NEW UPDATE...CPR and the Wife (Rose)

[horseyfolks]

Well, we have found a replacement for the illustrious Christmas Pony, the pony from hell! I would like to thank everyone who tried to help us find another pony. Between other members of STRIDE and Florida Whips, folks on this board, and other friends involved with horses in one way or another we had 7 excellent prospects. There was a Welsh Cob, a Haffie/Fell Pony cross, a Hackney, a Haffie, a Caspian, and two Minis to choose from.

The Haffie, the Haffie/Fell cross, and the Welsh were eliminated by reason of size. My wife wants a smallish pony and we already have a cart and harness for a smaller pony. The Hackney was out because (if Pita is any indication) they are hot. That left the Caspian and two Minis. We fell in love with and chose the Caspian because of a number of reasons. #1, he drives like an amatuers dream. He will trot if you ask him to trot but he is perfectly happy to walk. He is not spooky in any way and he is very affectionate. #2, he is perfectly proportioned. He looks like a full size horse but smaller. His body shape matches his legs and neck and he looks like he is put together correctly. He is also fine boned and his look is refined. #3, he is a Caspian. After doing our research, finding out just how few of these horses exist, learning that up until not to long ago (late 60's) they were considered extinct, and talking to Caspian owners (the internet is grand, isn't it) about their personality and desire to please we decided if we could find one we would like to have it.

It turns out that one of our board members (Kearlydk) owns Florida Sun Farms, home of Dimar Caspians, in Hawthorn, Fl, where he raises Caspian Horses.

We now are the proud owners of Cyman (pronounced like two words, Si-Man), a 7 year old Gelding. He is about 11 hands, has driven both single and team, and seems like he will be a great help to my wife as she continues to learn how to drive.

Here are a few pics , Sam, and her trainer, Bob Giles, getting to know Cyman....

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman001.jpg

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman002.jpg

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman003.jpg

I will post some pics of Rose, my wife, and the new guy tomorrow....

Jetiki (Karen), thanks for thinking of us... I see in the new Whips newsletter that there is going to be a Horse Driving Trial (HDT) at John Porters Cypress Keep, May 27/28. Is that a "fun" show like their last one? If it is, we are THERE!!!!

Don

[horseyfolks]

Well, we have found a replacement for the illustrious Christmas Pony, the pony from hell! I would like to thank everyone who tried to help us find another pony. Between other members of STRIDE and Florida Whips, folks on this board, and other friends involved with horses in one way or another we had 7 excellent prospects. There was a Welsh Cob, a Haffie/Fell Pony cross, a Hackney, a Haffie, a Caspian, and two Minis to choose from.

The Haffie, the Haffie/Fell cross, and the Welsh were eliminated by reason of size. My wife wants a smallish pony and we already have a cart and harness for a smaller pony. The Hackney was out because (if Pita is any indication) they are hot. That left the Caspian and two Minis. We fell in love with and chose the Caspian because of a number of reasons. #1, he drives like an amatuers dream. He will trot if you ask him to trot but he is perfectly happy to walk. He is not spooky in any way and he is very affectionate. #2, he is perfectly proportioned. He looks like a full size horse but smaller. His body shape matches his legs and neck and he looks like he is put together correctly. He is also fine boned and his look is refined. #3, he is a Caspian. After doing our research, finding out just how few of these horses exist, learning that up until not to long ago (late 60's) they were considered extinct, and talking to Caspian owners (the internet is grand, isn't it) about their personality and desire to please we decided if we could find one we would like to have it.

It turns out that one of our board members (Kearlydk) owns Florida Sun Farms, home of Dimar Caspians, in Hawthorn, Fl, where he raises Caspian Horses.

We now are the proud owners of Cyman (pronounced like two words, Si-Man), a 7 year old Gelding. He is about 11 hands, has driven both single and team, and seems like he will be a great help to my wife as she continues to learn how to drive.

