Schooling HDT

(Driving Trial)

 

May 24-25, 2008 (Memorial Day Weekend)

Entries closed

 John Porter

 and Erika Matulich

 4909 Stanley Road

 Plant City, Florida 33565

 cypresskeep@starband.net

 (813) 982-2200 [phone] 

 (813) 982-9709 [fax]

Nearby Lodging to Cypress Keep:

What is a Horse Driving Trial?

A Horse Driving Trial (HDT) is like a Combined Driving Event (CDE) except that the marathon is Section E (hazard portion) only, with no Section A (trot) or Section D (walk). This event is great for VSEs (minis), ponies, horses, and multiples. This is a great way to “test drive” and practice for a CDE, and lots of fun for both beginners and experienced folks. The goal here is to have a great time and learn with your equine. American Driving Society (ADS) rules as of April 1, 2005, will be followed, with exceptions noted. Because this is a schooling event, plenty of instruction and advice will be available, as well as the ability to practice hazards before the competition!.

This clinic is proudly sponsored by Seminole Feed, providers of world-class premium horse feed, equine nutrition, and equine research. Seminole representatives will have their scale on hand at the event for weighing horses and carriages.

Classes/Divisions

Equine Size: VSE/Small Pony (under 120 cm or approx under 12 hands), Pony, Horse (any of these can be single or multiple)

Level of Difficulty:

• Training: This division is for beginners and novices. No cantering in any portion of the competition - walk and trot only. Training Test 3 in dressage. 40 cm clearance in cones. Gates A-B-C in hazards. Slower speeds on marathon.
• Preliminary: Cantering allowed in hazards and cones course only. Prelim Test 6 in dressage. 35 cm clearance in cones. Gates A-B-C-D in hazards. Regular speeds on marathon.
• Intermediate: Cantering allowed anywhere on course. Intermediate Test 5 in dressage. 30 cm clearance in cones. Gates A-B-C-D-E in hazards. Faster speeds required on marathon.

Course/Event Information

Safety Check and Wheel Measurement will occur 10 minutes prior to your scheduled dressage time on Saturday. An additional safety check will take place 10 minutes prior to your scheduled marathon start time on Sunday.

Dressage is in a 40x80 arena for all divisions and levels. All tests are "presentation on the move" with no separate standing presentation. All drivers should dress appropriately for dressage, including hat, whip, gloves, and apron, but we are waiving the jacket and long-sleeve rule due to heat issues. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the dressage tests.

1994 Training Test 3      2005 Prelim Test 6     2005 Intermediate Test 5

Cones will immediately follow your dressage. Cones will be approximately 18 gates, and could include a serpentine or a bridge.  Cones clearances are 40 cm for training, 35 cm for prelim, and 30 cm for intermediate.

Marathon will be section E (hazards/obstacles) only. The course will be approximately 4 kilometers with 4 hazards/obstacles. Navigators can navigate for different drivers, and drivers can swap and become a navigator for someone else, as long as show management is notified in advance and schedule permits. Hardhats/safety helmets are required for both driver and navigator. Shorts are allowed, but at your own risk.

Officials

• President of the Jury/Judge: Annegret Greunke
• Technical Delegate: Erika Matulich
• Course Designer: John Porter
• Scoring & Announcing: Erika Matulich
• Catering: Loco Gringo
• Vet on Call: Dr. Larry Bailey, DVM

Schedule

Friday, May 23

• 4:00 p.m. - Early check in and arrival, pick up competitor packets, walk cones, walk course
• 8:00 p.m. - Courses closed

Saturday, May 24

• 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. pick up competitor packets
• 7:00 - 9:15 a.m. Cones course & dressage ring open for walking
• 9:00 a.m. Volunteer briefing
• 9:15 a.m. First Safety Check, Cones course closed
• 9:30 a.m. Dressage begins for all VSEs, followed by cones. There will be a lunch break for officials and volunteers. Competitor's lunch is "bring your own."
• 3:00 p.m. Mandatory briefing for all competitors in the lanai, followed by a self-paced course walk.
• 4:30 p.m. You may school your equines through the hazards. Because this is a schooling show, we are relaxing the ADS rule of not being able to drive a hazard 30 days before an event. You must wear your safety helmet.
• 6:00 p.m. DINNER in the lanai, Q&A period for officials.

