Adventures with Gloria

Welcome to my world of horses and carriages and the ambiance of yesterday. Experience what it is to travel through many lands to collect and drive some of the finest carriages in the world. Wonder at the art and artifacts of a bygone era. To save our history, I have spent many years driving horses, exhibiting carriages, and developing expertise and knowledge few will know. After winning many championships and awards throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, I am now mission-driven to share my knowledge of horses, carriages, driving, and their histories with you.

My journey has led me to understand that mankind has been using horses for warfare, transportation, agriculture, industry, communication, and commerce for over 6,000 years, and the automobile has been in use for only 100 years. Most people are unaware of this long and rich history, and they have not stopped to think about the horse’s contribution to their lives. My time is now devoted to presenting this knowledge.

As a world traveler, I have driven 17 different horse breeds, in 13 countries, on 3 continents. I hope my experiences offer you a different perspective on history which will enlighten and entertain. Journey back in time for insights into the centuries when most people traveled by carriage and life was not without tending the animals that provided transportation and horsepower to perform daily work. Learn about the only Full-state Dress Chariot in the United States that was once a favorite of Austria’s Emperor Franz Joseph and his beloved ‘Sissi,’ Empress Elizabeth. I also offer you an opportunity to learn about other European and American turnouts and how to classify carriages. Enjoy looking up pictures of runabouts, learning the origin of the term ‘phaeton’, understanding the difference between a phaeton and a break, identifying different kinds of English-style coaches and all sorts of other vehicles that formed the need for roads and bridges and that formed the foundation for the automobile and much of the terminology and expressions we know today. I would encourage you to visit the Carriage Museum of America (CMA) and Carriage Association of American (CAA) for more information on carriages.

Please make us of our Learning Resources and enjoy our Blog. Above all, come back and visit this site again and tell your friends.

Driving Horses in Europe

CAIT Traditional Driving in Europe
Victorias and Broughams, Country Carts and Peddlers Wagons, Roofseat Breaks and Coaches; all can be seen in very special driving events in Europe. The Concourse Attelage International Traditional (CAIT) consists of Presentation in front of three judging stations with a beautiful chateau in the background; Routier, a marathon timed drive with five Controlled Passages which test your driving skills; and Vaardigheid, the Dutch term for a cones contest with 20 sets of cones.

A few exhibitors, such as ourselves, arrived on Friday; but most trucks with horses and equipment pulled in on Saturday to park in a large grassy field which quickly became mud. Stabling was provided in a nearby barn with portable stalls. Some even arrived early Sunday for this three phased event. I drove two rented horses and a rented carriage in the coldest of weather in this CAIT event in Diepenheim, Netherlands. Even though the weather was cold, the spirit of the competitors was warm and enthusiastic. It was the first of these one-day Sunday events to be held in the Netherlands.

As I drove on the 16.7 kilometer Routier (marathon), there was rain and snow flurries blowing sideways into our faces. I could not keep a hat on, so I drove with wet hair and gloves so soaked that the reins were slipping in my hands during the CP (Controlled Passages) of this event featuring beautifully restored traditional carriages.

42 competitors weathered the storm in elegant carriages put to every type of horse or pony. This competition requires a suitably restored antique carriage or a 20 point penalty is incurred for a driving a reproduction. (The new reproduction carriages now made in Poland are hardly distinguishable from the well-restored antiques. I don’t know how the judges can tell the difference.) Competitors can drive any type of traditional turnout to any type of traditional carriage. Coachmen-driven and commercial turnouts are accepted. One can drive a single, pair, tandem, unicorn, four, pic-axe, etc. On this day in Holland, the polished brass quickly became splattered with raindrops.
The setting of these events is always picturesque estates near quaint European villages. Castle Warmelo and Diepenheim were no exception. Presentation, the first of the day’s activities, was held in front of the castle and offered rain-suited photographers a wonderful opportunity for photos reflective of the 20th century. Views of most scenes were privy only to the competitor on the Routier, which started at the edge of the village, down narrow roadways lined with beautiful farmlands and pasture either side. Travel and turns were well marked with yellow arrows along the roadway and a map given in each competitor’s packet. In addition, there was an auto trip over the course on Saturday afternoon. The drive took us through single lane paved and dirt roads, through woodlands, by quaint farmhouses, and along narrow village streets with either tile or thatched roofs.

