it should be a side check IF you are going to use one.

Ane the bonfire should be a hoot! :lol:

 

[twister]

:aktion033: Wow this sounds like great fun, I will have to try it at the clinic to see if Munchie can do it.

:

Yvonne

 

[MyLilShowGirl]

Thats cool! I'll be there...I dont know if I'll be competing..but it sounds like an awesome day!

-kris