Here are a few pics , Sam, and her trainer, Bob Giles, getting to know Cyman....

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman001.jpg

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman002.jpg

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman003.jpg

I will post some pics of Rose, my wife, and the new guy tomorrow....

Jetiki (Karen), thanks for thinking of us... I see in the new Whips newsletter that there is going to be a Horse Driving Trial (HDT) at John Porters Cypress Keep, May 27/28. Is that a "fun" show like their last one? If it is, we are THERE!!!!

Don

[SLW]

I want one, I want one!!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif <cannot get a 6th horse.... cannot get a 6th horse....> Looks terrific going through the water obstacle.

Will look forward to reading more about your new one. I'm pea green with envy that ya'll are in short sleeves in January. While it's incredibly warm for Kansas this week it ain't short sleeve weather!!!

[Ashemont]

Oh what a beautiful pony! I'm really envious as I think I've bitten off a bit more than I should've starting out with a BIG warmblood who is prone to those "warmblood spooks" and green as grass to driving.

Your wife is one lucky lady and I can't wait to see photos of her with her new baby http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[kearleydk]

Don and Sam: thanks for the glowing review of Cyman. Notice how the size thing comes through for both Rose and and Ashemont. I've been bragging on Caspians as driving ponies but I'm VERY prejudiced. :-)
Caspiandriver
http://www.DiMarCaspians.com

[Jetiki]

Don,
I think its more of a Horse Driving trial than a fun show, I don't get the whips newsletter as I'm not a whips member. I would join this year if I wasn't moving. But I'll get with those in the know around here and see what I can find out for you. You can also go to their website http://www.cypresskeep.com for other information. They usually do some clinic thing in May as well.


Karen

[Cartfall]

Don,

If it is an HDT at Porter's place, then it is a scaled down CDE. Dressage and cones are usually done on SAturday and then the marathon (section e only) is done on Sunday. That is how they did it in the past. John has some great hazards on his property. The whole marathon part last year was less than 4 km.

Congrats to Rosie on her new pony. I do truly like th e looks of these little guys. Rather elegant!!

[goodhors]

Well Don, looks like you folks got an equally attractive CPR. Of course I am kind of partial to bay.

As a further note, you might want to check with the drivers of small ponies and VSE's. I understand they carry special equipment in their spares kits. Like water wings for the ponies!! Snorkels are good for the pony drivers! All color coordinated. I have heard this from my VSE driving friend who does CDE. Always be prepared is her motto.

[Jetiki]

That cracked me up, being a VSE driver myself LOL!!! But what happens when the horse won't wear the water wings? Mine says they make her look fat!


Karen

[horseyfolks]

I have added a couple pictures of Cyman and Sam taken today. They will give you a little better idea of what the little guy looks like.

I understand it is also a good idea for the smaller ponies and VSE's to carry a set of ramps... they use them to get up out of the ruts those big horses and war wagons leave in the mud! Heheheheehheeeee...

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman004.jpg

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman005.jpg

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman006.jpg

I know we have to do a bit of adjustment on the harness... I'm thinking a wider, better fitting saddle. He has a narrow back so wider would be better, no?

By the way.... if Sam looks cold in these pics it's because she is http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif Today we had blue sky, sunshine, and white fluffy clouds but it was only 59 or maybe 60 degrees with a steady breeze... she was freezing http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

Don

[RidesAHaflinger]

I love the middle pic. The pony is gorgeous! And yes, Sam looks rosy-cheeked and COLD! It's going to be 30 degrees up here in the Panhandle tonight, very windy, and folks, we're just not used to that! Brrr.

[SLW]

I don't know if it's the same for larger equines but with my minis I was told, and do, have the point of the shaft ending at the point of their shoulder. Are they suppose to extend beyond the shoulder w/ larger equines?

I've never seen the extra strap your harness has on the breeching which looks like it attaches to the shafts. It's the piece that begins at the dock and runs forward. What is that for??