The Controlled Passages (CPs) are positioned throughout the lengthy course and tend to be a simple but demanding test of the driver’s skill. Number 1 CP was a one-handed circle in a field where two goats were tethered. Having just picked up the reins of the horse just prior to the Presentation, it was surprising that they cooperated with me during this exercise. The second was The Rail where the driver had to keep the front wheel of the carriage in a marked track, 30 centimeters wide and 15 meters long. The rain had faded the red marks in the grass and I found it difficult to see, so my wheel wiggle-wobbled and went over the mark. The third was a three-meter rein-back between designated marks and cones. This proved to be no problem; despite one horse moving back more quickly than the other. The fourth CP was a one-handed salute on the move through a marked passage 2.2 meters wide and 20 meters long. This was no problem, since I commonly drive with the reins in the left hand in the style of the British coachmen. All I had to do was transfer the whip to the left hand and extend my right. The fifth test was to halt, then transfer the whip to the left hand, and pick up a champagne glass on a stand, move off, and halt at another stand to replace the glass before the end of the Routier. This test proved most difficult when the rein slipped through my wet glove, and in the process of recovery took up too much right rein. I completely toppled the first stand but successfully replaced the glass on the second. I got ten penalty points for that maneuver but drew some interesting remarks for friends standing near.
The cones, which I really enjoy, proved to be fun and fast. I was 30 seconds faster than any other competitor but had one ball down. Not good enough, since some competitors had clear rounds. The cones field should have been lined with spectators, but the local residents were wise not to brave such a nasty storm on a Sunday afternoon when they could be snuggled away in one of those cozy homes we passed in the morning.

After a quick trip back to the trailer and a thank you to the men who owned my rented horses, we were off on the return trip to Achel, Belgium to prepare for our return to the USA. As we leave for America I say, “Hats off!” in salute to the Europeans who have established these wonderful events to preserve traditional carriage driving.

On The Road Again!
Preparation for extensive travel takes time, just as all things worthwhile require effort and patience with oneself to achieve. Planning is tedious, time consuming, and fraught with frustrations. It also requires the team work of those involved and an understanding of their anxiety. I am worried about making sure there are no unforeseen circumstances. My administrative assistant, is just going to be glad when we are on our way.

Polo match before Prince Philip's birthday party

The flight was flawless and the British do know how to be on time. David Saunders picked me up at the airport and was my escort to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Equestrian Birthday Party celebrating Prince Philip’s 90th year as a blue blood and horse enthusiast.

Prince Philip was born in 1921, it was fitting that guests contributed to a cigar box made in the year he was born, but newly embossed with an image of the Duke driving his Fell Ponies. As the Prince arrived at the podium, he feigned not being able to support the weight of such a heavy silver box; but his slight frame and healthy demeanor show no signs of weakness, and his remarks at the microphone showed no signs of mental frailty either. He and the Queen are my new role models. As my parents would have said, “What a spry couple.”
The party was held at the beautiful Coworth Park Polo Field at the Dorchester Collection. We were able to park directly in front of the hotel’s prestigious manor house and immediately met the young George Bowman and his statuesque Scottish lady friend. George, Jr. is as flamboyant and gregarious as his mother, so we did not lack for conversation as we entered the hotel’s reception hall. We were met by waiters with trays of champagne and guests in gowns and tuxedos.

We proceeded to the terrace overlooking gardens, the green lawns and huge white tent with windows aglow with lavish table settings. We walked down the Lime Avenue (a walkway lined with lime trees making an arch above our heads) onto the grass carpeted area overlooking the polo fields where we were met with more waiters with champagne and now tray, after tray, of hors d’oeuvres. I immediately recognized carriage builder Mark Broadbent and his wife, and then the elderly coaching driver, Peter Munt, who is frail but apparently determined to attend the party. The tall and impressive looking John Richards approached me with his beautiful American lady friend, Nancy, at his side. John is always talkative and complementing me on my carriage collection and knowledge.
As I was sipping from the champagne flute there was a hush over the crowd at exactly 6:30 as an announcement of the Prince’s arrival was made. Every head turned in the direction of his Land Rover license number OXR 1. This slim gray-haired handsome gentleman graciously meandered though the throngs speaking to as many guests he recognized. He tapped David on the back and greeted him warmly and asked him what happened to his mustache. (David acted as coachman to the Duke for 20 years, so the Prince always makes a point of making conversation with David. Together they won a gold and two bronze medals at World Championships.)

After the Coworth Park vs. The Guards polo match, the Band of the Royal Marines from Collingwood performed on the field as four coaches were presented by members of the London Coaching Club. The carriage driving presentation brought to our attention the dog cart that the Prince drove before he and David Saunders designed the first marathon carriage with a chariot type platform in the rear. Boyd Excel, Australian World Champion, surprisingly drove his four to a modern marathon vehicle out of the back of a horse trailer and impressed the crowd with tight turns that demonstrated the agility of the lead horses that leaped away from hazards.

