By Jac Deweese

Saturday, March 18, proved to be a bright and sunny day as we began setting up for our annual spring clinic. This year we were located at Dan and Judy Lynch’s beautiful facility near Cross Plains, Wisconsin.

We had 21 participants plus 10 members who were present to help with the food, registration and presentations. Space in the lounge was at a premium, but the attendees were all interested in the subject and easily adapted to the tight quarters.

Wes Licht started the clinic promptly at 9:30 and the time flew by as the attendees were introduced to our sport. Roger Houk presented the rules for competitive driving and explained that these guidelines exist for the safety of everyone involved and especially the horses. Then Elinore Tonsor explained the score sheet and how it is the veterinarian’s evaluation of the horse that decides the score. The score sheet is difficult to describe and did prompt a number of questions. Soon it was time for a brief morning break with an ample supply of muffins, fruit and various drinks.

Connie Gray and Sandy Rudstrom then discussed conditioning the driving horse. It was explained that, although our driving horses are not stressed as much as the typical endurance riding horse, a conditioning program is necessary to be successful and insure the welfare of your horse. This brought on a good deal of questions and discussion with various members describing their conditioning techniques. There was also discussion about whether a particular type of horse could/should be used. Participants were assured that many types from minis to draft crosses have been used with some success, but they should recognize that the thicker-muscled types will probably require more conditioning to excel at this sport.

Next Romona Radtke discussed feeding the competitive driving horse. Her theme was to keep it simple, but recognize that there may be a need for supplements, especially here in Wisconsin where we have a known selenium deficiency. She also explained the value of beet pulp in adding both moisture and bulk to a competing horse and the need to replace electrolytes lost from sweat in competition. She emphasized the need to keep hay and water available to the horse at all times.

Jac Deweese finished the morning session by discussing what to expect on the day of an event. He stressed the importance of planning for all kinds of weather, detailed the items in a spare’s kit, and how to follow a marked trail.

He noted that everyone works together to help the competitors complete the course, for to finish is to win.

Jane Licht and Wes distributed some door prizes and the group eagerly broke for a fine lunch of chili, hot dogs, vegetables, fruit and a variety of desserts. All the food was supplied by MDDA members and served by Marguerite Deweese, Dana Houk and Marge Gettelman. Discussion about distance driving continued unabated through the lunch period.

In the afternoon participants gathered in the heated arena as Wes Licht used his experienced horse Lady and, with Romona as veterinarian and Glenn Garbisch scribing, demonstrated the pre-drive vet check. After passing the vet check he proceeded to tack up and explain the various parts of the harness and its proper fit. The horse was then put to the cart and, following some final adjustment with Sandy administering a safety check, they were off around the arena to simulate an actual drive. After a couple of rounds Wes was informed that he was at the 2 mile marker. Another round and he came in to the finish where he was given his time card and proceeded to unhitch and unharness. He then offered Lady a drink and demonstrated calming her down in preparation for the final vet check. Lady, in her typical style, scored very well, although it was obvious that she was confused by the short drive.

Lady and three other horses provided by Wes were used in the final activity involving hands-on practice for determining the fitness of horses. Each of the clinic participants were given the opportunity to check the pulse and listen to gut sounds using a stethoscope. Connie, Sandy, Elinore and Romona were small group leaders that handled many questions and aided others in also checking hydration, capillary refill and respiration.

The program ended slightly behind schedule but with much enthusiasm and many positive comments from the participants – several even indicated their intent to come to our Iron Oak event on April 29^th near Sauk City.

Thanks to everyone for another very successful clinic.