I'm smitten with your pony, really kind looking and not at all wooly! And geee whiz, 60 degrees and ya'll are shivering??? LOL!!!

[RidesAHaflinger]

Actually the shafts might be the right length but in the pictures the pony appears to be a little closer to the dash than you might want him to be. Letting the traces out a hole or two would put the pony a few inches further from the dash and then the shafts might be OK. But, no, the shafts shouldn't extend out that far.

The strap you're referring to is the kickstrap aka bucking strap.

[kookicat]

Well, I know next to nothing about driving, but what a lovely pony! Good luck with him!

(Hope you don't mind a vistitng eventer on your board!) http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Drive NJ]

Don

Good news on your lovely CRP. Looks like a real sweetie that YOUR sweetie can enjoy and learn all the fun of driving with.

Kookicat - we welcome all to this board, but be warned we like to suck you in and get you hooked - literally http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif First thing you know it'll be thinking about driving your eventer or your semi retired pony and we've got you http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[horseyfolks]

Actually, I think the shafts are a bit too long myself... I have an appointment at Buggys and Carts on Tuesday, next week, to have them shortened and then re-install the tips and leather.

Since Sam doesn't know the pony yet, and that harness doesn't have one, she stuck on a bucking (or kicking) strap from another harness. Thats what the extra strap on the britchin is. I think I am also getting him a new wider saddle and I'll get the right size strap at the same time.

I really appreciate all the kind words from y'all.... he seems like a wonderful addition to our barn and I'll keep y'all posted on his progress... Tomorrow, pictures of Rose (my wife) driving him!

Don

[Justinesue]

What a good looking pony. He looks like a real sweetie. Lots of luck that this one is a keeper.

[Drive NJ]

Don
This is the other half of DNJ talking
Before you go out shortening your shafts, you really should work with Bob G. and get all the harness fitted out on the pony correctly to see what you really need to do.
You commented that you think the shafts might be too long so you were going to cut off the tips and re-apply leathers etc. Where you really should have them shortened is from the back.
If you just cut off the front you end up with the curve of the shaft in the wrong place. It should be positioned at the "waist" of the pony, by the saddle. Right now in your pics (#004 & 006 show this well) Your tug loop is about 6 inches behind the narrow spot on the shaft. If you just cut off the front end, the shafts will ride wide on the pony.

The other thing that looks odd right now is the height of the singletree. It is making the trace go downhill to the breast-collar, which also appears to be hanging a bit low.

With Bob's help, once you get all the pieces in the right place, you may find the cart really is the right distance from Cyman's butt! Or not? A number to keep in mind is FEI recommends about 18 inches from the singletree to the horses butt - obviously you can downsize this for ponies.

The way Cyman is built, a future purchase dream could be one of those shaped breast collars to handle his lower set base of neck, so he has lots of room to breathe. I know the Zilco ones are used a lot on marathon 4-wheelers (with a lowset singletree), but I understand that they have some flexible adjustment to work better with the straight-back singletree of 2-wheel carts. Friends up here with minis have worked with an Amish harness maker to redesign one specifically to work with carts. I think the one Claudette sells also works with carts.

Hopefully you'll get good weather over the weekend so you can play with Cyman and test a few more things out before you go making changes.

And by the way, 60 degrees ain't cold! Gotta get below 30 to really be cold (and luckily we haven't had too much of that yet either!)

[Cartfall]

Let me state that as the Founder of the Blue Tarp State Driving Clique, I feel qualified to reply to the comments from your Northern types. I refer to our "cold" weather. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/uhoh.gif Granted 59 degrees does not seem cold, but add in the dampness of our fair state and it is cut to the bone chill. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Sami, I am with you girlfriend, it was cold and will be even cold over the weekend. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Sorry to borrow your thread, Don, but I remember the days when we lived up North and looked longingly at the temps of 60 and 65 in Central Florida. The first winter down here dang near killed me!!!


