President=s Message -September 2002

Hello to all,

I hope that you have taken time to enjoy some of this beautiful fall weather. Just yesterday, I took the afternoon to do some conditioning at Governor Dodge State Park. It was a perfect day with partly cloudy skies and a cool breeze. As soon as we ( Me riding Opal and Gus in tow )

walked up the first hill, I could smell that fall was in the air. The leaves rustled beneath the horses= hooves. I saw fields of asters both white and blue mixed in with the goldenrod. It sure was a pretty picture. Butterflies and birds were plentiful. The trails were in wonderful condition. It was a great day and very uplifting. I am thankful that we have access to parks such as this to enjoy the outdoors with our horses.

Speaking of enjoying trails with our horses, brings to mind why I enjoy distance driving. Those miles and miles of trails to cover, and new things that the horses are exposed to and doing my best to take care of them during the drive are some key points to the joys and challenges of competitive distance driving.

I have noticed lots of new drivers at the pleasure shows and combined driving events. The sport of driving equine style is growing. I am sure that some of those drivers would enjoy distance driving. I am looking for input on ways to promote our sport. Wes Licht and I were discussing ways to encourage folks to participate. One idea that we had was to schedule three or four novice events throughout the season. Just offer driving and a novice ride and have it at different locations too.

Perhaps folks that are new to the sport are too intimidated to come to a big distance event. We have a good turnout for our April - Iron Oak Novice event. Both of us will be checking into a couple possible locations. I think it would be great if we could have Iron Oaks at a different site. If you know of a site that might work for a novice event let us know. If you have any ideas for promoting, let us hear from you. The next step is to find dates that would work and not conflict with UMECRA rides close by.

Some of the MDDA members did some clinics early last year. Perhaps if we did a video and a booklet on distance driving we could get to more people. If each member could talk with one person and help them get started in distance driving, it would help the sport grow.

Looking forward to seeing you at the next distance drive. Until then promote, promote MDDA.

Safe and Happy Trails

Theresa