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club News
Temora Carriage Club
Last updated January 2012:
Kerrie Rosetta:
Temora Club hosted Kate Wholagan for her School in October at Cedar Farm. Young Cameron Roberts was a groom for Ben Rosetta and helped all day. The club had a BBQ tea cooked by Harry Hol and a line painting demonstration was conducted by Rob Robertson. Sharon Beattie and Kay Rose had lessons with Kate and are looking forward to another school with Kate. Wayne and Ann Townsend came for a look and are getting ready to join in.
The club gained a grant recently and has purchased a set of cones. It also has applied successfully to host the November State Meeting, which will be held at Stockinbingal.
Ben Rosetta competed in a few Spring CDEs and won the NSW Championships Open Pony class. Steinroschen and Ben then went on to Sydney to compete in the Singles Obstathon at Equitana, where they came second.
Tamworth Regional Horse Drawn Club
Last Updated January 2012:
Quite a few members competed in the harness classes at the APSB Show at Manilla in October. Dee Hillard took out the Champion Miniature Pony, whilst Karl Olsson won Champion Horse and Champion Turnout. Everyone came away with ribbons.Amanda See competed in the NSW CDE Championships at Marrar and was placed 3rd in her class. From there Amanda went to Equitana the following week where she drove in the Singles Obstathon, placing 4th. She then went back home to Bunnan before going to Manilla with her NZ billet Dawn Millar the next day, for a more relaxed drive with the club. The following weekend they were both off to the Longwood CDE in Victoria where Dawn was to drive Amanda’s horse Teamwork.
The club drive at Manilla was well supported with 19 members attending from as far away as Merriwa, Walcha, Mullaley, Murrurundi and Gunnedah, as well as the local members. The drive headed out from Liz O’Brien’s place towards the Tamworth Rd. Some people opted to do a shorter run due to their horses’ fitness levels, but all eventually returned to the starting point, ready for lunch. After lunch people harnessed up again, even though rain was threatening, to run through a non competitive cones course set up in the back paddock. Luckily everyone had gone home by the time the heavens opened up and in no time Manilla had received 75mm of rain.
Karl and Lyn Olsson with Gridion Boy and Liz O’Brien with Mr Eyor and Bundy Bear travelled down to Clarendon for the National Show Driving Championships at Hawkesbury Showground on November 20. Both Karl and Liz had a successful day winning several classes, including Karl’s win in the Gentleman Driver and Liz’s win in the Cones for Ponies ne 10.2hh.
The Tamworth Club Christmas Party at the Bendemeer Hotel attracted thirty members. There was a slideshow presentation of the year’s activities within the club and also at the 40th Anniversary Festival and the National Show. The Christmas Raffle which contained lots of wonderful goodies donated by members was won by Peter Daley. Santa’s helpers were also very generous, with presents for all the attendees.
Plans are well under way for the Club’s CDE to be held on May 26/27 2012. Excellent sponsorship has already been received for this event.
The Janelle Marshall Clinic held mid week and co hosted by the Hunter and Tamworth Clubs at Murrurundi was a very educational and rewarding experience. It was well attended with a full day of classes and plenty of fence sitters, not bad for a mid week activity. Lessons with Janelle are thoroughly recommended.
![[ACDS National Show Driving Championships 2011]](http://www.carriagedrivingnsw.org.au/gallery/1392.jpg)
Hills District Harness Club
Last updated January 2012:
The Hills Club lost one of its most loyal and hardworking members – Kath Smith, when she passed away early in November. Kath was a wonderful member and her enthusiasm, quick wit and great sense of humour will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences to Max, Anne, Phillip and Shirley and Peter and Gail.
The Hills usual October activity is the Safety and New Horse/New Driver Day but this year it had to be cancelled at the last minute due to the wet state of the grounds. It was disappointing as several new and long time members had horses ready to bring to the day.
The annual Hills Club Trivia Night in November, organized and run by Eddie Dobbin, was again a great success, with more than thirty members and friends in attendance. It was good to see a number of new members there to try their knowledge against Eddie’s wide ranging trivia questions.