I do like your pony and good for Sami for putting on that bucking/kicking strap. Safety first!!!

1 week to Black Prong!!! Team Shady Oaks is gearing up!!!! Justinesue tells me all is well in the team colors department!!

[SLW]

Adding to DriveNJ dream purchase, here is the "V" breastcollar that the mini crowd is using: http://www.thecarriagehouse.com/VBreastCollar.htm I purchased the entire harness and am pleased with it's fit, stiching and looks. The collar is available to purchase separately.

And us folks in the lower midwest just have to dog ya'll Floridians about your winter days! I actually was born in Pensacola but grew up along the east coast of SC and VA so I do know how a "wet cold" feels and it is awful. I'll take 20 degree and no humidty over 30 and damp anyday. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif It's just the fact that your grass is still green that makes me jealous!

[kookicat]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Kookicat - we welcome all to this board, but be warned we like to suck you in and get you hooked - literally First thing you know it'll be thinking about driving your eventer or your semi retired pony and we've got you </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, I do have an out of work mare who I could use.... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[RidesAHaflinger]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by SLW:
It's just the fact that your grass is still green that makes me jealous! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That and the fact that it will be back in the 70's by tomorrow are what I like about our winters!

[Drive NJ]

SLW - You get 20 degrees and NO humidity???

Here in NJ we have the "best" of both worlds - cold AND humid http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Ashemont]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Here in NJ we have the "best" of both worlds - cold AND humid </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was born and raisd in NJ and can attest to that! One of my mother's favorite sayings was "If you can live in NJ you can live ANYWHERE" and she sure was right. I've lived all over the US and the world and never had a problem adjusting to various climates http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[horseyfolks]

First, the weather! It was VERY COLD here this morning http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif At 6:45 AM when Sam went out to feed it was 36 degrees at the barn http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif The horses were all blanketed, the donkey was blanketed, even the dogs had to have their blankets on http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif before they were let out of the house at 6:30 to do their business. Sam fed and then her and I went to the Cafe for breakfast. By the time we finished, stopped at the feed store for wormers, and got back to the barn (8:00) it was 42 and with the sun up strong it was warming quickly. At noon it was 70 in the sun (thats a LOT better). Supposed to be colder tonight!

Well my wife, Rose, spent an hour grooming and fussing over Cyman today and then about an hour and a quarter driving him close to the house. Because he is new to her she wanted to stay close so she just worked around the barns and the house and she had a ball! I think Cyman thinks he has died and gone to pony heaven! He has found someone who likes to go slow, have long conversations with while driving, and who's idea of moving out briskly involves a very slow relaxed trot http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif I really believe Cyman thinks Pita is absolutely nuts! Sam and Pita go flying by with those legs pumping and you can almost see Cyman shake his head at how any pony could be that crazy. On the other hand he does not mind Jake along with him as long as Jake is in front. He does not like Jake and his cart behind him at all but he is perfectly content to follow behind.

We made a few adjustments to the harness and it seems to be fitting better. Got a ways to go but I think its going to be ok.

Here are some pics...

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman007.jpg

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman008.jpg

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman009.jpg

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Cyman/cyman010.jpg

I appreciate y'alls patience reading and commenting on these posts. I know its not as exciting to y'all as it is to us....

Don

[Dreag823]

Don,

I DO HOPE that you and Rose will bring the new guys with you to Black Prong. I'm sure he could use the "experience" of hanging out and that way everyone can fuss over him. I was checking out the Caspians at the Whips weekend back in Oct as Annie was one of the youth drivers that Bob worked with. What a cute breed. And hey guys, they are HORSES not ponies. I guess it has to do with how they are put tigether. Ane yes, I know that by height measurements they fit in the "pony" category

BTW, you guys staying over or trailering in each day? When will you know Sammi's times? I have to work on Friday, but hope to swing by over the weekend as it is only 14 miles from my house. Might go ride Luke also as Bob is competing. Gotta drive that direction anyway as the vendors have toset up at the local gas station (which I think in TERRIBLE!)

