June 15, 2001, Newsletter Issue #42: Driving Horses, this week Combined Driving Events & the Friesian Horse!

Tip of the Week

Combined Driving Events

Combined Driving is role modelled after the riding competition of 3 Day Eventing. There are 3 separate competitions within the event. Phase One is the Presentation and Dressage. Phase Two is the Marathon, and Phase Three is Obstacle Driving. During 3 Day Events, each of the Phases takes place on one day, just as in the Riding version of 3 Day Eventing. On 2 Day Events, the Presentation, Dressage and the Obstacle Driving are performed on one day, with the Marathon on the second or final day.

The Presentation division of the Combined Driving Events, is judged at the halt for the introductory and intermediate levels, and then in the advanced and open divisions, judged while on the go. The Judge wants to see clean, in good repair, proper fit, appropriate dress for all participants, and safety features of all pieces of tack, harness and vehicle.

During the driving of the Dressage division, judging is governed by basically the same rules as ridden Dressage Tests. The Driver is expected to follow a specified pattern in the arena, following specifically the directions of the test. Arena size is 40 metres by 80 metres for green, intermediate levels and for the advanced and open divisions, the arena measures 40 metres by 100 metres....for the remainder of this article, go to http://communities.msn.com/goodgofarm and under the section ** DISCIPLINE OF THE WEEK for 06/15/01**

The Friesian Horse

Big, black and charismatic -- is one of the world`s oldest breeds. For many centuries the Friesian was relatively isolated in a small area in the northwestern Netherlands. As long ago as the early middle ages he was called by the name of the area from which he came Friesland. He carried knights in the Crusades and was a war horse in medieval times.

Before the Reformation, he was selectively bred in monasteries to be a versatile, all-around horse for the people of his native Friesland. He flourished in his small corner of the world for centuries but in the 20th century he almost became extinct due to world wars and mechanization. Fortunately, he was `re-discovered` before he disappeared entirely and today this distinctive horse enjoys a celebrity unrivaled by other breeds. The Friesian is truly a horse from distant past who has enormous appeal in modern times.

About 25 years ago this virtually unknown, but unforgettable black horse arrived in North America. His numbers were small, but people who saw him were captivated by his unique and striking appearance. Now, only 25 years after his importation to America, the Friesian has achieved tremendous popularity and almost universal breed recognition among horse lovers. Because of the Friesians` great popular appeal the horses have quickly found their way into a variety of disciplines roles they can fill because versatility is the breed`s heritage.

Have a Good GO! every go out with your horse!

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