November 20 saw the running of the National Show Driving Championships at Hawkesbury Showground. Despite uncertain predictions regarding the weather, the day was fine. Competitors and spectators did however, have to contend with hot conditions and gusty winds later in the day. Many Hills members competed including Dennis and Andrea Casper, Bob Goodchild, Mary Grant, Karen Silvester, Ailsa Adams, Gay Bostock, Lynne Buckingham, David and Julia Cranwell, Bob West, Paula Forrester, Sandy Hunter, Emily Thompson and Kim McGregor as well as multiple members Amanda Kettlestring, Barbara Smith and Christine McGregor.
There were mixed emotions for the McGregors at the show as, although Kim did very well with their mare Lulu, they were still getting over the death of their prized gelding Kabir, only two days before the show. Kabir was Supreme Champion Non Hackney Horse or Pony in Harness at this year’s Sydney Royal.
Many Hills members and friends helped run the show including Janet Muspratt, Eddie Dobbin, Joy Harris, June Malmberg, Rosalyn Faddy, Roz West, Ron Bostock, Margaret and John Moore, Barbara Ricketts and Jenny Fawbert. The three show ring judges – Carol Fitzpatrick, Nola Robertson and Warren Ricketts worked hard all day, together with their stewards Mannes and April Klein Nulend and Keri Izzard, whilst Alan Ongley, Peter Fitzpatrick and Belinda Casper took many photos.
Camden Harness Club
Last Updated January 2012:
On October 16, a drive was held on a big property at Bents Basin, belonging to a friend of Maxine Saliba. It was a beautiful day for driving, and although it was hilly at times, all managed to have a good drive. A sociable lunch was enjoyed after the drive by Maxine, Fred and Callum Saliba, Sylvia Biffin, Keri Izzard, Warren Ricketts, Michael and Lou Lyons, Peter and Carol Fitzpatrick, Nicki Price and Greg and Alison McDonald.
A number of Camden members volunteered to man the ACDS stand over the four days of Equitana at the Sydney Showground. They had a very busy time, particularly on the Saturday and Sunday, with people from all over Australia enquiring about carriage driving and the ACDS. Tracey Greenacre and her team did a great job setting up the stand and organizing the competitive demonstrations of teams, pairs and singles.
Camden members were well in evidence at the recent National ACDS Show Driving Championships at the Hawkesbury Showground. Carol Fitzpatrick was one of the three show judges, sharing turnout judging and then doing the large ponies and the pleasure classes. Martyn Minns and Metjse fan Twillens, with Greg McDonald as groom, competed in the Non Hackney Horse classes and took first place in the strong class for Horses over 15hh. Peter Fitzpatrick was there as one of the photographers, and Margaret and John Moore worked all day in the office and manning an arena gate.
Canberra Carriage Driving Club
Last Updated January 2012:
Penny Jacobs:
We had an action filled November , starting with the NSW CDE Championships at Marrar. We all love the venue with plenty of space and obstacles that are easy to walk to and great viewing for spectators. Canberra competitors were Tony James, Penny Jacobs and Judy Harris driving novice horses, Peter McIntyre and Pat Richardson driving novice ponies, and Garry Harris driving his pony team. The Harris’ were accompanied by their NZ guests, Noel and Jo, who fitted right in. We all had a great time as always.
Having just got home from Marrar, it was time to pack and go to Equitana, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Garry and the team were the only Canberra competitors, but we were also represented by Tony James judging, various grooms and helpers on the ground, and Deborah and John Gorman had their Morgan stallion on display. Other members, Karen and Phil McHugh were there as spectators, and Ken Jacobs was in the research and horse health area, dissecting a foreleg!
No sooner was Equitana over, it was time for the really dedicated to head off to Longwood. The Harris’ contributed three ponies, one horse and three vehicles, thereby enabling three NZ guests to be part of a wonderful Australian driving experience.
A few of us will be taking instruction from Janelle Marshall at Witwood on December 3 and 4, and then we have the last club activity for the year, the Christmas Lunch on December 18, with no horses! There will be a few quiet drinks and our inevitable lucky dip Christmas gifts. Who will come away with the pink china Cinderella shoe this year ??
We are planning a Dressage and Cones Weekend at Bowral on February 11/12 and an Interclub Challenge at Murrumbateman on March 3/4 2012.
Bega Valley Harness Society
Last Updated January 2012:
Nola Robertson attended the Show Judges and Drivers School at Bundanoon on October 30 and a few weeks later was one of the judges at the National Show Driving Championships at Hawkesbury Showground.
Sarah Keevers had a successful weekend at the Witwood Challenge CDE in late October winning the Novice Large Pony class.