[kearleydk]

Hi all you driving nuts:

Don that photo number ten says it all!!!! What a grin on Rose's face. I'm so glad this is working for you.

Dreag, I remember you from the Whips event. You were doing a great job hauling Bob around on a golf cart. Thank you for doing that. People who do those volunteer type jobs need all the credit and praise we can dish out. I also want to thank you for sticking up for the fact that a Caspian is a HORSE and DNA studies show them to be an ancestor of the Arabian. They can't help it if they were lost from recorded history for 2000 years.

I drove the Hunter Pace 5 mile carriage Pace at Misty Morning Hounds Perry Plantation this afternoon. The lack of volunteers was rather apparent. When you drive 5 miles without seeing another person or horse it feels a little lonely. A volunteer on an ATV looking over the course with Binoculars would have been a security blanket. The drive went without a hitch (pardon the bad pun)

This event was poorly attended maybe due to cold but after lunch it was pretty nice for cry'in out loud. I would like to see some other board members try this drive when it comes up again. It's very easy and low key and we should try to support every driving venue available. If these folks lay out a course and do all the paperwork and only a couple of carriages show up they will quickly make Perry Plantation not available for driving. I will offer my services to help them lay an interesting course if they do it again.

Unfortunately they did not allow me to use Triumph as he is a stallion so Arman had to pull the little Jerald cart by himself. He trotted as fast as he could for at least 85% of the course, cantered about 5%, and slowed his trot for about 10%. He had plenty left at the end of the five miles.

Caspiandriver
http://www.DiMarCaspians.com

[RidesAHaflinger]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">


This event was poorly attended maybe due to cold but after lunch it was pretty nice for cry'in out loud. I would like to see some other board members try this drive when it comes up again. It's very easy and low key and we should try to support every driving venue available. If these folks lay out a course and do all the paperwork and only a couple of carriages show up they will quickly make Perry Plantation not available for driving. I will offer my services to help them lay an interesting course if they do it again.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If I'd had some advance notice I would have attended! Was it on the Whips calendar? It doesn't have to be a Whips event to be listed there so maybe you can get them to help publicize it next year. I want to get down there and meet up with the Misty Morning Hunt and this would have been a good opportunity to do that. I have a lifelong goal of learning how to fox-hunt and I think this next year will be my year to start. We're going to have a son attending U of FL in Gainesville in two years so I thought I could work in visits to him along with hunting with the MM group! Wish I'd been there to drive with you today!!

BTW, Haflingers are also horses, genetically speaking. But they get called ponies by a lot people, including me! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[goodhors]

Whatever the breeding, if animal is under the size listed, 14.2H in most instances, it is a pony.

I am more Western oriented and that was always the cutoff point. I know that other disciplines like Pony Club include 14.2H as pony size. Sure was a surprise to my old Western horse, when she was measured a pony for Gymkana games competition! She was exactly 14.2H, always had been a horse size for my Western riding shows.
We have met a lot of small QHs over the years who didn't reach 14.2H and lost their QH papers from the registry. They were well-bred, cute, proportionate, but forever after, ponies. Not ever called small horses. Didn't matter if their parents had been horses, it was all a height decision.
Arabs go just by bloodline, don't pull papers on small animals, just call them Arabs. I have heard them refered to as Arab pony and Arab horse, depending on individual. Compete at breed shows in the same classes.
Morgans seem to be the same way, do not pull the papers on small ones. Though little ones may move from breed Morgan shows to pony show classes. Can fetch more money as ponies than as Morgans.

