Newsletter of the
Zia Carriage Driving Club
Las Cruces, New Mexico
September 2005
Ursula Jensen of Trinity Fjords in Lumby, BC Canada
I am always struck by the idea that learning how to do things RIGHT and SAFE relates to "lack of fun" and being 'uppity and exclusive.' Not so I say: Learn it once the right way and it becomes the norm. It also becomes evident that rules are mostly common sense and serve as a leveling agent when horses leave home. We all experience situations where our horses behave differently at a show than at home.
It should not affect the 'fun' or 'inclusive aspect' of a show...in fact...it scares the hell out of me to go to an event where rules are not enforced and I'm put in potential danger. THAT'S NOT FUN. For some, 'ignorance is bliss,' especially if nothing bad has ever happened and you've gotten away with potentially poor horsemanship in the past. Ignorance is not an excuse in the eyes of the law and niether should it be acceptable for those participating in equestrian sports which is one of the most hazardous sports out there.
Any time there that kind of power with tons of horses/equipment and life and injury are at sake, good solid rules of conduct must be in place.
Why does "safety' always become such an issue? People just want to 'do it'...not learn how to 'do it' properly or safely. When we do our driving weekends here at home, we explain some of the safety concerns out there and some of the experiences that we have had and generally we find that students react favourably once they undersand the need for rules. Why is it such a big deal anyway? Learn it once and learn it right, no matter what discipline. Draft, carriage, western, english, it makes little difference and it should not affect the so called 'fun' or 'inclusiveness' of the event.
Rules make a show fun because you have confidence that people have some idea of what they can and can't do...giving you time to enjoy the people and their horses rather than constantly watching your rig and backside for fear of a loose cannon. Inclusiveness comes in knowing and learning your discipline and the rules of safety that guide it.
We started our driving careers with draft people and good teamsters who had the same respect for safety and rules in their specific discipline that carriage drivers do. Safety is safety no matter how you cut it. Rules laid out by the ASHA or ADS or whomever are developed to try to avoid mishaps and have their beginnings in years and years of experience. Brian and I are both draft horse judges and the trainer that we took some of our classes from years ago was a very experienced judge in Linden, WA . He drove Belgians all his life. He was thrilled that the standardization of rules finally cut across all disciplines of showing and always felt it a dire need, especially, in the draft horse world where I am sure some of his comtemporaries went kicking and screaming.
Editor's Note: Ursula's comments stem from a discussion on the Fjord Horse List of safety issues at a recent midwest Fjord Horse show. No criticism of ZCDC members is intended but i think her comments on safety are always relevant. Reprinted with permission, 2005.
No club activities are planned for September.
Don't forget the NM State Fair Carriage Driving Show, September 22nd & 23rd. In October, there is plenty to do with helping out at the McDowell's farm to build hazards for the November 12th ADT. Workdays are October 8, 9 & 16 anytime between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. including a potluck meal. Contact Deborah for directions.
Jean Williams is delivering the first batch of ornaments the week of 9/12 for our 2nd annual fundraiser. They are targeted for the NM State Fair Driving Show. The web site only waits on pictures for publishing. It will be announced as soon as it is ready. Don't forget ZCDC members get a 20% discount. Order yours soon!
The Keller family is featured this month. Terry Keller is a co-founder of ZCDC and just left her duties as it's first Treasurer. Terri and her daughter, Julie, are among the club's first life members. The Keller's have been big supporters of the club since its creation. Nigel, the familiy's Fjord/Arab, has been a lesson horse at many ZCDC sponsored clinics. Many people in the Las Cruces area have driven their first time with Nigel. He is responsible for several new club members and continues to volunteer services as needed.
Individual, $15
Family, $25 & Life membership, $75
Contact Lisa Phillips, Treasurer.
Want to join ZCDC?
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President, Terri Hernandez
Vice-President, Tom Phillips
Treasurer, Lisa Phillips
Secretary/Newsletter Editor/
Webmistress: Cynthia Madden
E-mail: zcdc_nm@yahoo.com
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