Liverpool Range Harness Club
Last updated January 2012:
Robbie and Brian Duck: October began with everyone recovering from the Royal Far West Charity Drive. The week’s drive over the Liverpool Plains was a great success for all those involved and we raised $13,000 for the Royal Far West.
The October drive was a weekend at Spring Ridge, hosted by Bruce and Vicki Donnelly. On Saturday afternoon we drove through the pine forest, a place where you could easily get lost if you didn’t have a guide. Then on Sunday morning we drove out to Goran Lake with totally contrasting driving conditions, vast stretches of smooth roads and tracks with great views of rich farmland. This lake covers over 30,000 acres when full and can appear and disappear over night, similar to Lake George near Canberra. Saturday night proved to be a very enjoyable evening, capably catered by Vicki and family. A great weekend was had by all for our last drive for the year. Many thanks must go to the Donnellys for a great weekend.
Our last event for the year was to be the Christmas party on November 26 hosted by John and Carol Scanlon at their property near Bundella. However widespread flooding meant it had to be put off. The plan is to have it as a New Year party now.
2011 was a great year for driving, with a wide range of drives in varied and spectacular locations. We look forward to 2012 to be an even better year for carriage driving, if that could be possible!
Reedy Creek Equestrian Club
Last updated January 2012
Marty Boyce: The Long Weekend in October saw Reedy Creek host a One Day CDE at the home base at Laggan. A good roll up of 13 competitors were there for the event held in blustery yet mostly dry conditions. All in attendance were happy with the day as a warm up for the Witwood Challenge at Bungendore. Thank you to Sue Plath for once again judging the dressage and providing valuable feedback for all competitors.
Witwood saw a good turnout of Reedy Creek members, with great results,. John Moyes and Gail Bain won their classes. Kath Cole, Marty Boyce and Jess Parramore had mixed results but still had a great time and gained valuable experience.
On October 20, the club had a day at Bob Pierce’s Clydesdale Stud, driving and then exploring Bob’s extensive collection of vehicles, as well as admiring the new foals. A wide sweeping cones coujagbeattie@yahoo.comrse was set up and all members had a great time ‘racing’ the clock and eachother. We were very pleased to welcome our new members and their wonderful horses – Gail Bain and Amanda Taylor.
A Dressage Day, with Yvonne Wood judging, was another successful event for the club. Yvonne’s feedback was much appreciated and members are putting into practice the advice/tips from Yvonne, with good results.
Gail Bain, John Moyes and Kath Cole competed at the NSW CDE Championships at Marrar, with Kath earning second place in the Novice small
pony class, driving Reggie. Gail, Kath and Di Murray were recruited for the NSW team on the day and of course they won the sash! Well done!
Jess Parramore was absolutely thrilled to receive an invitation to spend the day with Boyd Exell and Max Pearce recently. He helped harness a team of four and groomed for Boyd while he put the team through its paces. It was a wonderful experience for Jess, and he learnt a great deal. Many thanks to Max and Cathy for their kind invitation.
John Moyes, Kath Cole, Marty Boyce, Jess Parramore and Kylie Boyce drove Avanti, Cashie and Effie over to Binda from Laggan recently to meet up with the Goulburn Club for a lovely drive around the local area. It was unfortunately only a brief drive as the weather was not kind. The trip home from Binda was very wet, with drivers and grooms very happy to see the home stretch. The horses did not seem to mind the rain, however.
The Club would like to wish Kath Felber a speedy and full recovery from an illness that has seen her hospitalized in the last couple of weeks. Our thoughts and best wishes are with Kath and Peter at this difficult time.
Southern Highlands Carriage Club
Last updated January 2012:
Three fund raising activities in the last month have helped bolster club funds considerably, after the huge financial outlay for the 40th Anniversary celebrations. Meanwhile, several pleasure drives have been held in the Penrose Forest. Another is planned for December 18 in the Joadja region, whilst it is back to Penrose Forest on February 19 for the first pleasure drive of 2012.
A John Kohnke Information Day is being held on February 11 with the topic for discussion being “Feeding for the Performance Horse’. This will be at the Club Grounds, Quarry Rd Bundanoon and will commence at 12 noon. Those who would like to attend should contact the Secretary Sue Plath on 02 4861 9538 or email s d plath@skymesh.com.au. A gold coin donation would be appreciated to help cover expenses, and will include afternoon tea.