[kearleydk]

Ridesahaflinger: Here is link to Misty Morning schedule: http://www.mistymorninghounds.com/fixture.html
Looks like there is a Pace March 11 and April 8

sorry to set off the pony/horse debate. Call 'em whatever. Just ride 'em or drive 'em and give 'em a hug and a pat for me.

[Justinesue]

Andrea, how did you hear about the vendors? I was informed to keep it quiet, but I will be there. Yes, it is terrible, but as Alan said "it's his sandbox".

I am going to try to slip away to see some of the marathon.

[Dreag823]

DK,
I'm new to this driving stuff, so I don't even know what half these events ARE. What the heck is a pace? I've seen it listed in calendars but am clueless.

Looks like a nice facility. I agree with getting it listed in the FL WHIPS calendar, I look there a lot. Volunteering is a great way to learn stuff without paying (such as the whips workshop). I have to be careful not to over-volunteer myself, I have a way of doing that.

Justinesue: I heard about the vendors from a thread here months ago. I sent an email saying that as a newbie having vendors was VERY helpful in learning about stuff. Heck, last year the Black Prong CDE was the first driven event I ever went to. I asked lots of questions from the vendors and it did not detract from the action. Heck, one year later I have taken the WHIPS/SFCC 2 day learn to drive class, moved to a place with acreage, found a horse to lease, started taking driving lessons with Bob, went to (and volunteered at) the Whips 3 day clinic, bought a cart and a harness. This all started with going to Black Prong and getting interested in driving. Alan had said he would have vendors in Feb., hope this is true.

email me at dreag823@aol.com. Maybe I can help watch the shop if you want to go watch some competition. Us Levy COunty folk need to stick together!

[horseyfolks]

Actually, a horse under 14.2 is not automatically considered a pony under ADS rules. It is really up to the owner.

When we decided to get a Caspian I did a lot of research.. in regards to "is a Caspian a pony or a horse" I found the following...

According to ADS Rules Chapter 8, Article 15, Paragraph 3 ... "In all but Combined Driving Competitions, a registered horse of a breed permitting horses to be 14.2 and under (i.e. Arabian, Morgan, Quarterhorse, etc) may show as a horse, but not as a horse and a pony at the same show."

It's amazing that I actually know a reg. out of the book....

Don

[Justinesue]

Wow, Andrea, you have had a busy year. But, at least you knew exactly what you wanted to do. I applaude your enthusiasm and determination. We will have to meet up and drive together one of these weekends.

Thanks for the offer. My friend that sells with me may be there, but I will let you know. I would like to see Cartfall and Sammi do the marathon and get some pics. I have a very good camera with a big zoom. I need to see these outfits in action that me and my friend have been working on for Horsefolks.

I seriously doubt if vendors will be allowed at Black Prong in Feb. They haven't been allowed to the other shows, so why then? You have to figure that we may p---s Alan off after this coming show, too.

[49'er]

Actually I just looked this up in the rulebook and it is not true of CDE's. There anything under 14.2 or 148 cm w/o shoes (I believe) is a pony.

[Cartfall]

Ridesahaffie,

A hunter pace is the hunter/eventer answer to the trace pace for drivers. I have actually ridden the Misty Morning Hounds Trace Pace a couple of times over the last few years. It was a very nice farm which had jumps on it. You ride/drive the route and you pick your pace as to the level of experience. You can jump or not. It really is a on your honor type of thing that you go the entire course. They even have one old pickup truck out in the middle of a field that people jump. They always offered a driving class but I wasn;t into the driving in those days. It was just something to do with my horse. We actually won one and placed third in another one year. We would go out in a group.

It really is a long haul from where I used to live for a 5 mile ride. But we wanted to try one. There is another down by Tampa, usually in Dec I think.

Kearlydk, glad to hear your little one could do fine by himself.

[horseyfolks]

Donna... give Harvey a call... he told me at Continental Acres that vendors will be at Black Prong in February.

