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A
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
(2104: It's been great fun, but we are no longer teaching driving. We'll leave the links up as they may be useful to some visitors).
Every class we have is filled with students from different
backgrounds and with different interests and goals. We try
our best to accomodate all in a way that's fair to each. We
focus on SAFETY first, then we work on the basics that apply
to any team worldwide. The things that will keep you out of
trouble are the same in Hungary as they are in Mexico, so
we work hard on developing an understanding of the risks (which
we think can be managed) in any driving style or with any
type of horse.
 Why
do we use draft horses? Two reasons: they are so darned BIG
that their size makes any sensible person pay attention, and
they are so quiet that their disposition reduces the risks
that can be associated with novice drivers. Plus, we just
like them!
Please see our Frequently asked Questions
about our school, and please study LESSON
ONE
We do not teach competitive driving, driving at high speed,
or preparation for the ADS showring. But we can get you trained
with pairs or fours so you can move quickly and safely to
that much more advanced level.
A Typical Four day clinic as an
Introduction to Driving Multiple Horses will
include:
Thursday 1 PM - 4 PM
Students begin to arrive. Getting to know you. By now you
should have read and understood LESSON
ONE plus a few tips and the RULES we operate by. Early
arrivals get to know each other, and often drive a cart or
a 4-up hitch as a passenger or briefly in the driver's seat
(with help!).
Thursday 4 PM CLASS BEGINS: Safety and legal briefing,
What's going to happen to you.
Thursday 5 PM How to harness: safety & fit
Thursday 6 PM til dark. Driving three pairs and one single
horse, Questions & Comments.
Fri/Sat 8 AM How to harness: safety & fit Review
Fri/Sat 9 AM Driving three pairs and one single horse
Fri/Sat Noon Lunch, including Questions & Comments.
 Fri/Sat
1 PM Driving three pairs (or four up and one pair) and one
single horse. Beginning to hitch multiples, as seen here.
Fri/Sat 6 PM Questions & Comments
Sunday 8 AM How to harness: safety & fit Review
Sunday 9 AM Driving three pairs (or four up and one pair)
and one single horse
Sunday Noon Lunch, including Questions & Comments, Adjourn
 Often,
on the last day, if someone is inspired and not too tired,
we will play with the teams. The July 2001 class ended up
doing photography and playing dress-up with our elegant
coaching vehicles, so we could use their pictures on this
website. We sure do thank them, because these shots are a
whole lot nicer than a picture of a coach up against a barn
wall
Shown here, Ann Sutherland, a
typical student properly dressed for driving school. (Sure!).
Classes that teach to a higher level would be longer in time
with more emphasis on backing, operating in tight places,
driving in crowds, driving with distractions, and with multiple
hitches out almost all day.
Do you need directions to our farm?
Our quiet gentle giants will help us teach you how to drive,
and you will never be
the same again. Just listen to Bland Goddin:
. "[My daughter] Maria loves
having her picture on the internet - and in such a beautiful
carriage.
"I had so much fun at the class. The teachers were superb,
the horses were wonderful, and the setting was out of this
world - such a pretty place to be. I have been raving about
the class - I think it was well worth the money and time.
I feel like I can drive and that I know enough about harnessing
to be comfortable with it.
"I thought your emphasis on safety was especially
good and I really liked the way you explained why things needed
to be done in a certain way. That sort of explanation will
help me remember what you have said in a way that rote repetition
will not."
HOTEL and RESORT Horse-Crew Driver Training:
Just as the Mountain Lake Hotel (VA), (VA), and Nemacolin Equestrian Center (PA) send their teamsters here for training, we would be happy to train your resort crew, or undertake recurrent training with them. While these programs are similar, each is customised to the Resort's particular requirements. Please call or email us with your needs.
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