A Dressage & Protocol weekend will be held on March 3-4 at the Club grounds, which will be beneficial to all. Again, anyone is welcome to attend, but please advise Sue Plath so that the weekend can be planned around the number of participants.
Newly arrived member from Queensland Jane Knight, had a successful National Show Driving Championships driving her big Clydesdale Alton Park Premier Lad. Amongst her successes was winning first place in a strong Two Wheeled Hard Tyred Turnout class.
Warren Ricketts judged the Small Pony Ring and Driver Classes at the National Show, with Keri Izzard as his steward. Barbara Ricketts did a great job manning the office all day, with Margaret Moore.
North Coast Harness Club
Last updated January 2012:
The North Coast Club has completed its calendar for next year, with a good variety of activities on offer to members. Running up to April, the following events are planned. On Australia Day (January 26) there is a picnic drive at Gladstone, followed by a ‘no horses’ camping weekend at Glenreagh on February 11/12, where April Klein Nulend will present an Introduction to Concours d’Elegance.
In March a school with Max Pearce is planned at Unkyia, whilst April 7/8 will be a cones fun and picnic drive weekend at Nana Glen. Contact Echah Wright for further details on 02 6654 2557:
Mannes and April Klein Nulend have been out and about in the last couple of months, supporting show driving events. They attended the Show Judges and Drivers School at Bundanoon at the end of October and then acted as ring stewards at the National Show Driving Championships at Hawkesbury on November 20.
Garry Rollans drove two dashing rounds in the Teams Obstathon on the Friday evening of Equitana. His was one of nine teams who competed in the Obstathon, in front of an enthusiastic audience in the indoor arena.
Hunter Horse Driving Society
Last Updated January 2012:
Helen Huckerby: The Hunter Club recently held a mid week drive at Pokolbin. Firstly thank you to our hosts Frank and Vanessa Lovett for allowing us to camp on their property. Due to rain on the first night, our camping quarters were upgraded from horse floats to the Homestead on ‘Possums’.
This was our first successful try at a mid week drive and I do believe it was a success. Attending on Tuesday were Rosemary Laing and Tinker, Owen Maytom with Beryl, June Malmberg and Lukas, Helen Huckerby and Mishka, Frank Lovett with Blossom, and Julia and Brian Leaver who came along with Barry Paxton Brown and his pair of Haflingers. We were also joined by George Sinclair driving Zane.
We enjoyed a drive through the gardens, then out to the back of Pokolbin Estate where we stopped for a drink. We continued over to McLeish through to Peppertree and then to the Pokolbin Village for coffee and a snack. We had to hang around there for a little while, as there was an awesome storm.
The horses looked terrific – what a great mix of vehicles and horses – Owen driving his stockhorse Beryl in a buggy; Rosemary with Standardbred x pony Tinker in a sulky; Barry driving his Haflingers in a buggy; George with Australian pony Zane in the RDA Wheelchair loading vehicle, and Frank and I with sulkies for our horses Blossom and Mishka.
The next day we had another relaxing drive from Possums to Peppers Creek and out the back way to Tyrrell’s, then back for a yummy lunch.
The Hunter and Tamworth Clubs hosted a Janelle Marshall Clinic on Nov 30/Dec 1 at Murrurundi, and Paterson Park was the venue for the Club Christmas party on December 4.
Barbara and Laurie Smith took Brampton Dreams to the National Show Driving Championships and had a very successful day, including winning the Pleasure Pony and Period Turnout classes. Unfortunately Ashleigh and Robin Allison Woods had to scratch their horses due to some last minute changes to NRMA commitments.
Bungendore Carriage Driving Club
Last updated January 2012:
The Bungendore Club lost one of its most keen and hard working members in Terry Kelly, the NSW ACDS Treasurer, when he died in late October. Terry came into carriage driving relatively late in life but took it up with great enthusiasm, particularly enjoying driving CDEs with his grandchildren. Terry was always friendly, and together with his very positive attitude, this made him a very well liked member of the carriage driving community. Our thoughts are with Tina and the family on their sad loss.
