[drivingpairs] Wine Country Carriage Classic

Made it home safely from a great weekend showing at the reincarnation of the 
Wine Country
Carriage Classic.  This event was held for several years in Two Rock Valley, 
just West of
Petaluma, CA.  The land owners sold that ranch and moved to a new ranch in 
Kelseyville, CA,
and, although it took a couple of years to get it going again, have hosted this 
great event.
The new facility as a large flat area devoted to the carriage show, with two 
good sized
rings and plenty of warm up area.  Portable stalls were brought in for stabling 
and the
entire physical design of the new facility is very efficient.  Plenty of room 
for vendors,
and a great food tent, added a lot to the ambience.  In addition, two separate 
trails
through the adjoining woodlands have been developed.  This added a great deal 
to the
Presentation Pleasure Drive, held Friday Evening.  Of course, the Sparkling 
Wine passed out
as we came into the arena upon completion of the drive, was also greatly 
appreciated!

From an exhibitor's point of view, the show ran very smoothly, with only very 
minor
first-time-venue glitches showing up.  The weather cooperated nicely.  Although 
it was
plenty warm, there was a nice breeze most of the time, and it was never too 
uncomfortable.
John and Joanne Van Eck are to be congratulated for developing this new venue 
for carriage
driving.  Organizers Lynn and Steve Olsen also put a LOT of time and effort 
into the event,
and should also receive a nice round of applause.

I do not have complete results, but the overall Champion and Reserve, 
determined by a drive
off this afternoon were Leslie Berndl with her Friesian as Champion and Celine 
Rickards with
her Hackney Pony as Reserve.  Well deserved placings for both, as they were 
spectacular
throughout the weekend.  The final drive off included reps from the Single 
Pony, Single
Horse, Pair Pony, Pair Horse, Draft Horse, Miniature Horse, Junior Driver, and 
Tandem Pony
Divisions.

There were three pony pairs, three horse pairs (counting Hale Allen's mules) 
and three pony
tandems entered in the show.  One of the tandems decided to stick to pairs, but 
at one point
in time, there WERE three tandems hooked up and driving around the grounds.  
Hopefully,
there will be more multiples at next year's event.

Mr. Judson Wright, a great friend to ALL carriage drivers, especially on the 
West Coast was
honored Saturday during a nice presentation in the Main Arena.  Jud has 
influenced all of us
over the years, and it was very nice to see him get this recognition.

All in all, a very satisfactory weekend.  thanks again to the Van Ecks, and the 
Olsens for
putting it together.

Jay E. Hubert
Coffing Oaks Welsh Ponies
Galt, CA
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons,
because you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
And I STILL drive too fast to worry about cholesterol!

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