We proceeded back to the elaborate tent we had passed, to experience floors with plush cream colored felt and walls draped in elegant shear fabric. We were seated at round tables of 8, each named for a combined driving competition location. No photography was allowed at the party. The Louther table was our destination. Everyone remained standing and at the appointed time the room became silent. Sure enough, the Queen was arriving. She had been conspicuously absent before dinner to allow the Prince time to be the center of attention and interact with his friends. Once she arrived at the party all heads were turned in her direction. With perfectly coiffured hair and an aqua calf length dress, she took her position at the “Royal Windsor Horse Show” table at the center of the room. The Prince took his place at an adjoining round table, each facing the platform with microphone. There was no head table – the whole setting was reminiscent of a tented dinner at a horse show but with much more elegant trappings. Interestingly the wait staff came each with two plates and served the male guests first and females second. In America it would have been ladies served first.

After a starter of English asparagus with egg and truffle dressing, we had sirloin of beef, roasted carrots, fondant potatoes, and Lyonnaise onions. The best part was the English Summer Pudding we had for dessert. These must be Prince Philip's favorites. The champagne toasts started with one to the Queen and later to the Prince as he accepted his silver cigar box. At the specified time the Queen took her leave, and only then were guests allowed to rise as exited the dining area.

What an honor to have dinner sitting within feet of the Royals when there were 250 of the Prince’s guests in the room. My hope is only to be as healthy as he, and reach the age of 90.

Watch this video of England in the Edwardian Age . England at the time was at the center of a technological and cultural explosion. In my travels to Europe I visited palaces of kings and queens and drove in streets where the commoners lived - all with horses! I kept a diary of those travels and hope you enjoy travelling along with me.

Where Do you Still Hear "Clip-Clop"?
If you are in England and know where to look the sounds of horses, the images of horses, and the real things are everywhere. At the Prince’s birthday party for his equestrian friends … on a stage at the New London Theater (War Horse) … in the British Museum … or at the Royal Paddocks … they are everywhere.

My first experience hearing the sound of horses while visiting England was the ‘clip clop’ of horses at Hampton Court Palace, while we were standing in the courtyard watching the guests arriving at the palace for a banquet hosted by Henry VIII set in the period of the early 1500′s when he was happily married to Catherine of Aragon. This medieval castle’s kitchen staff prepared meals requiring organization on a grand scale. During its time in history the King would host as many as 900 people, most of whom arrived by carriage or sometimes on horseback.

Later in the week I had the rare opportunity to meet ‘Joey’ the life-sized horse puppet of the War Horse at The New London Theater … going back stage was a treat. I actually got to pet Joey and he nudged me with his head as I presented Charles Evans, Company Manager, with an award from the Equine Heritage Institute acknowledging the producers for their contribution for preserving the history of the horse. Through this stage adaptation of the book War Horse, the WWI story of a boy and his quest to find his beloved horse that was commandeered into British service on the continent of Europe unfolds.

Coachman John Parker was also presented an award from the Equine Heritage Institute for his work with the movies, combined driving and coaching. As we approached John’s stables there were beautiful gray (white) horses being lead from their wash area or the training ground to their stalls. Their footfalls resounded on the cobblestones … ‘clip clop’. The young women he employs were handling these giant 17hh horses with the care of a kitten.

The British Museum should be tops on any person’s list while visiting England. Bas-reliefs of horses from the Greek Parthenon, to the Standard of Ur, the earliest know representation of equine (probably onegars) in draft, can all be seen at this treasure chest of world artifacts.

The visit to the Royal Paddocks had horses and ponies of all descriptions: mares and foals, carriage horses on R&R, two and three year old riding and driving horses, Fell ponies, injured horses, sale horses, etc. Paddock manager, Brian Stanley, escorted me around just as he would the Queen, from paddock to paddock discussing the progress of each horse and pony. He tells me that the Queen does not visit as she often had in the past due to her advancing years.

I also had the opportunity to visit Stonehenge and Silbury Hill. After the visit I came to think of the Neolithic structure as the equivalent to our doctor’s office and cell towers. Early peoples built Stonehenge for unknown reasons but I think the Bluestone, which is warm to the touch, was thought to have healing powers. And Silbury Hill is flat on top and I believe used as a signaling tower, whereby one could summons their neighbors for war or just a nice friendly festival.

Newmarket, UK was also a destination during my visit to England. I have now checked off something on my “bucket list" - I have visited all of the five horse capitals of the world. Next month I travel to our own Horse Capital of the World … Lexington, Kentucky

More About "War Horse"
War Horse wins the Tony this year for Best Play and The Equine Heritage Institute’s award for preserving the history of the horse. What an accomplishment. Congratulations “Joey”!

WWI was a devastating war with 10 million civilians killed, 10 million military dead, and 10 million horses and mules destroyed. Europe was traumatized and property destruction was of a magnitude never experienced as the Kaiser stomped through country after country. The National Theatre of London has brought to light this tragedy in its production of the play War Horse. June 9th I was accompanied by Nick and Liz Byers, their two very tall daughters, and Nick’s charming British mother, as I experienced the drama of this war first hand from a seat at the New London Theatre on Drury Lane. The story is of a boy who enlisted in the army to find his beloved horse that was commandeered for the war. It was adapted to the stage from a children’s book written by Michael Morpurgo.