The Witwood Challenge held on the weekend of October 22/23 was a success with a good number of entries, coming from a range of different clubs. The overall results were:
Beginner Class 1st Suzi Ffrost 2nd Tamara Abed
Training Class 1st John Moyes 2nd Mima Ware 3rd Marty Boyce
Novice Horse 1st Ryan Ward 2nd Gail Bain 3rd Tony James
Novice Pony 121 ne 149cm 1st Sarah Keevers 2nd Keri Izzard 3rd Bronwen Pratt
Open Pony 121 ne 149cm 1st Kookie Engelsman
Multiples 1st Sue Hellyer
Others who competed but unfortunately had to retire or were eliminated were Kath Cole, Jess Parramore, Carol Roach, Mark Peel and Ray Roach.
Carolyn Blakeley is a great supporter of events. She attended Equitana driving her team in the Friday night teams Obstathon in the indoor arena, and then a pair in the pairs Obstathon on Sunday morning. The following weekend she was back up in Sydney at the National Show Driving Championships with her two horses Lac La Biche Son of a Rose and Flemington Dee. One of her main successes was being awarded the Concours d’Elegance Sash, no mean feat amongst an array of wonderful turnouts.
Another member who drove at Equitana was Dot Willcoxson, who competed in the pairs Obstathon, with Lorraine Wharton as groom.
The Club’s next event will be Graded Dressage and the Munro Cup to be held on March 17/18 2012
Riverina Carriage Driving Society
Last updated January 2012:
Mal Welsh: The Riverina Club held the Mitavite NSW CDE Championships on November 4/5 2011. It was a great weekend weatherwise and all the competitors enjoyed themselves. There were 39 entries and 38 starters, whilst one of the NZ visitors, Gavin Kew, hosted by Carolyn Blakeley, drove the marathon on the Sunday.
I would like to thank all Riverina members for the great amount of work put in to stage the Championships, especially David Royle, Michael Jones, Sue Fraser, Peter Bryant and Patrick Mockler. Full results are on the website with overall class placings in this Whip Around. Congratulations to club member Di Murray on winning some of the sections, plus winning the trophy for the Fittest Pony/Horse. A big thank you should go to The Rock Pony Club ladies for catering all weekend, including the Saturday night dinner.
All of this was followed up a week later by some of the members attending Equitana as drivers, workers or spectators. It was a busy two weeks for all involved.
Murrumbidgee Carriage Driving Club
Last updated January 2012:
Robyn and Ian Schmetzer and Luke and Chris Burns travelled to Marrar to compete in the NSW CDE Championships at the start of November. Luke and Chris left home at 6 am on the Friday to secure a good camping spot, and were there by 8am. Robyn arrived about 10.30am, whilst Ian, who had to work, arrived on the Saturday morning. Friday was spent catching up with everyone and walking the challenging cones course. Rob Robertson had done a great job, putting a lot of thought into the design. They ate out at the local pub that night before heading off to bed for an early night. This was the first Championship CDE that Chris and her horse Jack had competed in so it was a big challenge.
Both Robyn and Chris were not scheduled for their dressage tests until late so the morning was spent putting final touches to horses, vehicles and harness. Shelley Little, who does ridden dressage, came from Wagga Wagga to be Chris’ groom. It was the first time she had groomed at a CDE. Finally it came time to do the dressage. Chris was pleased with Jack, particularly when he did a straight reinback, instead of jackknifing the vehicle as usually happens. She was especially pleased when they did a clear round in the cones, with not a ball down. It was the only clear round in the whole event, although a few time penalties were incurred. It gave them first place in their class in the cones.
The marathon was the next big test for Chris, Shelley and Jack. After getting a bit lost in Section A, they received time penalties at the end of the section, but thankfully Jack passed the vet check, despite being pushed to make up time. All the training beforehand obviously paid off. The Aussie Flags obstacle was a challenge. In Chris’ words” I went into the obstacle not giving it a second glance, but Jack thought differently. I was ready to call it quits on that obstacle, but Shelley insisted we give it one more go. Jack must have heard and said’What the heck !’ and we got through finally. We were the longest in that obstacle by far, but we finished the whole course, nonetheless”.
Robyn and Rosie finished second overall in the Novice Horse class. It was Rosie’s first Championship and first event after a couple of years’ break. Chris and Jack finished sixth in the same class and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Goulburn District Horse Drawn Vehicle Society
Last updated January 2012:
Robert Allport: Robert and Damon Allport, Robbie Baxter, Judy Emerton, Allan Robertson and Allen Collins attended the Royal Far West Charity Drive organized by the Liverpool Range Club at Quirindi in September. The drive was very enjoyable, going through some of the best country to be seen in NSW. There were great overnight camp spots, with catered dinners and entertainment. A big thank you to the organizers from Goulburn club members. Our members are looking forward to next year’s drive.
