ARIZONA DRIVING AND CARRIAGE SOCIETY

UPCOMMING EVENTS AND REVIEW

Learn hazards as demonstrated here by Joan Stearns

by Carol Stearns

Our annual membership meeting and installation of officers is scheduled for noon, July 21, at Mike and Rita Self's place. They will have a turkey cooking on their smoker, and everyone is to bring a favorite side dish. Bring your bathing suit for a dip (Ranch or French Onion?) in their pool. After the meeting, favorite ADS videos will be shown. This lunch is open to members, non-members or all who are interested in the club and want to meet other carriage drivers. So come on out and enjoy the company and food. Besides, what else are you going to do in Phoenix in the middle of July? Call Rita at 602-938-0502 for directions and to let her know you're coming.

On July 27-28, ADCS is happy to have returning clinician, Hardy Zantke, hosted by Peter and Mary Jane Atonna at their home in Paulden. Hardy is not only one of the West's premier drivers, been an alternate to the United states national driving team, but was honored by being selected as the Chef de Equip for the US team last year in Germany for the World Pair Championship. Hardy also was the chief organizer of the California Classic CDE for the years it was held in Southern California. He recently has been offering lessons as clinics at selected locations in the West and is happy to work with any driver from beginning to Advanced levels.

An editors note, I frequently have heard comments from people, who are just starting to ground drive their horse or in very early stages of driving, where they state that "I'm not far enough along" to have a lesson with Hardy. However, there just are not many experienced instructors/trainers (with the knowledge of starting a driving horse, to initial hitching (or 'putting to'), through advanced driving) here in the West as there are people who can break a horse to ride. Because the potential dangers of driving are so great, it is important to start the process correctly, quietly and safely. For example, although I have personally started four horses to drive in the past (one now at the Intermediate level), last year I had Hardy help me long-line then hitch my young mule and drive for his (my mule's) first experience away from home. It was very comforting to know there was someone more practiced and knowledgeable than myself to be watchful and attending. By the second lesson, I was trotting with a very happy mule. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to work with such an experienced clinician at any level you and your animal may be. Additionally, there has been no charge for auditing and Hardy has been very helpful at explaining to auditors what and why he is asking.

Book early as last year's clinic was a sellout. Lessons are 45 minutes at $50 each. Call Mary Jane Atonna at 928-636-4228 or email mjatonna@commspeed.net for information. Lessons are confirmed upon receipt of payment.