The New London Theatre’s seats are filled at each of their eight weekly performances and I had the joy to sit in the seat occupied by the Queen when she and her family attended the play. As President of The Equine Heritage Institute, I presented the British staff and performers with an award for preserving equestrian history through this dramatic play.

The difficulty of using horses on stage was solved by the use of life-sized horse puppets. Charles Evans, Company Manager, with his proper British accent, trained in classical theater is now an expert on the puppet. Back stage he proudly demonstrated the life-sized goose that added some comic relief during the performance. Do not think that these amazing puppets make the play trite. The play capitalized on what makes us human, our imaginations. After meeting “Joey” as a foal, our gift of imagination takes over and we no longer see the puppeteers. “Joey” becomes as real as the foals David Saunders and I saw at the Royal Paddocks that morning.

South African creators of the puppets are credited with making these representations of brave war horses come alive by simulating the body language of the animals that we equestrians know so well. Joey, comes alive as a horse … observing his ears that aid us in interrupting the horse’s attention rotated 180 degrees with watchmaker’s gearing mechanism, operated by the puppeteer at Joey’s head. The flicking of the head and lateral and vertical movements of the neck are also controlled by this man. The front quarters are the job of the second young puppeteer, who has a back pack type harness fitted on his shoulders. He controls the articulated front legs by standing inside of the front part of horse’s body using golf stick with bicycle brake controls. The puppeteer at the rear of the horse has a similar backpack harness and with similar controls manipulates the rear legs and tail. It is the ears and tail that are most telling of the horse’s attitude and it was remarkable how these realistic movements made the viewer believe Joey and the other horses were real.

The young men studied many hours with the King Troop Royal Horse Artillery mastering the knowledge needed to replicate the horse’s every movement even its breathing. Surprisingly only the battle scenes and death scenes were choreographed. The puppeteers admitted that most on-stage movements through the play are improvised though one of the three of the puppeteers initiating a movement. Theses young men also produced the neighs, snorts, and whinnies to create the realistic noises of the horse.

Thoughts About Europe
Globus bus tour was great in that we got to really see the landscape and major cities of England, Wales, and Scotland. We enjoyed marveling at churches and all the mechanical details of the buildings and machinery, and behavioral details of the locals and other travelers.

I am always amazed at Europe’s long and cruel history with the rise and fall of monarchs. From Neolithic peoples at Stonehenge, to the Romans, to the Celts, Saxons, Normans, etc., this history is dominated by those who needed to kill or be killed, in the effort of men to possess other men’s wives. (you can read more about this in the works of Sir John Desmond Patrick Keegan, an English military historian, lecturer, writer and journalist. He wrote many published works on the nature of combat between prehistory and the 21st century, covering land, air, maritime, intelligence warfare and the psychology of battle.)

The highlight for me was to ride over an aqueduct on a barge that originally would have been pulled by a horse. I have always said the horse fueled an industrial revolution by pulling the canal barges filled with coal, raw material or finished goods.

David Saunders picked us up in London after our bus tour in Windsor to pick up hat boxes and extra suitcases that we left here during our bus tour of Great Britain. We are off to Henk’s place in Achel, Belgium today; and we will attend a driving event in Cuts, France this weekend.

Off to Belgium
We arrived last night in Achel, Belgium at Henk Van der Wiel’s. It was comforting to see familiar faces on the evening of our arrival – Andries, Annamique, Margo, and Henk. Before even unpacking, we started to look for a local restaurant for dinner. Oh, oh! It is Wednesday in Achel; most everything is closed. (It is no wonder that our USA is the most productive country in the world. We stay open for business for 24 hours.) After three stops and one phone call, we headed for the Achel Pizzeria, which we were told was open. It was like a beacon in the night. David dropped us off and we proceeded to have delicious soup and great salad. The balmy weather of the daytime brought on thunderstorms in the evening, so the rain precluded us from walking back to the apartment. A quick call and Andries came in an old mini bus that I used to own. Used as a workman’s truck, it looked a bit shabby but was still running with 155,000 miles on the odometer.
The morning sun streams into the tall windows that line the east side of our large second floor apartment, positioned just above the harness shop. The early morning village traffic can be seen as we look below. The best part of the early morning is the birds that sing so loudly they wake us each morning. The air here is fresh, and for now the temperatures are mild; so we can leave our windows open all night. The birds sound like they are in the apartment.

Today was consumed with detailed planning of which carriage driving events we will attend and discussion of where we might find the best horses for the money. It looks like we may be headed to Spain and not Hungary. Most places hear an American voice, and we are charged double. Let us hope Spain has good prices, since their beloved Andalusian horse is fabulous for driving.