Our first club pleasure drive for the season was held at Binda on November 19/20. Forty eight kms were travelled on the Saturday along quiet country roads and through private property, with a minimal amount of traffic to worry about. On Sunday morning with the weather threatening rain, we travelled out and back along Woodville Rd for 25kms. Robert and Damon Allport accompanied by our new junior member Kimberley Allport, Allen Smith and grandson Jade Coggan, Michael and Patrick Finn with Thomas and Fergus enjoyed the weekend. Reedy Creek members John Moyes, Kath Cole, Marty and Kylie Boyce and Jess Parramore drove up from Laggan on Sunday morning for lunch and return.
Our Christmas BBQ get together in December will be hosted by Trevor and Shirley Mills, and the first pleasure drive of the New Year will be in mid January at Windellama at the property of Bill and Chris Gardiner.
Gulgong Heritage Harness Association
Last Updated January 2012:
The weekend at Wongarbon with Magpie and Joan Macarthur was once again a wonderful time. Neil Munn, Lois O’Neill, Brad Lincoln, Jim Gilbey, Hayley Fagerstrom and Chris Hills all arrived on Friday afternoon and evening. They were greeted with a very tasty chicken dish and crunchy bread rolls. On Saturday morning they were joined by Warwick Leeson and Luke Milsom, and set off on the drive. It was the first time Lois had had her horse Charlie out in harness after he was broken in by Donny Hobbs. There was a little bit of excitement to start with, but all went very well. Lois is looking forward to many more drives with him. On the other side of the coin, Hayley had a little incident and ended up with a broken foot. The drive through the countryside was very relaxing, and a long lunch break was taken beside the river. On Saturday night Magpie and Joan outdid themselves again by feeding their guests with very tender steaks on the Barbie, together with salads and dessert. Unfortunately a storm was brewing on Sunday morning so the drive was put off. Many thanks to the Macarthurs from all the participants, for a most enjoyable weekend.
A successful Come and Try weekend was held at Chris and Carol Hills’ property at Gulgong on November 19/20. One of the highlights was Jim Gilbey harnessing up his pair of Shetlands so that other people could have a try at driving a pair. As a result of the weekend, the Club has gained a new family membership.
Jim Gilbey, Carol Hills and Donna Birchell took six Shetlands to the Shetland Super Show at the end of October at Bathurst. There was another Shetland at the show that Jim bred, and all seven ponies won ribbons. Carol came second in the Lady Driver class and her pony Ton Lea Park Jamie was second in the Driven Gelding class, according to Carol ‘because we could pivot on one wheel, which the Scottish judge really liked’.
Central West Horse Driving Society
Last Updated January 2012:
manda Blakeley has been busy show driving over the last couple of months. She drove her horse Lac La Biche Son of a Rose at the NSW Show Driving Championships at Jugiong on October 8 to win Champion Pleasure Horse or Pony and Champion Driver, and then at the National Show Driving Championships at Hawkesbury on November 20, she won Champion Non Hackney Pony ne 10.2hh together with a number of other awards, with her Shetland mare Kevelle Lee Fallon.
Ellmore Harness Club
Last Updated January 2012:
Brendan Dwyer: Ellmore Club members have been busy out and about competing recently at the NSW CDE Championships at Marrar, and the Longwood CDE in Victoria. The Club team of Kookie Engelsman, Tim Dwyer and Brendan Dwyer did very well at Longwood finishing 3rd overall in the Club Teams competition.
The Club ran a very successful ‘Introduction to Carriage Driving’ Day on November 27 in the small village of Wirrimah between Young and Grenfell. A terrific turnout of about 25 interested people, together with a couple of new horses and ponies, came along to learn more about carriage driving. The day included discussions about different styles of carriages, and demonstrations of correct fitting of harness and safe harnessing procedures, together with a few laps of a short cones course and talks to club members about what the ACDS does. A sausage sizzle lunch helped continue the conversations and the level of interest shown looks very positive for further membership growth. Thanks should go particularly to Keith Phillips and Kookie and Keith Engelsman for their organization and to all the club members who helped out on the day.