President’s Message for September MDDA Newsletter

Time flies when you’re having fun.  The warm summer days are just about gone and it’s hard to believe that only two competitive drives remain in the 2004 season.

It’s truly been fun for me to compete in this year’s distance drives and learn more each drive about my horse. I have really appreciated the time and effort that ride managers have shared with us drivers and look forward already to next year’s events.  I have enjoyed giving support to the new drivers who have participated for the first time and it’s been very satisfying to see them succeed at finishing the drive.  Each drive out they display more confidence from the experiences they have gained.  It’s great to see such variety of equines doing distance driving as well.  From a sturdy miniature to a large warmblood in size, I have learned that most any equine can do this event.

I have also had fun being with MDDA veteran drivers at the competitions, assisting them if they needed help, appreciating them giving me assistance, learning from them and their experiences and just enjoying their stories.  Wow, what stories they can tell while sitting around a campfire or sharing an impromptu potluck. I also shared in the joy and struggles of history being made with Randy and Sharon attempting a two day 60-mile drive at Wildcat.  Throughout the season such great sportsmanship, camaraderie, creative ideas and positive energy has nurtured my soul.

It’s even been fun to work with the MDDA board of directors.  No doubt their good-natured harassment is meant to keep me in line and on my toes.  Earlier this month I came away from a meeting with renewed enthusiasm for year end activities and better ideas for the 2005 season.  I’m excited that we’ve scheduled our first annual MDDA social and awards gathering for all members where we can enjoy each other’s company without the horses. (Read the details elsewhere.) I truly appreciate the board’s efforts to support UMECRA and the ride managers who have supported us.  I like the fairness and the encouragement given the new drivers and veteran competitors, and the recognition given our sponsors and the volunteers (friends and family) who enable us to participate.

I hope you can join us yet this year, on a drive or two in October or the group social in November.  Let’s continue our commitment to MDDA and enjoy each other in actively participating in the fun of distance driving. 

Safe driving and happy trails,

Wes

Wes Licht, MDDA President