We headed to the bank and then the market in Valkenswaard, Netherlands just five meters to the north. Hair cuts and shopping were in order after eating their delightful white asparagus soup, a specialty for this time of year.

To Cuts France
We are staying in a beautiful old hotel in Blerancout, France attending a Concourse de Attelage in Cuts, France held at the chateau of Anne Storme and organized by Antoinette and Christian De Longlad. This type of competition requires antique carriage and horses or ponies of any suitable type for carriage driving, as long as they are presented in the traditional manner.

I did not anticipate being in France at this show so did not arrange to drive here. I drove my Friesians here in 1999 and my Andalusians here about seven years ago. A picture of me driving those four horses on the Routiere (marathon) appears in their program this year. We are passing a lake, and there is a beautiful swan swimming on the lake in the foreground.

Today’s competitors presented their turnouts (Presentation) in front of judges located at three different stations in front of the chateau. What a site for photographs! Dani Van der Wiel drove a tandem, and I knew many of the other competitors but could not call them all by name. There were singles, pairs, three abreast, Pic Ax, several four-in-hands to light carriages and three four-in-hands to coaches. One very interesting coach was made by an English coach builder in India at the time of England’s great presence in India. They will all go out on their marathon this morning and do cones in the afternoon.

France is best known for its food and history. The world wars are still very much on people’s minds and evident in the bullet holes on the sides of their great buildings. We went to the cathedral in Noyon yesterday. It is where Charlemagne, the first of the Holy Roman Emperors, was crowned King of the Franks in 700 something. The church has been rebuilt several times.

The gardens here at Blerancourt are ablaze with blooms this time of year. Redesigned by an American landscape architect, it is difficult to tell how the original gardens would have been. We look upon these gardens as the morning sun comes in our windows each morning. Since Blerancout is in the middle of agricultural fields, the air is fresh; and fortunately the weather has been fabulous each day we are here–high 70s and sunshine. There is no air-conditioning here in the countryside in village homes so we are blessed that it is not to hot. There are no screens on the windows, so in the morning we feel like we have slept outside; our room seems like a sleeping porch.

The roadways are narrow in the small villages, and David is driving us around in an English car with the steering wheel on the right; so I feel very vulnerable in the front seat. Gene and I are both agriculturalists at heart, so we are thoroughly enjoying the beautifully planted fields. They are stating to harvest their hay. They do not plant as mush rape here as in England, where the fields were yellow from their bloom for as far as the eye could see. In this area, wheat seems to be the major crop and we do see the occasional herd of Charolais cows.

Back to England
We are off to England today to pick up the SUV. After its stay in Europe, it will be made available to family when they visit. We expect to stay in Brighton on the south coast of England. This was the destination of horse drawn coaches that traveled south out of London carrying people to this beautiful location. We will travel through the Euro Tunnel each way; and once back on the Continent, we will drive to Spain to meet Regina, who knows all the horse breeders and trainers. More importantly, she speaks fluent Spanish.

After picking up my car at the docks in South Hampton, we made the decision to drive to Dover and travel through the Euro Tunnel at night. We thought it better to stay the night in Calais, France, so we might drive around Paris in mid-day to avoid traffic. Well, the best of plans often go astray. There were problems with the tunnel train, so our crossing under the English Channel was delayed by almost two hours; which meant bedtime was 2AM and there is no way to avoid the Paris traffic no matter what time of day you are there.
One might think we were annoyed, frustrated, and tired. Not true. How else could we remember the night and the trip that will lead us to Spain if it were not for standing outside the beautiful American SUV admiring its gleaming surface in the moonlight and the beautiful Parisian cityscapes, if it were not for the delays. We met interesting people standing beside the SUV, and learned from an English gentleman of the auto train to and from Spain. I have always believed in making problems into challenging gifts.
The French countryside and farmlands are a gift to our eyes and also to the people of Europe. I realize why all those Germans were trying to tread on The Netherlands and Belgium to get to France–it was to get to the beautiful land and the fruits of its soil.
We will spend the night in Clermont and travel to Spain tomorrow.

Spain and Spanish Horses
Southern Spain looks ever-so-much like Florida, Mexico and Southern California. No wonder those Spaniards of the 16th century colonized these areas of the Americas – they looked like their homelands. We were in Spain looking to buy horses for carriage driving in the New World of Florida, where these horses’ ancestors set foot many, many years ago.

In the comfort of the Mercedes GL 350 BlueTech, we traveled through provinces with names like Valencia, Cordoba, Seville and Cadiz and saw mountains, olive trees, sand, and horses, horses, horses. The Spanish horse was an icon of the 16th century and remains so in the 21st century. I have never seen so many beautiful horses in such a short period of time – eight consecutive days. These animals are gifts to the peoples of cities like Jerez, Seville, and El Rocio where the culture is still built around their beloved Pure Spanish Horses (PRE) with their Spanish walk and other high school dressage movements.