49'er, I think thats what they mean in the rule I posted when it said "In all BUT Combined Driving Competitions..." http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Andrea... no new guy at Black Prong. Don't want to distract Sam with anything except her CDE. Maybe in a couple weeks a trip up to Wanda's? Sam will be staying with Bob and Brenda, Pita will be in a stall at BP, and Rose and I will drive back and forth each day (got other horses to care for).

Probably won't know Sam's times until Thursday afternoon. We will be getting to BP about 2 or 2:30 on Thurs afternoon...

I know Pita is ready. Today, Sunday, is his last day of long miles for training. From now until the CDE he will get a little trot work, some driven dressage, and once or twice through the cones. A short warm up Thursday afternoon and Friday he will be ready and eager to go. My worry is he will be too ready http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

Sam, on the other hand, is not so easy. This kid has done probably close to 200 dressage shows up to and including State Championships and multiple Regional Championships. She has been demo lesson horse/rider for clinics with Michael Poulin, Walter Zettl, and Max Gahwyler. She is very familiar with center stage... You would think one more show would be no big deal, right? WRONG!! She acts like she is 8 years old and this is her first ever 4-H show! Things that she can do in her sleep she is suddenly worried about. She is afraid Pita will do things he has never even thought of doing. I'm thinking a double shot of Jack and a couple Prozacs the day of the show http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Don

[Trakehner]

What a cute little guy...yeah, I know...20th person to say that...but he is.

I love driving ponies, you can hear em' swearing away under their little pony breath...

Wonder if I can carry a pony on the marathon carriage as a spare in case my Shire poops out?

[Warmheart]

Okay, I miss a few days and one pony is gone another acquired and I see something about your wife Rose and CPR in the title. NOT FUNNY !!!
I had to scan through everything to make sure that you did not have to give your wife CPR. So in reference to your lovely new Caspian Horse/Pony what does CPR stand for?? You had me hyperventilating at the computer.
BTW, Cyman is lovely and Rose looks happy as well. Glad that things worked out for the best. Still wondering why your pony who was known went from Dr. Jekyl to Mr. Hyde. I wonder if there is something sneaking up on him inside that would require more extensive testing. Not your problem anymore though, and you made the right decision. Congrats on the right path.
Trakehner, I don't think your Shire could care less about the addition of a pony, the question is ( and your Shire wants to know ) How much will that pony swear hauling him around on the carriage when he gives out??? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[horseyfolks]

I'm sorry Warmheart... the original message got changed through the updates http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif CPR stands for Christmas Pony Replacement http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

As far as the first pony, I don't know. He was a really nice pony but he developed issues we didn't understand. I think he just really missed his old home. He just wasn't happy with us.

Don

[49'er]

Sorry Horseyfolks. Did not remember all of your message when I posted about the height thing. Alzheimer's setting in, I guess. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[horseyfolks]

Hey 49'er... thats alright. You didn't do anything wrong http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif I finally learned that there are three absolute ways to tell that your getting old... The first one is loss of memory... and, ummm, I can't remember the other two http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

Don

[kearleydk]

The news of the CPR is circulating! At Fox HUnt this AM we were treated to the rumor that a friend of a friend of a friend had purchased a Caspian gelding for driving. We just smiled and smiled.

We also heard from another lady that a friend of a friend is looking for a driving pony and had heard of Caspians. She had passed on our phone number and hoped it was OK :-)

[horseyfolks]

Well, Dick, thats great for the breed but don't give them our number http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif! Cyman is NOT for sale http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif I showed this post to Rose and she said they have a better chance of getting me in harness then buying HER horse http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

We have been putting off installing arena lighting so Sam can ride after dark for about 7 months. Now, all of a sudden, Rose says lights are a wonderful idea!!

I guess what is said is true.... the cheapest part of owning a horse is buying it!

Don

[Cartfall]

Having talked to Rosie herself, she is greatly pleaed with her new Christmas pony!!! So very glad to hear it from the lady herself!!! Congrats.