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Driving |
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| We are passionate about driving. Our interest started with country pleasure in a standard two wheel Jerald cart, progressed to a replica of a turn of the century Doctor's Buggy pulled by a single horse, then to a two horse team in both light and draft harness, then a team with the Doctor's Buggy, and finally a four up pulling a beautiful vis-a-vis. We hope you will enjoy these pictures as much as we have enjoyed making them. |
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Message from Susan: From the first moment I saw miniatures in cart, I knew I wanted to drive. In fact, the image of driving was the push behind the purchase of our first minature. Driving is just THE most fun that you can have! |
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Message from Al: I figured if she could drive, I could too. But beyond that, I had to know why harness was made the way it was and how carts and carriages were constructed. This led me to restore the hitch wagon you see below and to concentrate on correct driving techniques for impulsion and collection. The challenge of team driving is very compelling for me. I strive for perfection in all of the driving disciplines. There is so much to learn and I have only just begun.
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This is our first minature horse, Lazy H Dark Storms Blue Indigo. Actually, this picture is not a novice shot, because Susan had already added the larger wooden wheels for Country Pleasure Driving and the lap robe. But they did well. Indy took a 3rd at the AMHA National Show that year. |
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And then there was that wonderful AMHA Regional Show where Indy and Susan won every class they went in. It was just awsome! |
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Al's first love was a strawberry roan pinto named Cross Country's Raven. Al and Raven and our friend Sayer Moser Townsend collected over 15 AMHA and PtHA National Championships. Raven has a huge heart and loves to perform. Raven is now retired, and is passing on that desire to perform to his get. |
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Al then started showing Quicksilver's Windstar, a beautiful silver grey. Driving obstacle is Star's best performance category, but he has also done well in Amateur Country Pleasure Driving. Al started using Star in various Texas ADT competitions, and that is where Star really excelled. Now known as the Silver Bullet on the Texas ADT Circuit, Star is very hard to beat in dressage, cones, hazards and the marathon. |
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This beautiful Doctor's Buggy is a replica of a turn of the century rig. The dress Susan is wearing is patterned after Jayne Semour, Frontier Doctor, and was designed by Mary Helen Holly of Horse of Course. The books are 1900 circa authentic medical books and there was an authentic doctor's bag in the rack at the back of the buggy. Notice Susan is now wearing brown leather gloves, as is appropriate for driving . Susan and Indy won AMHA Reserve National Championship in the Antique Vehicle class. |
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For his first venture into team driving, Al teamed Lazy H Dark Storms Blue Indigo with Dry Creek Dark Storms Lucky Strike in the Fine Harness Pair or Tandem. The carriage is a Windsor Coach built by David Conian of Royal Oak Carriages. The team took a Third at AMHA Nationals. |
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This is a hitch wagon which was originally built for the Regina Winery out of California. Fred Daniels, shown here, often thrilled the crowd with his wild and wooley performances with the four abreast team. The wheels are all wooden with leather bearings and were estimated to be over 100 years old in 2000 when Al purchased the entire rig: wagon, harness and four horses. Al did not purchase the vest or hat. |
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Al replaced every nut and bolt on the wagon, built a new single tree, replaced all hardware on the outside of the wagon and repainted. This labor of love took over 12 months. Al teamed Lil Hills Kings Billy Ray with one of the original team, D Tees Dark Bay Eagle, and took a Reserve Championship in the Draft Pair or Tandem Class at AMHA Nationals. |
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The same team of Billy Ray and Eagle competed in Fine Harness pulling the Windsor Coach. They took Third. Note that lamps have now been added to the carriage. Not bad for a brand new team! Love the tux and top hat. |
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Windstar takes his turn in Antique Vehicle in the Doctor's Buggy and is awarded National Champion. Isn't he just beautiful? |
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In her first public team driving effort, Susan teamed Windstar with Mardi Gras Links Cowboy in the Doctor's Buggy (top down) for the Fine Harness Pair or Tandem Class. The team was awarded Reserve Championship in a tough class against both Bill McKew and Ray Ross, both long time AMHA multi-hitch competitors. Susan is convinced that her figure eight, which included a salute to the judge and very correct dressage circles, won the day. |
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The pinnacle for Al was his four up team of Billy Ray, Eagle, Star and Cowboy. This aggressive endeavor was not without heart pounding events that will only be told offline. (Call Al directly for all the details!) But as you can see, the team was awarded a National Championship. Al has on the tux and top hat again. Susan has on a black and white Gibson Girl dress and hat designed by Mary Helen Holley of Horse Of Course. And if you look really closely, you will see our little white miniature schnauser, Sugar, along for the ride. Isn't this just a lovely turn out?
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2005 has been a very slow year in terms of driving competition for Susan and Al. Many life events have distracted their attention, including caring for Susan's elderly father, the end of Susan's 20 year career with Enron, Al's office relocation to downtown Houston with the new 1+ hour commute, and the opening of Susan's new law office. But....there are a couple of projects in the wind. See you in 2006! |
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WHAT IS NEXT IN DRIVING FOR WCF? Since 2006, Al and Susan have been enjoying Combined Driving Events. Check out our CDE / ADT pictures on the Photo Gallery. |