We traveled down back allies, through city parking lots, and to grand haciendas to inspect and evaluate horses for carriage driving. For years these horses have been prized for riding, but after owning a driving pair and then four in Europe in the early 2000s, I have thought of bringing some of these grand horses to the USA for driving. The economic crisis has reportedly brought the prices of these horses down and beaconed me to again look for two to four pure Spanish horses for driving. The conformation of this Baroque type horse lends itself to the trot, the gait of the driving horse. Their necks are set high on their shoulders to be out of the way of the forearm as it moves forward for the trot.

Southern Spain was of great interest to Gene (sir name, Serra) since his ancestors came from the island of Majorca. His Spanish all came back as he read the signs along the way and menus from restaurants. We experienced some of the greatest food in Europe on this trip. Regina, our tour guide, not only knows contacts in Spain and her horses, but took us to some of the greatest places to eat. Gene, as a human medical doctor, is now picking up the language of us horse people and using his diagnostic tools on horses. He can even evaluate the stride of horses now, after listening to David and me talk about the confirmation and movement of these grand horses.

Looking for big horses for coaching and the Florida heat is no easy task, but we kept coming back to the same place – Miguel A. de Cardenes’s stable in Ecija. His famous dressage horse, Fuego, was sire of one of our pics. This horse, Opalo, is eight. Two other nicely trained stallions, Rejoneo and Sacro, also seem to fit the bill – large, gray, trained under saddle and harness and uniform in head carriage and stride. The superior characteristic of Miguel’s stable is vested in the skills of the trainers and head master, who we called lovingly Father Christmas for obvious reasons. Raffy as his friends call him, also spoke a bit of English and was obviously the right hand of the owner Miguel.
Miguel was a very handsome Spaniard of some age and looking as well groomed as his horses. He did not speak English but made us feel welcome. We were even beginning to think of his stable as our second home. A clean and tidy environment with offers of a comfortable chair and drink is all it takes.

If we were there late in the afternoon, we would be distracted from observing performance stallions by the thundering hooves of horses. When we turned around to look, we could see over one hundred mares racing from a covered loafing shed toward large round bails of hay in the center of a huge field with little grass. The arid climate in Southern Spain does not produce good grass, so it appears that all horses are fed the best of hay from either irrigated fields or other regions of Spain. There were even additional mares with foals by their side in a front pasture. This was the first site when entering this grand facility down a lane lined with trees. The stallions are the breeders’ prize. Almost never gelded, these are the performers that require special handling. The Spaniards are quick to correct a stallion for exhibiting aggressive behavior or calling out to mares. Having preferred and driven geldings for years, I was always startled and amazed at how quickly trainers and handlers correct these horses for the least little sign of diverted attention. I tried to replicate their quick response and found myself much too slow to react. The three lucky horses to come to America are considered by some to be unlucky because they will be gelded before leaving Europe. This procedure allows for a shorter time in quarantine, once in the USA. Since I will not be using them for breeding, this procedure will make the horses easier to handle, drive, stable and pasture. While in Europe before shipment, David Saunders will continue the horses’ training. David knows of my light hand and of my English voice commands, so his efforts will aid in their adjustment once in America.
The hot climate of these horses’ origin in Southern Spain should also help them adjust to Central Florida, their new home in the New World.

Trip #2 to Spain
We arrived in Seville for more horse activities. Tomorrow we visit Miguel de Cardenes where our Spanish horses were born. Everywhere we go there are carriages, harness, and horses big and small. America, my homeland and the Philippines, Gene’s homeland owe a lot to Spain. Queen Isabella funded Columbus (an Italian in 1492) to come to the west. Spanish King Charles I funded Magellan (a Portuguese in 1521) to go to the east. Seville was founded by the Romans and eventually, after expelling the Muslims, was incorporated into the Christian Kingdom of Castile under Ferdinand III in 1248. Seville is now the center of the horse culture of Spain. There are over 3000 carriages within a 50 mile radius of Seville.

The reason to come to Spain again:

Regina can translate and guide you to all the best restaurants in Southern Spain.
Handsome Nacho can take you out for a carriage ride with Spanish horses.
There are wonderful streets and stores in Seville.
Gene likes the food and David Saunders likes the harness. I like the colorful ice cream shops.

Today we visited the horses’ stable and drove around Dos Hermanes. The main economic activities of the city today are the production and distribution of olive oil and “Spanish olives”. We drove the horses by a wagon full of hand picked olives.
El Rocio is full of beautiful horses, sand roads, beautiful people, and great Spanish restaurants; this town never sleeps. The Spanish celebrate their religion and share their beautiful heritage here in El Roico.
Credit must go to the men who helped make this trip happen – David E Saunders, an expert four-in hand driver; Ignacio Pallares Lorenzo, a rider/horseman extraordinaire; and my buddy, Dr. Gene Serra. If you need a good doctor, great friend and some jokes see Dr. Serra.