Sunday, May 25

• 7:00 - 9:15 a.m. Marathon course open for walking
• 9:00 a.m. Volunteer briefing
• 9:15 a.m. First Safety Check, Hazards closed for walking
• 9:30 a.m. Marathon

Volunteers Needed!

We cannot run this event without volunteers, and will cancel the event if we do not have enough volunteers to support the show. It takes a tremendous number of volunteers to make these events possible - often more volunteers than competitors is typical! Please bring along a spouse, friend, neighbor, or child (over age 12). Volunteers get fed lunch! Competitors are offered a discounted entry fee if they bring volunteers to work for one of the two days. Volunteers are also needed prior to the event for setup. 

Saturday 5/17 volunteers needed for prep and setup (Arrive anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m):  Kathy Russell, Kristin Jacobsma, Katie Carris, Linnia Elliott, Rosemary Meredith

Friday 5/23 volunteers needed: Scott Parkman, Lyn Brooks, Kathy Russell, Rosemary Meredith

Saturday 5/24 volunteers needed:

Dressage scribe: Scott Parkman and Mary De Greef

Cones Steward/Judge: Dave Blackwelder

Cones Timers: Les Morris

Cones Setters: Kelsey Cearly, _____, _____, _____

Safety Check/Wheel Measurement: Rosemary Meredith, John Porter

Score runners/hospitality:  Erika Matulich

 

Sunday 5/25 volunteers needed:

Section timers:  Start E/End E: Pam, _____

 

Hazard 1: Dave Blackwelder & Crew

Hazard 2: MaryBeth Miklos and Friends

Hazard 3: Kelsey Cearly, Chuck Grundt

Hazard 4: Ray Papp, Patty Papp

Fees

• $55 per entry. $5 discount for bringing one volunteer to work one full day (max $20). Entries are limited and close (by postmark) on May 16. Post entry fee (if space available) is $75. No refunds after closing date unless your space is filled.
• $20 paddock fee for the entire weekend (limited availability, reserve early), and includes base bedding, or drive-in and tie to trailer (no fee). Stabling is available 1 mile away - you can drive your horse to Cypress Keep - contact Debbie Hicks at deb@stonehill.org  813-982-9616.
• $15 Saturday night dinner if reserved with entry. Post-entry dinner tickets are $20. Official volunteers are $10 for dinner.
• $10 per night camping fee if you require water/electricity. There are four camping slots - reserve early. Camping slots are now full.
• $0 vendor fee. Vendors are encouraged to come, but please confirm a space prior to arrival. 
• Make checks out to CYPRESS KEEP.  Credit card payment through PayPal available with $4 additional service charge to ematulich:

Download Entry Forms in either PDF Format or Microsoft Word format.

Download additional Liability Release forms for other attendees

Safety Information and Rules

• All drivers should dress appropriately for dressage, including hat, whip, gloves, and apron.
• All members of your party must sign a liability release form, including drivers, navigators, grooms, guests, or assistants. Additional Liability Release forms can be downloaded by Clicking Here.
• All dogs/pets must be kept on a leash at ALL TIMES.
• All children under the age of 12 must have adult supervision at ALL TIMES.
• There is absolutely no smoking allowed within 25 feet of any paddock or stall, as well as the house and lanai area.
• Hardhats/safety helmets are required during the marathon and in the hazards, and are also required when driving at will throughout the property.

A COMPLETE Entry guarantees your slot and reserves your paddock - signed entry form, Coggins papers, and payment. Incomplete entries will receive lower priority.

* There are 15 paddocks available. You are also welcome to tie to your trailer for no charge during the day.  PLEASE CLEAN PADDOCKS ON DEPARTURE.