Organizers hope a carriage driving show this June at the Grand River Raceway here will draw in more spectators and spark more interest in the sport.
Andrea Friedman explained the Ontario Carriage Driving Association strives, through clinics, pleasure shows, combined carriage driving shows and social days, to advance the enjoyment of carriage driving in the province.
“On Sunday, June 7, the Grand River Raceway will take a step back in time to showcase, challenge and appreciate what we now know as carriage driving, and what was once not a sport, or leisure activity, but rather a way of life, and means of transportation,” Friedman told the Advertiser.
“We are excited to be having the show here in Elora, which is a great town to appreciate the equines, ambiance of the tradition and art.”
The morning will consist of driven dressage tests, judged similar to riding dressage, as well as a cones course testing accuracy.
“Some of these turnouts (the combination of an equine, its harness and carriage) will know how to turn on a bit of speed, while navigating through some tight turns, twist and bends meant to challenge the fitness and agility of the equine,” Friedman said.
“The afternoon is meant to show respect to the tradition of carriage driving … (and) offer a chance to see some turnouts that this generation may have never gotten the experience of seeing, and the older generation may have thought of as extinct. The public is encouraged and welcome to come and watch, and learn.”
Organizers will have information for anyone wanting to get involved, with or without a horse. Carriage driving can be performed by horses of any size, shape, breed and history.
Laurie Bruder of Windy Knoll Farm in Ariss explained combined driving “is very similar to three-day eventing, under saddle. The first day is dressage, second marathon (cross country), and third day cones (stadium jumping).
“While it is not possible to do a marathon at the (Elora) racetrack … if the show is well received, we will consider doing a derby, a shortened marathon, which is very entertaining to the spectators in the near future,” Bruder added.
For additional information Bruder can be contacted at laurie@windyknollfarm.ca or 519-820-9693.