Driving Horses in the U.S.A.

Champions at the Kentucky Horse Park
What an opportunity — to present four Friesians to a Beaufort Phaeton by Binder of Paris at the Carriage Classic in Lexington, Kentucky. The Blue Grass State was not blue but just as green as Florida. The thoroughbred mares were with foals at their sides as we drove throughout the countryside, and the Woodford Reserve bourbon is still as good as my last visit. The secret is to enjoy the beautiful Kentucky weather … the rolling countryside … the beautiful farms … and the opportunity to drive in such a horse oriented state.

The World Equestrian Games (WEG) helped to boost Kentucky tourism by 4.8% in 2010 and brought the beautiful new Altech Arena (air-conditioned, of course) to the Kentucky Horse Park. This arena was the venue for the Carriage Association of America’s first pleasure driving show. On a hot summer’s day there was nothing better than to watch the competition driving inside the cool comfortable arena.

Even though there were few spectators, the exhibitors were very pleased with the footing and indoor temperature. The stabling was conveniently located just outside the arena. I have never exhibited in a better venue. I have driven in other indoor arenas in Canada and Europe and never been so delighted to stand outside the arena with the hot sun streaming down … and to ask the horses to “heads up” and “walk” … then ask for the trot … and then move to a full extension right through the warm up area … through the shoot with the thunderous footfalls of four Friesians … and on into the brightly lighted arena in a blaze of glory.

The strategy is always to use the leaders in the pair class (usually pair classes go first in competition), so they get accustomed to the indoor arena and negotiating the cones. Kacy drove the pair beautifully, making sure they stayed calm and steady. They scored well and ended up Pair Champion at Kacy’s first show. Great job!

With the Binder Phaeton, a Freedman harness, and four horses, I aced the first two classes (turnout class and reinsmanship) to take two blue ribbons. I knew the ‘Fault and Out’ cones class would be a different story when up against speedy ponies and speedy professional Sterling Grayburn. My team of David and Fred in the wheel and Tristan and Dieuwe in the lead did their best, and we came in second. Ponies have a real advantage in an arena with tight turns. Those little guys can boggie and dance around the cones like disco at Studio 54. Congratulations go to Sterling for earning the blue ribbon in this class. My second place still garnered enough points to take the overall championship. Many were impressed with the steady go of the large Friesians … these boys have been at it for a while and are happy horses when they are working as a team.

Many would love to be on our carriage just to have the opportunity to wear one of our fine hats. This summer’s Royal wedding has brought the hats that we have been wearing for years back into popularity. I also took the lead of the British friends and selected a ‘Fascinator’ for the evening Fault and Out Cones Class and worn my genuine Zirconia for a bit of sparkle. Dr. Gene Serra was in his black top hat that we purchased specifically because it fit his round Asian head. On Sunday, Tom Warriner and Gene both were attired in Boaters or sometimes called skimmers. They are the hats commonly seen on the Italian Gondoliers.

The greatest thrill for me is to drive four horses in the countryside, and Kentucky was the place to do it. The Kentucky Horse Park has added many acres to its roadway and trail system which provided farm lanes lined with corn fields and reflecting ponds. The sunshine and clear fresh air made the grass and trees seem even greener than when we first arrived. We crossed fields that were soon to produce hay for livestock and drove past the grand new open arenas and alongside the glistening white fences so characteristic of Kentucky horse farms.

Let us all toast the state with its famous bourbon for preserving the horse in all its grandeur. Also congratulations go to the Carriage Association of America for preserving traditional driving with the Carriage Classic … with all those wonderful antique carriages that came alive when driven to the horses and ponies of today.

Next month we will travel to Pittsford, New York to visit the longest running pleasure driving show in the world. It is celebrating its 40th year and through the efforts of Sue Remley, Patricia Remley and Ed Young they are carrying on the tradition of its founder, William Remley. Walnut Hill Carriage Driving Competition was created by William Remley from the “romantic notion” of recreating an 1890’s Sunday morning drive through Central Park. While in October of 1972 it drew only 14 interested participants … Walnut Hill, now lasting over 5 days, has become an internationally recognized event.

The Greatest Show on Earth
Not from Cecil B. DeMille’s Academy Award winning 1952 film about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, this show is real and from the master minds of two upstate New Yorkers – Bill Remley and wife, Sue. Bill has always slightly reminded me of P. T. Barnum and through the many years I have participated in this grand event … I have always called the Walnut Hill Farm Driving Competition “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Bill’s motivation for Walnut Hill was fostered by his love of showmanship, teaching, and the romance of yesterday. The two, Bill and Sue, created the biggest carriage driving show of all times on a small 15 acres in Pittsford, New York (near Rochester, NY.) Many might not know, but Sue was the horseperson and through the mixture of these two outstanding individuals, they brought a winning combination to the world of horse drawn carriages. Sadly this year, its 40th anniversary, the show had to be celebrated for its second year without Bill. Wife, Sue; Daughter, Trish; son, David; and Show Manager, Ed Young said the “show goes on” and in 2012, there will be a 41st.

‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ has a big and small to it. At a time when the economy is faltering, how is it possible to have over 250 entries (40% of the drivers were new to the show this year) and 107 classes and keep crowds enthralled for 5 days? Even recruiting and organizing over 150 volunteers is a feat onto itself. And as with the big top, some small things can impress audiences as much as the big things. Like the magic of Tom Thumb at the circus, the magic of ‘very small equines’ at Walnut Hill seem to delight over 35,000 spectators each year.

In difficult times, maybe to ‘downsize’ means to drive a pony or miniature horse. There were 30 small ponies that required their classes be divided into two divisions. The large pony classes were divided into three divisions to accommodate 40 entries. And then there were the miniature horses who are now acting like the big horses. Many, many pairs of minis of matching color were everywhere. I remember the days when I might be driving the only miniature in the pony class. That was Lucky who was a star 32 inch driving horse at the Mendon Equestrian Center and Walnut Hill in the early 80s. In 2011, Ted Jenny and others drove into the ring with 8 pairs.

There were of course many single and pairs of horses. The big coaches, each with four horses, are also one of my loves and so impressive to watch as the pounding hooves sound their arrival in the ring. And this year the coaches were well represented with five turnouts. The large German ponies were driven by Paul Martin, Kladrubys were driven by John White, Hackney’s were driven by Glenn A. Werry, Jr., Friesians were driven by Gerben Steenbeek, and German Warmbloods by Harvey Waller at this year’s August extravaganza. Most who drive four horses to a large three thousand pound coach have been winners and showmen before they even get to the show ring. The monetary resources and skills required are long in coming but the rewards are great. The challenge to transport and exhibit four horses … carriages … equipment … it is as great as moving the big top circus to the next town. You have to put together the right horses, the carriage or coach (in this case), and people. Then put them in the right place at the right time with the right appointments … to say nothing of the years to develop the skills to drive these elegant horses to such a massive coach … is an achievement extraordinaire. The remaining element is to look and act a winner, just like a P.T Barnum or a Bill Remley.

The people were often the most important part of the formula for Barnum, Remley and for me. Barnum had his Bailey and Hutchinson; Bill had his volunteers: Burkholder, Marchant, and Heinholds; and when I was showing my beautiful four Friesians, I had my Melissa Warner. A global view and attention to detail drive a successful show or turnout. Someone has to state the mission and set the standard. Others have to track and attend to every detail and one cannot forget the analysis needed on how to improve things for the next go. P. T. Barnum was always bringing out more and unusual acts and attractions, just as the Remleys add and tweak the next year at Walnut Hill. When I was coaching with Melissa Warner, we were always looking for the next thing to get a leg up, or how to make things cleaner and better than our last outing with the four and coach. That is part of the joy of driving … it is not just the physical effort but driving also requires mental finesse.

From a one-day outing to Mendon Ponds Park (the home of Walnut Hill), and just like the Greatest Show on Earth, it takes an extraordinary effort from competitors and those whom perform the special exhibitions. Competitors sparkle in the turnout classes; race through the Scurry Obstacles; demonstrate their use of reins, voice and whip in the Pleasure Driving Reinsmanship class; pace themselves in the Cross-country Obstacle Class; drive precisely through the Progressive Obstacles; maneuver through the Fault and Out course. And just like the Greatest Show on Earth, new acts need to be added and the more recently added Park Division and Trade/Commercial Division have added elegance and color, respectively to show. Oh, what a show. It’s the largest show of its kind in the world and The Greatest Show on Earth!

Newport
My trip to the Newport Driving Event with my team and my beautiful horses was a wonderful experience.

The Equine Heritage Institute

The horse has been interwoven through out my life. From the companionship it brought to me as a young girl … to the satisfaction of becoming a North American Four-in-Hand and Coaching Champion … the horse and the carriage has taken me to 13 countries, on three continents.
Equine Heritage Institute … through this journey I have desired to return … to give back … to recognize the importance and the historical significance of the animal that has provided me with so much enjoyment. I created the Equine Heritage Institute, Inc., a not for-profit educational foundation, so the horse’s role in civilization could be collected, studied and taught. The Equine Heritage Institute is located in Weirsdale , Florida, USA. From this location educational programs and research is conducted so as to celebrate and preserve the role of the horse in shaping world civilizations and changing lives.

Through The Equine Heritage Institute, I have attempted to preserve and share the history of the horse in warfare, transportation, communication, commerce, agriculture, and industry through lectures and writings.

As I share with my many friends, guests and students … we have been using the automobile for only 100 years, the horse has been in the service of man for millennia.