FIRST OFFICIAL MEETING OF THE MIDWEST DISTANCE DRIVING ASSOCIATION

FIRST OFFICIAL MEETING OF THE MIDWEST DISTANCE DRIVING ASSOCIATION

By Jane Licht

A core group of competitive driving enthusiasts have been talking about the Midwest Distance Driving Association (MDDA) for about a year and finally, the first official meeting of the organization occurred the last day of January 2001. Eighteen people attended the meeting at the home of Chuck and Connie Gray near Eagle, Wisconsin. Theresa Burns-Metcalf was elected chairman and she conducted the meeting. Theresa became interested in both competitive driving and riding through her friendship with Rammona Radtke, who has been very active in planning and organizing distance riding in Wisconsin for many years.

Competitive driving is similar to competitive riding in that the sport tests the conditioning of the horse, and the veterinarian is, in essence, the “judge” of the event. A well-conditioned horse that can cover ground efficiently and with a body structure that dissipates heat effectively will begin and end the event with a heart and respiration rate considered excellent. Good manners, no new cuts or nicks on the legs, healthy gut sounds and a willingness to move out at the end of the distance ride or drive, also help the point totals. Each horse begins the event with 400 points and the trick is to give up as few points as possible. Horse enthusiasts who are no longer able to ride comfortably or who wish to try a new challenge, are becoming interested in driving. They perhaps used to enjoy trail riding. Competitive driving is trail driving. The beauty and challenge of the trails adds to the interest of the sport of competitive driving.

Theresa explained that at the last meeting of the Upper Midwest Endurance & Competitive Riding Association (UMECRA), the group voted to award “sanctioned status” to MDDA for five years. This means that MDDA has five years to increase membership, hold distance drives in cooperation with UMECRA distance riding events, and eventually become self-sufficient and financially independent.

Others from the group were elected as board members of Midwest Distance Driving Association. Wes Licht is the vice-president of the new group. Connie Gray is the treasurer and Jane Licht is the secretary. Elinore Tonsor is the UMECRA liaison. Sandy Rudstrum is the at large board member, and Deb Fischer is the historian and webmaster. Wes, Connie and Sandy have participated in distance driving and have also volunteered their time. Jane has served as crew and volunteer. Elinore has served as presenter for a distance-driving clinic and volunteered her time to promote the sport. Deb Fischer is a horse owner new to driving and interested in learning more.

Theresa said that she would work on the constitution and by-laws for the MDDA, using resources from other horse groups and help from Chuck Kranz. “Our articles of incorporation as a non-profit must be filed with the horse groups and assistance from Chuck Kranz. “Our articles of incorporation as a non-profit must be filed with the State Department of Financial Institutions to achieve our official non-profit status for insurance and other purposes,” she explained.

Up coming events were discussed. There will be a Competitive Driving Clinic March 17 at Milton, Wisconsin. Pauline Stollenwerk volunteered to bring her horse to demonstrate how to take a horse’s metabolics. Other MDDA members volunteered to give presentations and provide other help. For more information, see the MDDA Clinic ad in this Wisconsin Horseman’s News, or contact Theresa Burns-Metcalf at 608-943-6126 or email dawnmeto@mhtc.net

On April 28^th there will be a Novice Competitive Drive at Iron Oak Farm near Janesville, Wisconsin. The event is especially for novice drivers and features an overview of the rules and guidelines. Both 12 mile and 6 mile drives are offered. Single horse and multiples are welcomed. Other drives were discussed, including the popular Glacier Trails ride and drive at Palmyra.

Before the meeting was adjourned, Wes reminded everyone that MDDA is a reality because of the efforts of Theresa, Rammona and Elinore. He expressed his appreciation and everyone applauded. “We will do what it takes to jumpstart MDDA and keep distance driving going,” he said.